Engraved chart. 83x79.5 cm (32½x31¼"). Backed with linen and sectioned for folding, with label of Charles Picquet, Geographe, Paris, on the verso. In period red morocco slip case, gilt trim, coat of arms of Lord Charles Stuart de Rothesay.

Very rare chart derived from the Spanish expeditions into California 1769 and 1770 in which San Diego and Monterey were founded. The Bay of San Francisco was also discovered. This map is the first printed map to show San Francisco Bay. Warren Heckrotte comments on the map: "This is a rare map. Harlow lists two copies in the U.S.: the Bancroft Library and the Streeter copy. Wagner, NWC, p.167, says it is 'of extraordinary rarity'. Hammond notes four copies (two in US and two in Spain.). GMcL has copy. I have the translation of the text on map in my notes. The text suggest to me that the map may actually have been issued later than 1771, since it states that the Port of San Francisco is occupied; though not settled since it does not mention a presidio or mission as it does for Monterey. To be occupied, means that the act of possession had taken place. Spaniards did not arrive at the peninsula side of the entrance until 1774; and indeed, Serra did not concede that this was the harbor of San Francisco until 1776." This is the first map of the coast of California based on observation since the charting of the coast by Vizcaino in 1603 and it reflects with some accuracy the actual configuration of the coast as far as Point Reyes.

Further Notes from the Files of Warren Heckrotte

The slipcase bears the arms of Sir Charles Stuart, who was created Baron Stuart de Rothesay of the Isle of Bute on Jan 22, 1828. He lived 1779-1845. Was in the diplomatic service; chargé d'affaire in Madrid 1808; minister at the Hague 1815-16; ambassador to Paris 1815-30; ambassador to St. Petersburg 1841-45. His collection was sold at Sotheby & Wilkinson, 5/31 thru 6/14, 1855.

Provenance: Martayan Lan, 5/92

References: Harlow, Maps of San Francisco Bay, No. 1 ( R ).  W-NWC 625 ( R ). Lowery, List of Maps of Spanish Posessions, pp 357-8. Streeter 2440.  Hammond, Noticias de California, p11, this map "is one of the rarest items of Californiana. Only four copies of it still exist." ( R ). He was unaware of this copy or GMcL's.  California 49, map 14 (Rep).