John Taylor Hughes, author of this book, was the historian of Doniphan's expedition and followed the regiment on its 850 mile march from Fort Leavenworth down the Santa Fe Trail to invade Mexico. He observed and described the hardships of the soldiers on the rough plains and deserts and reported on the military occupation of Santa Fe. The volume also covers General Kearney's overland expedition to California and the operations of General Price at Santa Fe. Included with the book is a detailed map titled A New Map of Mexico, California & Oregon (9 x 13.5") which shows Kearney's Route, Cooke's Route and the Tennessee & Kentucky cavalry route. In addition to the map are engraved portraits of Doniphan and Price, and several other illustrations in the text including full page battle and city plans. 407 pp., 12mo. Hardbound in quarter leather and tips over black pebbled cloth boards with gilt title and raised bands on spine.

References: Wheat (TMW) #546; Wagner-Camp #134.5; Sabin #33596; Howes H769.

Condition:

The folding map has a 4" separation that has been closed on verso with archival tape and a small chip at lower right (approximately 0.5" x 2") resulting in some small loss of image (B). Report text and plates are mostly clean and tight with occasional scattered foxing (B+). A previous owner's stamp and manuscript notations are present on the front pastedown and front free endpaper. Extremities have light shelf wear.