Notes of a Military Reconnoissance, from Fort Leavenworth, in Missouri, to San Diego, in California, Including Part of the Arkansas, Del Norte, and Gila Rivers William Hemsley Emory

This rare first Senate edition of Notes of a Military Reconnaissance by Lt. Col. William Hemsley Emory documents one of the most critical overland journeys of the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War. Emory's detailed observations as a trained topographical engineer and naturalist while accompanying the Army of the West offer significant early scientific data on the geography, wildlife, and Native American tribes of the American Southwest. The route Emory charted would later support the rationale for the Gadsden Purchase while also being a popular travel route during the California Gold Rush. Widely regarded as an essential foundation for any Western Americana collection, it includes 43 engraved plates, including 3 full-page maps of battles from the Mexican-American War. Handwritten signature of [Dr. L. McKraken] on front flyleaf. Octavo (8vo), single volume. Good condition; modern brown cloth binding is tight and sound without wear, while pages and plates show extensive foxing, though the text is legible, and wanting folding map. Collation: 416 pp. Illustrations: 43 engraved plates including 3 full-page maps; wanting folding map. Edition: Washington, Wendell and Van Benthuysen. First edition, 1848. References: Graff 1249; Howes E 145; Sabin 22536; Wagner-Camp 148-5; Zamorano Eighty 33. #31155. PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.