October 19, 1776 Revolutionary War Published, Engraved Broadside, Plan of New York Island... Rarity

About Auction

Live

Early American History Auctions - December 20...

By Early American History Auctions

Dec 20, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-12-20 12:00:00 2025-12-20 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Early American History Auctions - December 20, 2025 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/early-american-history-auctions/early-american-history-auctions---december-20-2025-21473
199 Lots of Rare, Historic Autographs, Americana, Civil War Era, George Washington, Revolutionary War Era, Colonial America, Federal Period, War of 1812, Historic Maps & more. Early American History Auctions auctions@earlyamerican.com

View Full Catalog (199)

• Lot Description
  American Revolution
  1776 Broadside "Plan of New York Island... Engagement on Woody Heights of Long Island... 27 August 1776, between His Majestys Forces... General Howe... Americans under General Putnam..." its Third & Rarest State, Choice Framed
  October 19, 1776-Date Published Revolutionary War Date Engraved Broadside titled, "Plan of New York Island... Engagement on Woody Heights of Long Island... 27 August 1776, between His Majestys Forces... General Howe... Americans under General Putnam...", Third and Rarest State Engraved & Publish'd by William Faden, London, Framed, Choice Extremely Fine or better.
  This Broadside Plan and Map is one of the finest in existence, depicting a key battle of the American Revolutionary War. A historic large impressive Map measures 20" x 31" fully titled: "A plan of New York Island, with part of Long Island, Staten Island & east New Jersey, with a particular Description of the Engagement on the Woody Heights of Long Island, between Flatbush and Brooklyn, on the 27th of August 1776 : between His Majesty's forces commanded by General Howe and the Americans under Major General Putnam, Showing also the Landing of the British Army on New-York Island, and the Taking of the City of New-York &c. on the 15th of September following, with the Subsequent Disposition of Both the Armies". Published October 19, 1776, by William Faden (1749-1836), London.
  Published just weeks after the events depicted, this Battle Plan engraved by William Faden documents the British landing and the Battle of Long Island up to and including the American retreat to Brooklyn, placing these in the broader geographic context of the greater New York area. The coverage extends from Yonkers on the Hudson in the North to Staten Island and Gravesend, Brooklyn in the South, depicting towns and settlements, major topographical features, roads and fortifications. Major military positions and events of the campaign are shown, including the assembled British fleet and the Americans entrenched on Long Island and Manhattan, the initial British landing at Gravesend in Brooklyn, the diversionary thrusts and flanking maneuver that routed the Continental Army from Brooklyn Heights, and the routing of the American forces on Manhattan Island.
  The top section displays a Map with details of troop movements, lower part is account of the Battle, taken from General Howes letter to Lord Germaine. An early book dealers' letter on back of frame describes this as the "Third and Rarest State" of this American Revolutionary War Broadside, with numerous citations and references. Displayed in a fine quality custom frame with eglomise mat. Extraordinary near mint with excellent eye appeal. One of the finest examples existent. References: Nebenzahl, Atlas of the American Revolution, #12; Nebenzahl, Printed Battle Plans, #107; Stevens & Tree, "Comparative Cartography," #41c.
  We ship what we sell.
  Following the British evacuation of Boston and retreat to Halifax in March 1776, the Americans held a tenuous control of the East Coast from Maine to Georgia. In truth, British mastery of the sea gave them the option to invade more or less when and where they wished.
  This they did, sending a vast force to take New York City and gain control of the lower Hudson. This was one element of a grand pincer strategy, the other end of which was an attack by General Carleton from Montreal along Lake Champlain-Lake George axis. The broad intent was to cut off New England and leave it essentially undefended. The British would then have been able to bring overwhelming force to bear on the northern colonies, after which it was anticipated the rest of the colonies would submit.
  Beginning in late June, 1776 the British began assembling in New York Bay a vast armada of hundreds of transports, more than 70 warships, and tens of thousands of troops. Uncertain of British plans and faced with the possibility of landings at any number of locations-on Long Island, on Manhattan itself, or possibly even upriver-Washington and the Continental Army could only dig in and wait.
  The stroke began on August 22, when the British landed a force of 15,000 on the shore of Gravesend Bay in eastern Long Island (now Brooklyn). On the 26th Howe sent two columns ahead to attack and occupy American forces encamped in lines stretching from the shore eastward along Gowanus Heights. These disguised the main thrust, an "end run" through Jamaica Pass far to the east that brought a large British force to bear on the left flank and rear of the Americans. Their left and center collapsed, with those who could retreating (or fleeing) to fortifications at the village of Brooklyn on the East River.
  For reasons still unclear the Brothers Howe failed to press their advantage, and on the night of the 29th Washington was able to extricate his trapped forces and ferry them across the East River to Manhattan. The respite was temporary, however, and the British attacked Manhattan itself on the 15th of September. By the middle of November the they were in full possession of the island.
  
  
• Shipping Info

  • Early American provides in-house worldwide shipping. Please contact us directly if you have questions about your specific shipping requirements.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 33.00 %