Course of the River Mississippi from the Balise to Fort Chartres; Taken on an expedition to the Illinois, in the later end of Year 1765 by ROSS, Lieut - 1775

London: Rob Sater, 1775. unbound. Map. Hand-colored engraving on two sheets. Image measures 44 1/4 x 14 1/4".<br/><br/> Ross's map of the Mississippi is widely regarded as the finest and most detailed map of the river made in the 18th century. Utilizing surveys of the river which the French conducted, Ross synthesized them into a sizable and thorough depiction of the River, and in fact, the first official survey of its lower portion. The map extends from the area of present-day St. Louis down to Fort Balise on the Gulf of Mexico. Descriptive notes provide information on river depth and the surrounding areas and elevations. Surrounding tributaries, rivers, cities, Indian villages and forts are all labeled. Notes from early expeditions as far back as the 16th century are also included. This map is the second edition of the map and is in very good condition, with slight scattered foxing and off-setting. This map is a crisp and lovely representation of the country's most impressive river.<br/><br/>