Rare Historic 'Find' By ECU Researcher
Article regarding the discovery of the Moseley map which is on permanent display in Joyner Library Special Collections. This and other articles may be found in the University Archives.Citation for this article is: "Rare Historic 'Find' By ECU Researcher " Pieces of Eight, January 15, 1983.
While collecting papers for the ECU Manuscript Collection in the attic of one of Edenton's famous old antebellum mansions, ECU historian Donald R. Lennon accidentally made a fabulous "find" -- an extremely rare 1733 Edward Moseley map of North Carolina which is the only Moseley original known to exist in the United States.The 250-year-old map, measuring 57 x 45 inches and in good condition, was found folded and tucked away in stacks of papers, publications and old ledgers, its existence and certainly its historical value unknown and almost forgotten for more than a century.
Lennon, director of the ECU Manuscript Collection in Joyner Library, said he recognized it instantly as a Moseley original -- "a truly unique and irreplacable historic treasure" -- as he unfolded it and spread the document across floor of the attic. An Exciting Moment
"It was one of the most exciting moments of my life," Lennon says.
The map was drawn by Edward Moseley, the colonial Surveyor General of North Carolina, and was published in London in 1733.
"It was one of the most important colonial maps of North Carolina as it provided the first detailed and accurate cartological survey of the North Carolina coastal area," Lennon says. "All later 18th century maps of the colony were strongly influenced by the Moseley which was printed in a very limited edition." Given to ECU
The Lennon "find" of the map occurred several months ago in the "Wessington" mansion in Edenton. The owner, Mrs. John W. Graham, has now agreed to give the map to the ECU Manuscript Collection for preservation and for use by scholars in the future. The map had been in the possession of the Graham family for several generations.
The antebellum home in which it was discovered was used as headquarters for the Union forces which occupied Edcenton during the Civil War. The mansion itself was built around 1850.
Lennon said the gift of the map by Mrs. Graham and her family is "an extraordinarily important donation to the university."
"Mrs. Graham has entrusted East Carolina University with a truly unique and irreplaceable historic treasure. We are extremely excited that the Moseley has found a home here." One of Only Three
Only two other copies of the original Moseley map are known to exist, both in Britain, according to cartographer William P. Cumming of Davidson College.
Cumming, author of The Southeast in Early Maps and North Carolina in Maps, said the other Moseley maps -- one in the British Public Records Office in London and one at Eton College -- are not as well preserved as the one found in Edenton.
