Union Office, Washington, 1850. First edition rebound octavo hardcover of Reports of the Secretary of War with Reconnaissances of Routes from San Antonio to El Paso by Brevet Lt. Col. J.E. Johnston; Lieutenant W.F. Smith; Lieutenant F.T. Bryan; Lieutenant N.H. Michler; and Captain S.G. French. Also, The Report of Capt. R.B. Marcy's Route from Fort Smith to Santa Fe; and the Report of Lieut. J.H. Simpson of an Expedition into the Navajo Country; and The Report of Lieutenant W.H.C. Whiting's Reconnaissances of the Western Frontier of Texas. July 24, 1850. 3,000 copies printed.

Rebound in gray cloth hardcover library binding with gilt lettering to spine.

Senate Ex. Doc. No. 64. 31st Congress, 1st Session. 250pp. 2 large folded maps and 72 lithographic full-color and black & white plates, 3 folded, numbered 1-75. Complete as issued without numbered plates 2, 21, and 39.

A volume of many firsts including the first reports opening West Texas and New Mexico to American settlers pushing west. Simpson's contributions were the first descriptions of Chaco Canyon, Inscription Rock, Canyon de Chelly and Pueblo Bonito out in Navajo Country. The map Reconnaissances of Routes may be the first to show the location of Fort Worth. This volume is rich with exploration and beautiful lithographs. A truly remarkable piece of American history.

Near Fine. Small library discard marking to the inside of the front cover. First pull-out map Reconnaissances of Routes is complete with some aged tape repairs and a 2-inch tear to the left side along a fold. Isolated tearing found to the bottom of page 136. Toning to pages. Interior pages crisp and clean. Wonderful plates, maps and inserts. A beautiful, complete copy in excellent condition.

Please note, this antiquarian book will require a signature on delivery. It will ship securely, double boxed, and with insurance and tracking.