The second state of an important chart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, first engraved and published in 1759 by Thomas Jefferys for the Board of Trade and Plantations in London. It appeared in the extremely rare ‘General Topography of North America’ of 1768. Following the British capture of Nova Scotia in the Seven Years War, Halifax was founded as a naval base in 1749. It was attractive as an ice-free deep-water harbour and counter to the French fort at Louisbourg. Along with all the usual detail expected of a sea chart are very detailed instructions for entering the harbour. It starts by stating “As soon as you perceive the Light House …”

The survey was undertaken by Charles Morris (1711–1781) the first Surveyor-General of Nova Scotia. Halifax would prove to be of major importance to the British for a long time not just in North America, but the Atlantic Ocean to. This is an example of the second state in which further shading is added to ‘High White Head’ indicating cliffs along with being added to the built-up areas of Halifax and Dartmouth. New inlets are added at Dartmouth and Shoal Bay. Outside the neatline upper right the roman number ‘IX’ has been added. The imprint outside lower centre of Sayer and Bennett is dated 1775 whilst at the same time the original date of 1759 has been removed from the title. Jefferys imprint now states Geographer to the ‘King’. This state appears in the equally rare ‘North American Pilot’ from 1777. Kershaw (1993-98) 821; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).