A General Map of the Middle British Colonies in America

Thomas Jefferys

1758

Shows the British colonies from Virginia north to New York, and extends west to present day Indiana and Kentucky, and is primarily concerned with providing information to the viewer about the lands to the west of the British colonies. The map includes numerous notes, especially concerning inland water communications and natural resources, as well as the locations and nature of various Native American tribes. The map is also notable for its political commentary directed against France and at the same time encouraging the British king to retain interest in the lands west of the original colonies:

"Were there nothing at Stake between the Crown of Great Britain and France but the Lands on the Ohio, we may reckon it as great a Prize as has ever been contended for between two Nations. ...It is impossible to conceive that had his Majesty been made acquainted with its Value and great Importance, the large Strides the French have been making for several Years past in their Incroachments on his Dominions, that his Majesty would sacrifice one of the best Gems in his Crown to their Usurpation and boundless Ambition."