Catalog Archive
Auction 167, Lot 185

"Sketch of the Battle Ground at Resaca de la Palma Texas", Eaton, J. H.

Subject: Texas, Mexican-American War

Period: 1846 (dated)

Publication: Message from the President of the United States… General Zachary Taylor

Color: Black & White

Size:
8 x 10.5 inches
20.3 x 26.7 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This uncommon map chronicles an early battle between Mexican and American forces that led to the formal declaration of war on May 13th, 1846. Texas had officially been admitted to the Union in 1846; however Mexico did not recognize the United States' claims on Texas and considered it a rebelling province. The hostilities had been building since the April 24th Thornton Affair, in which a 63-man patrol sent to reinforce U.S. claims in the area was attacked by a 2000-strong Mexican cavalry. General Zachary Taylor came with 2400 troops to relieve the forces at the makeshift U.S. fort, later named Fort Brown. On May 8, General Arista intercepted Taylor's force with a 3400-man army and the hostilities began in earnest with battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de Palma. This map is from the first reports of the battles. It shows Mexican army encampments, batteries, the positions of the Mexican cavalry and artillery, the movements of the troops, and the thick chaparral growth in the region.

References:

Condition: B+

Issued folding with light stains mainly along the top sheet edge.

Estimate: $120 - $150

Sold for: $90

Closed on 3/28/2018

Archived