Engraved map, hand-colored in outline. 64.5x97 cm. (25¼x38"), mounted on linen & sectioned for folding; modern slipcase.
Rare map of the United States, one of the most accurate from the 1830's. This example has the imprint label of George Crutchley pasted above the date. This map follows Lewis & Clark and has data from Long, and Warren Heckrotte notes that the geography west of the Rocky Mountains derives from J. Arrowsmith and Humboldt. Wheat states "Long's 'Great Desert' is prominently displayed, with nearby the 'Big Horn or Long's Highest Peak,' while Escalante's route is carefully marked." This map bears a legend explaining the origin of the word "Fredonia" to designate the United States of North America, "hence Fredonian or Frede, a native of, and Fredish, of or belonging to the same territory." Wheat wryly notes that "this curious suggestion did not take, and all we Fredish men should be duly thankful." However, Wheat neglects to mention that the term had been happily taken up by the Marx Brothers in "Duck Soup".
Full title: Fredonia | or the | United States of North America | including also Cabotia, or the Canadian Provinces; | The Western Territory | to the Pacific Ocean; | And the Northern Part of the Mexican States. | [Printed label:] Sold by G. Cruchley, Map Seller & Publisher, 81, Fleet Street, from 38, Ludgate St. London. Engraving & Printing with its various Branches | [imprint beneath label:] Published by R. Laurie No.53, Fleet Street London | 14th. August, 1834 | Additions 1836 | [5 linear scales] | Note. Fredonia or Fredon is the name originally proposed by the Hon. Saml. L. Mitchell in 1801, and since adopted, as a broad and universal application to designate the Territory of the United States of North America. Hence Fredonian or Frede, a native of, and Fredish, of or belonging to, the same territory. Thus are obviated the vague distinctions of Anglo-American, or simply American, United States men, &c. and by this generic distinction the country and people are distinguished, geographically, from those of the Canadian territories, of the United Mexican States, the United Central States, &c.
Provenance: Francis Edwards, 4/76
References: W-TW 393, the 14th. August, 1830 ed. Streeter 3845, 3846, 14th August, 1830. Additions 1833.