Rare Revolutionary War naval battle plan from a late edition of Rapin and Tindal's "History of England" showing the fleet actions between the United States and Britain during the Penobscot Expedition from 24 July to 16 August 1779.

In June 1779, the British Royal Navy sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to establish Fort George (Fort Majabigwaduce) on the Penobscot River in modern-day Maine. Their goal was to control this section of New England by establishing the new colony of "New Ireland" as a bulwark against the revolting American colonists. In an attempt to counter the British actions, the Massachusetts government launched the Penobscot Expedition, the largest American naval expedition of the war. The American fleet consisted of 44 ships and over 1,000 colonial marines and militiamen.

By the time the Americans arrived in late July, the British were aware the expedition was coming and had called for reinforcements. The attempt to besiege Fort George was also hindered by disagreements between the land forces under commander Brig. Gen. Solomon Lovell and expedition commander Commodore Dudley Saltonstall, who was later removed from the Navy. Although holding naval superiority over the British, Saltonstall dawdled cautiously despite requests by Lovell that he attack the British at the entrance of the harbour. On July 28, the Americans led a failed assault of 400 men against the Majabagaduce peninsula, resulting in 100 casualties. The battle resulted in the United States' worst naval defeat until Pearl Harbour 162 years later. 

This map depicts fleet movements of the attack at the mouth of and along Penobscot River with names and details of the ships involved. Long Island (present-day Isleboro) is shown in the bottom left corner. The map also includes a written account of the attack by an officer present.

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