Catalog Archive
Auction 152, Lot 254

"Map of Texas Illustrating the Missions & Journeys of the Abbe Em. Domenech", Domenech, Emmanuel

Subject: Texas

Period: 1857 (circa)

Publication: Journal d'un Missionaire au Texas et au Mexique

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.7 x 17.5 inches
34.8 x 44.5 cm
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This scarce map of Texas is based on Jacob de Cordova's 1849 depiction showing the state west to the Pecos River, here labeled R. Puerco, just north of the Rio Grande. Even though published in 1857, the map illustrates Texas after it became the 28th state in 1845, but before the Compromise of 1850, when the present boundaries were established. There were four empresario grant type colonies established during the Republic of Texas period, one being the Fisher and Miller Colony, shown here north of Fredricksburg. The other three that are no longer noted on this map were Peters' Colony, Castro's Colony and Mercer's Colony. These types of colonies were changed to be more in order with regular U.S. land grants. West Texas is noted as being the Solitudes habitees par les Comanches.

The map illustrates the travels of Abbe Emmanuel Domenech in Texas; first in 1846-50, and then again in 1851-2. Domenech was the first Catholic priest to be ordained in Texas and was charged with the establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in Texas, amid the tensions of the boundary disputes with Mexico. On his second journey he based himself in Brownsville and visited neighboring places in Texas and Mexico. The tracks of his missionary activities are shown in pink on the map. This English edition was engraved by Edward Weller in London.

References: cf. Martin & Martin, p. 141; cf. Wheat (TMW) #603.

Condition: B+

Issued folding with light toning primarily confined to the edges of the sheet and a few small chips and fold separations confined to the blank margins.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $200

Closed on 2/18/2015

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