The Republic of Texas was a sovereign state in North America from 1836 to 1845. It was formed as a break-away republic from Mexico by the Texas Revolution. The nation claimed a large region that included all of the present state of Texas together with part of the former Mexican region of New Mexico (parts of present-day New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming). The eastern boundary with the United States was defined by the Adams-Onís Treaty between the United States and Spain, in 1819. Its southern and western-most boundary with Mexico was under dispute throughout the existence of the republic, with Texas claiming that the boundary was the Rio Grande, and Mexico claiming the Nueces River as the boundary.

This is one of the earliest maps to show the Republic of Texas, which had gained independence on March 2, 1836. The map shows Texas bordered by the Red River in the north, the Nueces River in the south, and the Anahuaca Mountains in the west. The land is divided into numerous grants, including those for Cameron, Woodbury & Co., Austin & Williams, Whellin, Burnet, Powers and Felisola. Austin's Colony, the first legal settlement in Texas, and Green DeWitt's Colony are also noted. Gonzalez, the hub of DeWitt's Colony, was the site of the first battle of the Texas Revolution. The map is filled with towns, Indian villages, early roads, and rivers. A number of silver, iron and copper mines are also noted. At bottom left is a note from David B. Edwards indicating the possibility of identifying the Rio Bravo as the boundary for Texas: "If this river should ever become the western boundary of Texas (as desired by its inhabitants,) it will add 100 miles to its sea coast and 50,000 square miles to its superficies." The map (measuring 8.5 x 12.4") was created by E. F. Lee and published by J.A. James & Co.

This map is the frontispiece of David Barnett Edward's The History of Texas; or, the Emigrant's, Farmer's, and Politician's Guide to the Character, Climate, Soil and Productions of That Country... Edwards was born in Scotland, and immigrated to the United States in 1819. While teaching at an academy in Alexandria, Louisiana, Edwards toured Texas and subsequently moved his family to Gonzalez, Texas. There he served as a principal of the Gonzalez Seminary, a local academy. Edwards wrote his book while living in Texas and included significant information about the geography, agriculture, history, people, political events, and climate of the state. Streeter describes the book thus: "This contemporary history by Edward, notwithstanding some idiosyncrasies of the author, is one of the essential Texas books." The "idiosyncrasies" mentioned by Streeter relate to Edward's definitive pro-Mexican rhetoric, which managed to offend nearly everyone in Texas. In his work he insulted President Andrew Jackson, asserted that there were no riches to be made in Texas, condemned Texas Methodists, and maintained that American settlers should be expelled from the "Mexican" Republic. His work brought such heated criticism that Edwards was forced to move his family out of Texas. This rare and early Texas history is essential to any Texas collection.

336 pp., plus leaf of advertising and folding map. Original maroon patterned cloth with engraved paper label and manuscript shelf label.

References: Day #388; Howes #E-48; Sabin #21886. Streeter (Texas) #1199.

Condition: A

The map is clean and bright with original outline color and light toning along the left edge of the sheet, well away from the image. Text is mostly clean and bright with occasional toning. The hinges are starting and the covers and spine are partially sunned and show light wear.