Report, Reconnaissances of Routes from San Antonio to El Paso
Item #84591
[JOHNSTON, Joseph E., et al]. Reports of the Secretary of War, with Reconnaissances of Routes from San Antonio to El Paso, by Brevet Lt. Col. J.E. Johnston; Lieutenant W.F. Smith; Lt. F.T. Bryan; Lt. N.H. Michler; and Captain S.G. French...Capt. R.B. Marcy's Route from Fort Smith to Santa Fe; and the Report of Lt. J.H. Simpson of an Expedition into the Navajo Country; and also the Report of Lt. W.H.C. Whiting's Reconnaissances of the Western Frontier of Texas. Washington: Union Office, 1850. 1st ed. 8vo. 250 pp., folding maps and seventy-two lithographed plates, several hand-colored, some folding (plates numbered to 75: 2, 21 and 39 not issued). Orig. blindstamped decorated cloth, gilt-stamped title on spine. Previous owners' bookplates on front pastedown, tile-page toned, minor foxing throughout. A very good or better copy housed in a custom cloth chemise and quarter morocco backed cloth box. Howes J-170. Wagner-Camp 184. Basic Texas Books 111. Graff 2228. Raines, p. 128. Reese, Best of the West 116. This collection of military reports is most important for the opening of travel and settlement in West Texas and New Mexico. As a result of 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, as well as one of the maps. The other map shows the routes across Texas. The plates with the Simpson report make it an important American color plate book.
Price: $1,750.00