Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 850

"Report of an Expedition Down the Zuni and Colorado Rivers", Sitgreaves, Lorenzo (Capt.)

Subject: Exploration and Surveys

Period: 1854 (dated)

Publication: Sen. Doc. 59, 32nd Congress, 2nd Session

Color:

Size:
6 x 9.4 inches
15.2 x 23.9 cm
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This is Sitgreaves' report documenting the important reconnaissance into hitherto forbidding and unknown country. The expedition consisted of Sitgreaves, Lieutenant J. G. Parke, Dr. S. W. Woodhouse, R. H. Kern, with Major H. L. Kendrick in command of the escort and Antoine Leroux as guide. The group left Santo Domingo, New Mexico, on August 1, 1851, stopped at Zuni in September and arrived at San Diego on November 30. The fine plates were drawn by R. H. Kern. Twenty-four of these plates are tinted and represent Arizona topography and the personal appearance, domestic habits, pueblos, and ceremonies of the Mojave, Zuni, and other Indian tribes of the Colorado plateau. Complete with the large folding map, which is normally missing, "Reconnaissance of the Zuni, Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers in 1851…," (47.5 x 26.3") is highly praised for over two pages by Wheat who calls it "a monumental achievement … exceedingly well done." Hardbound, 198 pp, 78 lithographed plates (one folding, some tinted), folding map bound at back. This book contains the folding plate "Buffalo Dance," (10" x 7.5") which like the folding map is usually missing. Original light brown calf binding with red and black gilt stamped leather labels to spine.

References: Wagner-Camp #230:2; Wheat (TMW) #763.

Condition: B+

Some text pages have scattered foxing. The plates are very sound, but some also have a little scattered foxing. The large folding map is in surprisingly good condition given its size.

Estimate: $750 - $900

Sold for: $550

Closed on 12/3/2008

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