| The picture below shows a larger view of this Old United States Navy Hydrographic Office FeeJee Islands Nautical Map, and with an accompanying paper in this lot. The paper that is included explains that the map or chart was printed from an engraved copper plate that was made in 1845. It was compiled from hydrographic surveys carried out in the Fiji Islands in 1840 by the U.S. Exploring Expedition under the command of Lt. Charles Wilkes of The United States Navy. Minor corrections were made in 1871, and it was used until 1880. This map or chart of the CHANNEL OF THE SOUTH WESTERN SIDE OF VANUA LEVU, FEEJEE ISLANDS – IVACA PEAK TO SAVU SAVU BAY. The ships that were used were the Sloops of War VINCENNES and PEACOCK, The Brig PORPOISE, The store ship RELIEF, and the Tenders SEA GULL and FLYING FISH. During the making “Lt. Joseph A. Underwood and Midshipman Wilkes Henry were victims of treacherous assault by Native savages, known to be cannibalistic. They were recovered at great risk, and buried on a remote island by other members of the Expedition.” The paper explains more. To judge the sizes the map or chart measures about 25-3/4'' x 18''. It appears to be in excellent condition as pictured. It has some wrinkling and folds as made. |
