This map shows the failed Republic of Texas expedition, under President Mirabeau Lamar, to gain jurisdiction over Sante Fe and develop trade links between Texas and New Mexico. Many enterprising Texans believed New Mexico would be interested in this relationship, but upon the party’s arrival in Sante Fe, they were met by 1,500 Mexican troops. Spared their lives, the Texan party was forced to march the 2,000 mile route to Mexico City before diplomatic measures guaranteed their release a year later. Several other routes are depicted on the map including Josiah Gregg’s route from Van Buren, Pike’s route from Ft. Smith, and the Chihuahua Trail.

The map was issued in George Kendall's Narrative of the Texan Santa Fe Expedition with a total of 5 plates in two volumes. Volume 1 (405 pages) includes a frontispiece of a buffalo hunt along with the aforementioned folding map, and volume 2 (406 pages) includes the plates "Puente Nacional, or National Bridge", "City of Guanajuato", and "Mexican Girls. Costumes of the Poblanas." Hardbound in brown blind-stamped cloth with gilt titles on spines.

References: Wheat (TMW) #483; Howes #K75; Sabin #37360; cf. Wagner-Camp #110:2.

Condition: B+

The map is very good with minor foxing, a 1" binding tear at right that has been closed on verso with archival tape, and light toning in the top blank margin. Text and plates have scattered foxing along the sheet edges. The exterior is sunned with cracks along the joints and bumped edges. There are new endpapers with the previous owner's bookplate on the front pastedown of both volumes.