250 pp. With 72 lithographed plates, 27 of them in color, 3 of three of them folding; 2 folding lithographed maps. (8vo) 22.5x14 cm (9x5½"), original blindstamped black cloth, rebacked with modern black cloth with spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.
Important reconnaissance in Texas, with striking plates of the land explored, the natives encountered, rock inscriptions, etc., a number printed in color, an early use of color lithography. Jenkins remarks that the work is a "valuable compendium of reports of government explorations that led to the opening of West Texas to travel and settlement..." The plates are numbered 1-75, but there were no plate numbers 2, 21, or 39 issued. The two maps are "Reconnoissances of Routes from San Antonio de Bexar, El Paso del Norte, &c. &c...." and "Map of the Route pursued in 1849 by the U.S. Troops, under the command of Bvt. Lieut. Col. Jno. M. Washington..." With engraved card "Presented to the Geological Society of London by" with The Smithsonian Institution filled out in ink, affixed to the back of the title-page, with old "Geological Society" rubberstamps on the backs of the title-page, maps and plates.
Provenance: Burkwood Books, 8/91
References: Graff 2228; Howes J120; Jenkins 111; Raines p.128; Sabin 36377; Wagner-Camp 184; Wheat Transmississippi 677.
Condition:
Some modest darkening within, short crease tear to one of the folding plates, repairs to the folding maps; else very good.