Beschreibung:

Title: Reports of the Secretary of War, with Reconnaissances of Routes from San Antonio to El Paso... Also, the Report of Capt. R.B. Marcy's Route from Fort Smith to Santa Fe; and the Report of Lieutenant W.J.C. Whiting's Reconnaissances of the Western Frontier of Texas Author: Johnston, J[oseph] E[ggleston], et al. Place: Washington Publisher: Printed at the Union Office Date: 1850 Description: 250 pp. With 72 lithographed plates, 27 of them in color, 3 of three of them folding; 2 folding lithographed maps. (8vo) 22.5x14 cm (9x5½"), bound in modern quarter calf and marbled boards, morocco spine label, spine lettered and ruled in gilt. First Edition. This report was most important for the opening of travel and settlement in West Texas and New Mexico. By these explorations a supply and potential railroad route was surveyed across West Texas, and this became the main passageway for soldiers, settlers, and gold seekers. The surveyors were pleased with what they saw, pointing out the large population which could be supported in the Rio Grande Valley as well as the strategic importance of El Paso. The Simpson report is one of the first thorough surveys in New Mexico. Related to it are the many handsome plates and one of the maps. The other map shows the routes across Texas. The plates in the Simpson report make it an important American color plate book. Graff 2228; Howes J120; Jenkins 111; Raines p.128; Sabin 36377; Wagner-Camp 184; Wheat Transmississippi 677 Lot Amendments Condition: Light wear and rubbing to binding; small bookplate, dampstain running through most of volume affecting plates, a few small tears and some creases to maps, slight darknening to text; very good. Item number: 272070