A Map of the State of Pennsylvania

Fine folding engraved map (34 x 21 inches) laid down on cartographic linen in 18 sections, showing the state of Pennsylvania with all its counties each with original hand-colour in outline, decorated with a vignette of the Schuylkill permanent Bridge lower left, and the title within an oval cartouche surrounded by a fine nautical vignette lower right, and dedication to "The Governor and Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" within an oval cartouche surrounded by an agricultural vignette upper right (some very minor toning, spotting and one or two pale stains). "This is the best map of Pennsylvania to appear in the 18th century, and the first detailed map of the State to show its exact boundaries" (Wheat & Brun) First published in 1792, when it was the first official map of Pennsylvania, and the largest and most detailed of the time. It remained the best map, and a source for other cartographers, until Melish published his map in 1820. Samuel Lewis used Howell's map as the basis for his map of Pennsylvania published in ‘Carey's American Atlas’ of 1795. The commissioning document from the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania in 1790 states that Howell was to be paid a maximum of 200 pounds for producing this map on behalf of the state, and that if he failed to complete the map within two and a half years he would have to repay the money, if he was successful then the council requested twenty-five copies for the state’s use. See "The Statues at Large of Pennsylvania from 1682 to 1801" Clarence M. Busch, State Printer of Pennsylvania, 1908 page 479; Phillips, p. 679; Ristow, pp. 108-110.…