"[3 Maps with Report] Reconnoissances in the Dacota Country [and] Section of Map Compiled in P.R.R. Office... [and] Sketch of the Blue Water Creek... [with] Explorations in the Dacota Country, in the Year 1855", Warren, Lieut. G. K.

Lieutenant G.K. Warren served as topographic engineer on the "Sioux Expedition" under the command of General William S. Harvey, who was sent to "chastise the Sioux for the killing of Lt. John L. Grattan and his command of twenty-nine men in the summer of 1853." Also providing a geological report but not actually accompanying the expedition was F. V. Hayden, better known to the Indians from an earlier explorations as "Man Who Picks Up Stones Running" for his peculiar habit of gathering rock samples alone in hostile country (they thought he was crazy). The maps included in the report are:

Reconnoissances in the Dacota Country (56 x 36"). This large map was printed on two sheets and joined. It covers the region from Omaha north to Fort Ridgley (MN) and west to Fort Laramie (WY). Shows the path of Warren's exploration throughout the region with encampment dates noted. Also depicts previous explorers routes including Long, Fremont, Stansbury and Nicollet. Presents good detail of topography, the river systems, and the location of numerous Indian tribes and reserves.

Section of Map Compiled in P. R. R. Office with Additions Designed to Illustrate Lt. Warren's Report of Military Reconnaissances in the Dacota Country (17 x 15"). A reduced version of the above map that extends further north to the Canadian border showing Governor Stevens' route among others.

Sketch of Blue Water Creek Embracing the Field of Action... (5.5 x 8.6"). This small map shows the region near present-day Ash Hollow, the site of one of the first major battles in the Indian Wars. It shows the camp of the Brule band of the Ogallala Sioux, led by Chief Little Thunder, and their flight from the army of 600 soldiers led by Col. William. S. Harney. Detailed movements are shown for the infantry and cavalry.

First edition, octavo, 79 pages plus the 3 folding maps. The maps and text are bound separately, each in quarter leather with tips over red cloth boards and housed in an attractive maroon cloth slipcase.

References: Howes #W118; Wagner-Camp #283; Wheat (TMW) #871.

Condition: B+

The large folding map is remarkably clean and bright with a number of splits at fold intersections and a hint of toning along the fold lines. The other two maps have light toning and a few faint spots. The medium-sized map also has a binding trim at lower left that is trimmed to just inside the neatline. Text is very good with light toning. New bindings and slip case are near fine with minimal shelf wear.