This is "the best cartographic record of the initial stages of the crucial Charleston Campaign of 1780" (Taliferro). Published in London only fifteen days after the final American surrender, this "remarkable and little-known map … is a fascinating portrayal of the conditions immediately before the siege" (Nebenzahl).

This exceptionally rare map, shows in great detail the British landing on February 11th at North Edisto Inlet, their relentless route across Wadmalaw Island, John's Island, and James Island, and by sea from the southwest, towards Charleston and the pitiful American defences of the city and harbour. A key to the left identifies twelve sites and events important to the 'Royal Fleet and Army', and eight for the American 'Rebel Defences'.

Charlestown was the largest city and the best harbour in the southern theatre of the Revolutionary War, and the results of the British victory were decisive, and were followed by victories at the Waxhaws and Camden, bringing American morale to one of its lowest points. The largest number of American prisoners captured at any time was with the surrender to the British at Charleston on May 12th 1780.