Subject: Western United States
Period: 1846 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Black & White
Size:
4 x 6.3 inches
10.2 x 16 cm
This scarce political magazine was published for the Whig party and includes two woodblock maps. In the first, Texas is shown at its largest extent with the stovepipe boundary and extends west to the Rio Bravo to include Santa Fe. There is good detail of watershed and early towns includes Houston, Nacogdoches, S.F. de Austin, Mier, and San Antonio. Also depicts the Indian Territory and part of Missouri Territory. A "Joint Resolution for Annexing Texas to the United States" follows a historical discussion of the boundaries of the United States. The map of Oregon shows the territory extending to the Continental Divide and north to include part of present-day British Columbia. Topographical details include a few mountain ranges and the Columbia, Spokane, Lewis, and Clarke's Rivers. The forts of Alexandria, Colville, Vancouver, Langley, Fraser and George, and the early town of Astoria are located. The map extends to show Queen Charlottes Sound in the north and the northern reaches of Mexico in Upper California. This map has an accompanying article "Oregon. Our Rightful North-Western Boundary," outlining the U.S. claims in British Columbia. Both maps are full-page and measure 4" x 6.4". The 27-page text deals, in part, with these two boundary issues as well as the annexing of Texas. The rest of the booklet contains common almanac information, governmental issues and election statistics for the country. This is the later edition that includes the Latest Election Returns on the inside front cover.
References:
Condition: A
Condition code is for the maps, which are both very good. The paper covers have chips, small tears, a few stains and are almost completely detached. The text is also somewhat loose.