During the war with Mexico, Lieutenants Abert and Peck were enroute to the Pacific with Lieut. Emory as part of General Kearny's Army of the West, but the two were left behind due to illness. They took advantage to continue their survey efforts started earlier on Fremont's third expedition. The resulting map is a very detailed look at the Rio Grande Valley and some adjacent areas including the pueblos of Laguna and Acoma. This important map, illustrated in Wheat, is roughly centered on Santa Fe. It covers the territory along the Rio Grande from above Taos south to well below Socorro and San Antonio to the ruins at Valverde. Excellent detail of the topography and watershed to either side of the river with the mountains shown via hachure. Filled with place names including numerous villages and small towns, the Comanche Route from Arkansas, etc. Blank areas to the west and north are labeled Navajo Indians and Utah Indians. This map was issued with Abert's separately published report titled "Report and Map of the Examination of New Mexico," not with Emory's more common "Notes of a Military Reconnaissance," also issued in 1848. The standard bibliographies give Abert's issue priority, making this the first issue of this important foundation map of New Mexico.

References: Wheat (TMW) 532; Wagner-Camp-Becker 143; Howes A11.

Condition: B

Issued folding, now pressed flat. Lightly toned along a couple folds, margin along binding area a little rough, else very good.