A New and Correct Chart from Captain Holland's Surveys of the North American Coast for the Navigation Between Halifax and Philadelphia, published by Robert Laurie and James Whittle, London, 1798-1800, endorsed, ?James Severs Coast of Nth America From Delaware Eastward? verso, engraving on laid paper, 33-1/2 x 83-1/2 in.; unframedNote: This chart of the Atlantic Coast between Philadelphia and Nova Scotia is one of five charts in the Sever Collection known as a ?Blueback Chart? because of the blue paper backing that was pasted on the back to strengthen it. Bluebacks were drafted, printed, and sold by private London publishers and were preferred by merchant ship captains worldwide over those produced for the Admiralty because they were designed to meet the needs of specific routes. Often both the departure and the destination were incorporated within a single map and they generally contained a number of inset maps to assist with navigation into various ports along the way.Although blueback charts were often more expensive than charts produced by the British Admiralty, the cost was offset by the need for fewer of them due to the inclusion of the inset maps. Dedicated to President John Adams, this chart covers the coast of North America from the entrance of the Delaware Bay (Cape Henlopen) northward to Keppel Harbor in Nova Scotia. There are inset views of New York Harbor, Boston Harbor, and Halifax. There are eight depictions of various land elevations to assist with navigation.Click here to read about this important American maritime collection from the Sever family and to view additional items from this collection. - Provenance: Captain James N. Sever (1761-1845), Captain USS Congress; by descent in family scattered light staining throughout, minor wear to edges, some vertical creasing (from being rolled), two 1-1/4 inch tears in center left margin, losses to blue paper backing at upper left corner