The publication of Lewis Evans's (c1700-1756) 'Map of the Middle British Colonies' in 1755, and accompanying 'Geographical, Historical, Political, Philosophical and Mechanical Essays'. The former caused quite a political ruckus, in spite of its significant cartographical achievements, and usefulness to the British forces waging the French and Indian war: "… to publish a Map, and assert in print, in the most positive Terms, that the King of France has an undoubted Title to the very lands, for the reigning of which, his Majesty is now in Arms and to found that Title upon a solemn Treaty, and yet suppress the Publication of the Article relating to it; is a Piece of Conduct, for which, I confess myself at a Loss to Account" ("a Gentleman in New York", page 4).

The Gentleman's objections, which were originally published in the 'New York Mercury', outlined "the claims of Governor Shirley and his associates that Evans had been playing the game of the French in the delineation of the French boundaries in his famous Map of the Middle Colonies and that vigorous action towards Canada would cause the French to withdraw from the Ohio country. Various other charges were made against Evans and Governor Pownall, to whom Evans had dedicated the map" (Streeter).

The letter and Evans's repost are published here in the second 'Geographical, Historical, Political, Philosophical and Mechanical Essays. Number II', a rare pamphlet, printed by Benjamin Franklin. However, in this essay, Evans goes further and suggests that the Colonial authorities' actions in allowing the French to establish themselves in that region, were treasonable. As a result, the governor of Pennsylvania managed to get Evans jailed in New York City in the spring of 1756. He was released on 8 June on a writ of habeas corpus because he was ill, but he died three days later in New York City.

The last leaf is an advertisement for Evans's map: "The Price of the colour'd Maps on superfine Writing Paper, Two Pieces of Eight, and of the plain Ones, on Printing Paper, One Piece of Eight each".

Rare: one of only 4 examples to be offered at auction since the Streeter sale in 1967.