The Earliest Obtainable Plan of New York.

This map of the Fortress of New York was prepared by Bellin based upon an inset on Jean Baptiste-Louis Franquelin's map of 1693, which was originally prepared when France and England were at war and New Yorkers feared attack by the French.

It is believed that the map derived from a French Privateer named John Reaux, who is known to have become a naturalized citizen of New York in 1692.

The map shows a heavily fortified city and fort at the confluence of the Hudson and North Rivers.

While there are several earlier maps of New York City which were produced in New York, they are virtually unobtainable. Augustyn & Cohen remark that this is the earliest plan of New York which is obtainable by collectors (p.50-51).

This is the second state, with "Tome I, No. 33" in the upper-right corner.