This is a fascinating map of the early state of Texas during the Mexican-American War that Wheat says is "of considerable value ... A number of routes to New Mexico and across Texas are shown, and Doniphan's campaign is carefully followed from Independence, through New and old Mexico to ... near the mouth of the Rio Grande." Frederick Adolphus Wislizenus, an adventurous doctor from St. Louis, undertook and funded a scientific expedition into Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico in 1846. When he set out he did not realize that war had just been declared between the United States and Mexico. This map shows his route along the Santa Fe Trail, by the Cimarron route, from Missouri to Santa Fe, then following the Rio Grande south to El Paso, through northern Mexico and ending in Matamoros where he was imprisoned for six months. When freed, he joined Colonel Doniphan’s expedition, providing service as a doctor on the trip home. The map shows the route with a key indicating towns and villages, night camps, haciendas and ranchos, as well as astronomical observations. The map is bound in the original report "Memoir of a Tour to Northern Mexico, Connected with Col. Doniphan's expedition, In 1846 And 1847." 8vo, modern full leather, 141pp, folding profile and 2 folding maps. First edition. Printed by Tippin & Streeper, Washington, D.C. There is also a folding sheet showing elevations from Leavenworth, Kansas to Santa Fe, from Santa Fe to Chihuahua, and from Chihuahua to Reynosa on the Rio Grande. The report and tour map were the most comprehensive account of the region published during this period.

References: Wheat (TMW) 572 & 573; Wagner-Camp 159:1; Howes W597.

Condition: A

The Independence to Santa Fe map is clean and bright with no flaws except a long closed tear from binding trim. Geological map is fine. Contents tight with just a little light toning. Covers rebound in modern full leather.