Renwick, James, 1792-1863

This manuscript map of Harlem is thought to have been drawn under the direction of James Renwick, whose son and namesake became a famous architect, for the Committee of Defense during the War of 1812. It includes a view of the Hudson River in the inset at the upper right. Military map. Covers the area later bounded by 85th and 135th Streets, Hell Gate and the Hudson River, Manhattan, New York (N.Y.). Shows fortifications, including batteries and redoubts. Also shows buildings, roads, streams and bridges. Relief shown by hachures, depths shown by form lines.

"A collection of thirty-three maps, plans, and views of the fortifications constructed on Manhattan Island during the War of 1812 originally bound up with a beautifully engrossed Report on the Defence of the City of New-York ... Addressed to the Committee of the Common Council by J.G. Swift, Brigadier General, Chief Engineer of the United States, New York, 1814 ... According to a statement at the end of the report, the 'Surveys, Maps & Small views were furnished by Capt. James Renwick & Lieut. James Gadsden; aided by Lieuts. Craig, Turner, De Russy, Kemble & Oothout. Mr.