Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 323

"[Untitled - United States and Mexico] [in report] Message from the President of the United States, to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the First Session of the Thirty-Second Congress", U.S. Government

Subject: United States & Mexico

Period: 1851 (published)

Publication: Sen. Ex. Doc. 1, 32nd Congress, 1st Session

Color: Hand Color

Size:
13.9 x 13.8 inches
35.3 x 35.1 cm
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This Senate volume contains a significant untitled map of the United States that shows the new borders with Mexico and Canada and identifies army posts, old army posts, land transportation routes, and river/ocean transportation routes. A line from the mouth of the Sabine River in Louisiana north to Lake Superior indicates the "Extreme Limit of Line of Frontier Stations in 1845." Stations to the east of this line were primarily accessible by steamboat and railroads while stations to the west of the line were reached by wagon only. The famous "March of the Rifle Regiment in 1849" from Ft. Leavenworth to the Columbia River is also depicted. Wheat quotes the Cross' original report stating "The accompanying map will show more clearly than any written statement possibly can, the great difference between the country occupied by the troops on the 30th of June, 1845, and at the present time."

Also included in the 469-page report is a single-page map showing the Oregon boundary. Reports included in the volume include the Lopez military expedition to Cuba, intervention of France and England regarding the US/Canada border, and Report of the Secretary of War, including papers on the military and Indian affairs of Texas, New Mexico, California, Oregon and Florida. Of particular interest is Captain French's report of an expedition across Texas from San Antonio to El Paso (which took 49 days), and the Quartermaster General report that is noteworthy for highlighting the problems, deficiencies and costs of connecting and defending the vast lands acquired from Texas and Mexico since 1845 (which the map demonstrates). Octavo, hardbound in original blindstamped brown cloth with gilt title on spine.

References: Wheat (TMW) #727.

Condition: A

The folding map has a hint of toning and a tiny binding tear at left. Text is very bright with occasional foxing and toning. Binding is in remarkable condition with only minor wear and bumped corners.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $120

Closed on 9/16/2020

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