Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Jefferys, Thomas

by Gordon Goodwin ‎

JEFFERYS, THOMAS (d. 1771), map engraver, carried on his business in St. Martin's Lane, Charing Cross, London, and became geographer to the Prince of Wales, afterwards George III. He died on 20 Nov. 1771 (Gent. Mag. xli. 523). By his wife Elizabeth he left two sons and two daughters (will registered in P.C.C. 444, Trevor).

Jefferys published:

1. ‘The Conduct of the French with regard to Nova Scotia … In a Letter to a Member of Parliament’ [anon.], 8vo, London, 1754, translated into French in 1755, and answered by ‘Le Sieur D. L. G. D. C.’ in ‘La Conduite des François justifiée,’ 12mo, 1756.
2. ‘Explanation for the new Map of Nova Scotia’ [anon.], 4to, London, 1755.
3. ‘A Collection of the Dresses of different Nations, antient and modern … after the designs of Holbein, Vandyke, Hollar, and others,’ 4 vols. 4to, London, 1757–72, with descriptions in English and French.
4. ‘The Natural and Civil History of the French Dominions in North and South America … illustrated by Maps and Plans … engraved by T. J.,’ 2 pts. fol. London, 1760.
5. ‘A Description of the Maritime Parts of France,’ oblong fol. London, 1761, with maps and plans.
6. ‘Voyages from Asia to America for completing the Discoveries of the North-West Coast of America … Translated from the High Dutch of G. F. Mueller, with three new Maps … by T. J.,’ 4to, London, 1761; another edit., 1764.
7. ‘A Description of the Spanish Islands and Settlements on the Coast of the West Indies, compiled from authentic Memoirs,’ 4to, London, 1762.
8. ‘A Geographical Description of Florida,’ in William Roberts's ‘Account of the first Discovery and Natural History’ of that country, 4to, London, 1763.
9. ‘The great Probability of a North-West Passage; deduced from Observations on the Letter of Admiral de Fuentes … with three explanatory Maps by T. J.,’ 4to, London, 1768.
10. ‘The North American Pilot … being a Collection of … Charts and Plans … chiefly engraved by T. J.,’ fol. London, 1775, a work issued under the auspices of Captain James Cook.

[Brit. Mus. Cat.]

G. G.