[Cook, Captain James; Holland, Samuel; Des Barres, Joseph and others]

FIRST ISSUE, large chart in twelve sheets joined, engraved by Thomas Jefferys, dissected and backed on linen, 7 insets and 17 coastal profiles, total dimensions 830 x 2300mm., folding into a marbled paper slipcase with embossed red morocco title label

Beaglehole, The Life of Captain James Cook, p.51-2; Kershaw, Early Printed Maps of Canada, no.647, plate 470; Stevens & Tree, Comparative Cartography of America, 74a: "Capt. Cook's famous chart."

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

CAPTAIN COOK'S FAMOUS CHART. THE RARE FIRST STATE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PUBLISHED CHART FOR THE RIVER AND GULF OF ST LAWRENCE OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

This remarkable chart, over seven feet long, was so accurate that it "became the standard guide not only for the navy but for all seamen using the great waterway" (Beaglehole).  In preparation for an amphibious attack on Quebec, during the French and Indian War, the British initially relied on captured French charts but, in view of the treacherous nature of stretches of the river, and lack of first-hand knowledge of the river, assembled a distinguished team of military surveyors, notably Samuel Holland, Joseph Frederick Wallet des Barres and, later to eclipse them all, the young James Cook.

Although the impetus for this chart is credited to Charles Saunders, commander of the fleet at Quebec, much of the work was carried out under the auspices of Vice-Admiral Philip Durell, himself a distinguished hydrographer, who was entrusted with the task of keeping British shipping and supplies moving up- and down-river, for which ever more accurate charts were required.

The survey materials were taken back to England by Admiral Saunders and given to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, who passed them to Thomas Jefferys, mapmaker to the British government, for publication. Saunders presented examples to the King and the Prince of Wales in May 1760.

Cook’s extensive and accurate work on this chart secured him a posting to survey the coasts of Newfoundland, which brought his name to the fore when the Admiralty was looking for a highly qualified naval officer to command a scientific voyage to the Pacific.