This fascinating and rare map of Mexico and the southern United States depicts the route of Pierre Marie Francois, Viscomte de Pages, from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Acapulco, Mexico. Engraved by Benard, it represents one of the most detailed depictions of the region at the time. In addition to Pages' route, there is excellent detail of villages, forts, missions, political boundaries, "huts of savages where there are missionaries," and "huts of savages that are not policed." Province de los Texas is labeled, surrounded by Indian lands.

Pierre Marie Francois, Viscomte de Pages (1748-93), a French naval officer, completed a circumnavigation of the world and expeditions towards both the north and south poles between 1771-76. During the beginning of his circumnavigation of the world, Pages sailed to New Orleans and then along the Mississippi and Red rivers to Natchitoches. Pages then traveled over land across present-day Texas and Mexico by the "Old San Antonio Road." After arriving in Acapulco, Pages continued his journey across the Pacific Ocean. Pages' account of his travels, including two maps, was published in 1782 as Voyages Autour du Monde, et Vers les Deux Poles, par Terre et par Mer... Several other editions were published, including an English translation in 1792-93. However not all of the later editions included the maps.

References: Howes #P13; Shirley (BL Atlases) G.PAGE-1a #2; Streeter (Texas) #1027.

Condition: B+

Issued folding on a bright sheet with a "1782" watermark, few tiny holes at fold intersections, and two short fold separations at bottom that have been closed on verso with archival materials. There is light offsetting, minor soiling, and a 1" binding tear at left that has been archivally repaired on verso.