[Americana] [New York] De Witt, Simeon. A Map of the State of New York

New York: Simeon De Witt, March 19, 1804. Engraved map of New York with contemporary hand-colored outlining (ca. 1808-1811); 14 counties identified in contemporary manuscript. Manuscript on verso ("Fredk. De Peyster / 3rd July 1810 / No. 24 Broad St. / New York"), additional manuscript on same ("Augt. 1816"). Dissected into 18 sections and laid onto original linen. Spotting; moderately toned. 23 3/4 x 29 in. (603 x 737 mm). Ristow, pp. 73-83; Streeter Sale 893; Rumsey 2489

A unique and handsome example of one of the earliest separately printed folding maps of New York as a state, from the collection of prominent New Yorker Frederick de Peyster (1758-1834). While this map was printed in 1804, the hand-coloring reflects the state's counties from around 1808-1811 (Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Niagara counties, established in 1808, are shown, while Putnam County--separated from Dutchess County in 1812--is not), with contemporary manuscript identifying 14 of the newer counties.

Frederick de Peyster was the fourth son of a prominent New York City Dutch family. During the American Revolution, he and his three brothers fought for the British, serving first in the Nassau Blues, an independent company on Long Island, and then rising to Captain in the Royal New York Volunteers, where he served with distinction in the Hudson Highlands and in the Battle of Eutaw Springs, in South Carolina. Like many Loyalists, following the war he resettled in Saint John, New Brunswick, where he established himself as a successful merchant and large landowner. In 1793, he returned to New York following the lifting of legal restrictions against Loyalists, and reestablished his family as prosperous merchants. In April of 1793 he married Helena Livingston Hake (1773-1801), daughter of Samuel Hake, Commissary General of the British Army in North America, and had six sons. Following her death, de Peyster married Ann Beekman (1778-1857), and had six daughters and one son.

Never before offered for sale.

Frederick de Peyster (1758-1834), thence by descent in the family

[Americana] [New York] De Witt, Simeon. A Map of the State of New York