A CHART OF NEW YORK HARBOUR, 1779

By Lt. J Knight and Lt. J Hunter

This reproduction is taken from an original document, held within the archive of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, Taunton, Somerset.

In the 1770's J. F. W. Des Barres, a Swiss serving with the British Army in North America, was supervising a number of surveyors working along the eastern seaboard. The results of these surveys were published in 'The Atlantic Neptune', a superb series of charts and views, which was destined to serve as the primary source for most North American charts for 50 years after the foundation of the United States.

Des Barres' published work reflects the high quality of copper engraving in England. Many editions of `The Atlantic Neptune' were published after the War of Independence, and it has come to be regarded as a work of art as well as a benchmark for cartographic excellence.

Lieutenants Knight and Hunter, who were responsible for the survey of New York harbour, had both served in the Royal Navy from the 1750's. They both had distinguished careers serving all over the world, and on retirement, both had achieved the rank of Admiral