"[Lot of 2] Map Illustrating the Plan of the Defences of the Western & North-Western Frontier, as Proposed by Charles Gratiot, in His Report of Oct. 31, 1837 [and] ... the Hon: J.R. Poinsett, Sec. of War, in His Report of Dec. 30, 1837", Hood, Washington (Lt.)

These two maps depict the Congressional debate over the nature of the Frontier Defenses between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, illustrating the proposals of J.R. Poinsett and Charles Gratiot. Both maps depict the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Indian nations bordering them to the west. Military forts and outposts from Ft. Jessup to Ft. Snelling are designated, and notations identify the lands ceded by several Indian nations with dates of the treaties. The threat posed by hostile Indians, whose numbers greatly exceeded those of the settlers in the area, resulted in a protracted Congressional debate concerning the defenses required along the frontier. Poinsett's plan is the least detailed. Gratiot’s plan adds a table showing distances between forts and "days of march" at 15 miles per day.

References: Wheat (TMW) #426 & #427; Clausen & Friis #182 & #183.

Condition: B+

Both maps are issued folding with light foxing. A bit of paper weakness on the first map at top left has been reinforced on verso with old paper.