"Notes of a Military Reconnaissance, from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California, Including Part of the Arkansas, Del Norte, and Gila Rivers", Emory, William Hemsley

This is the Senate edition of Emory's important report documenting the 1846-1847 journey of the advanced guard of General Kearny's Army of The West. Emory was Brevet Major of the Corps of Topographical Engineers. This report features full-page lithographs of the natives, rivers, landscapes, towns and pueblos, flora and fauna that were encountered during the march to the Pacific. Emory's reports are enjoyable reads and this is no different, with passages such as "I stopped in the little town of Isoletta, to visit my friend, the accolade, who has the reputation, Indian though he be, of being the most honest man and best maker of brandy in the territory."

The report summarizes the activity of the U.S. Army of the West after the capture of New Mexico with important early views of the region. It is illustrated with 25 lithographed views, three battle maps, and 14 botanical plates. The view of San Diego is present. The battle plans are: Sketch of the Actions fought at San Pasqual in Upper California…; Sketch of the Passage of the Rio San Gabriel...; and Sketch of the Battle of Los Angeles Upper California. Fought between the Americans and Mexicans Jany. 9th, 1847. Complete with the two page report (Appendix No. 7) by P. St. Geo. Cooke, Major 2d Dragoons, missing the two folding maps usually present at back. Printed by Wendell and Van Benthuysen. 416 pages + plates. 8vo.

References: Wheat [TMW] #505 & 532; Wagner & Camp #148:5.

Condition: B+

Disbound without covers, but all pages bound together as issued. Worm hole though the entire book near bottom edge that has missed all plate images. Plates and maps are clean and very good. An easy rebinding will bring this book back to life.