198 pp. Illustrated with 78 (of 79) lithographed plates, 1 fold-out; large folding map. 8¾x5½, original cloth, rebacked with original spine strip laid on.
The expedition, consisting of Sitgreaves, Lt. J.G. Parke, Dr. S.W. Woodhouse, R.H. Kern, with Major H.L. Kendrick in command of the escort and Antoine Lerouz as guide, "left Santo Domingo, New Mexico, on August 1, 1851, stopped at Zuni in September, and arrived in San Diego on November 30. Wheat discusses the route of the Sitgreaves expedition and highly praises the map, calling it `a monumental achievement..., generally correct and exceedingly well done.'" - Wagner-Camp. Most of the lithographed plates are from drawings and paintings by Richard Kern, a few by Edward Kern, some uncredited. They consist of 23 duotone lithographs of views, (numbered 1-24, with no plate 14, as issued); 6 animal plates; 5 bird plates (no plate 2, as issued); 21 reptile plates (numbered 1-20, with a plate 10a); 3 fish plates; and 20 (of 21) botanical plates. Lacks botanical plate 21, which is not listed. Howes S521; Wagner-Camp 230:2; Wheat, Transmississippi, 763. Senate Executive No. 59, 32nd Congress, 2nd Session.
Condition:
Fading and wear to spine strip, corners bumped; some foxing to the contents, repaired tear to map, a few nicks at folds, else very good.