"[Map with Report] Military Reconnaissance of the Arkansas, Rio del Norte and Rio Gila... [with] Notes of a Military Reconnoissance, from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California...", Emory, William Hemsley

An important Mexican-American War period map that shows the route of Col. Kearny and his Army of the West as they traveled from Ft. Leavenworth to Los Angeles via Santa Fe and San Diego. It provides detailed information of what would become the Southern Trail to the California gold fields. Wheat calls the map “a document of towering significance” and an important milestone in the cartographic development and accurate determination of the geography of the Southwest. A large map printed on three sheets, joined as issued.

The map is accompanied by the first Senate edition of Emory's important report documenting the 1846-47 journey through an untamed countryside where “barrenness and desolation hold their reign.” Emory's report is a major contribution to the geographical knowledge of the American West and an enjoyable read, 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 further illustrated with 14 (of 26) lithographed views, 1 (of 3) battle map (Rio San Gabriel), and 14 botanical plates. Printed by Wendell and Van Benthuysen. 416 pages. Disbound, housed in archival paper covers.

References: Wheat (TMW) #544; Wagner & Camp #148:1; Howes #E-145.

Condition: B+

The folding map is mostly clean with a few spots of foxing and a 6" edge tear at left that has been partially closed on verso with archival tape. Disbound text and plates have minor foxing.