David Spilman Fine Books

Report of an Expedition Down the Zuni and Colorado Rivers; Accompanied by Maps, Sketches, Views,and Illustrations.] [33d Congress, 1st Session, Senate, Executive (no number)]

Sitgreaves, Captain L.

Washington: Beverley Tucker, Senate Printer, 1854. Very Good Plus. First Edition, 2nd Printing. [9.25x6in], [3], 4-198 pp., Illustrations and Map List, Table of Contents, index, 80 plates and large folded map [Sheet 27.5x48.25in, Neat Line, 26.5x47.25in]; Original Dark brown cloth covers with blind stamped border, designs, and Senate Document with seal, all edges trimmed, large folded map inserted at rear, all edges trimmed; Minor shelf wear to covers, edges and corners, light rubbing to covers and joints, a few light and dark spots on covers, spine faded, corners slightly bumped, light occasional foxing to text, map is age-toned with several stain spots and closed tears at crease corners, printers error in mismatch of map sheets, ink signature of N. O. Hollister, Denver, Colorado, July 14, 1914 $2.00 on front free end paper, on rear paste down three 1950's bookseller catalogue entries. [ Wagner 230:2, Howes S521, Wheat Trans-Miss III 763, Reese BOW 130, Farquhar Colorado 16]. Item #14370

Lorenzo Sitgreaves (1810-1888) was a U. S. Army officer of the Corps of Topographical Engineers and a civil engineer. He spent 21 years with the Army and the Corp of Engineers making maps during the Mexican-American war and various survey assignments. During the Civil War he was recalled to active duty to inspect defenses. After the war ended, he was assigned to oversee harbor improvements on Lake Michigan and retired in 1866.

In 1851, Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, with John G. Parke, led an expedition across the American Southwest, focusing primarily on the Zuni and Colorado Rivers. The mission, commissioned by the U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers, aimed to survey the land for possible transportation routes and to chart the largely unmapped region between New Mexico and California. The expedition team included scientists, artists, soldiers, and guides, all eager to document the geography, geology, flora, fauna, and Native American cultures of the territory.

Beginning near Zuni Pueblo, the group traveled westward, facing harsh deserts, unpredictable weather, and scarce water supplies. The team’s journey down the Zuni River led them to the Little Colorado River, and eventually to the Colorado River itself. Sitgreaves and his men carefully mapped the rivers, recorded observations, and collected numerous specimens, which proved invaluable for scientific study.

Despite the challenges, the expedition successfully reached Fort Yuma, California, in November 1851. Sitgreaves’ comprehensive report and important map paved the way for further exploration and eventual settlement, contributing significantly to America’s understanding of the Southwest’s geography and natural resources.

The map is titled “Reconnaissance of the Zuni, Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers, Made in 1851 under direction of Col. J. J. Abert, Chief of Corp of Topographical Engineers by Bvt Capt. L. Sitgreaves, T. E., assisted by Lieut. J. G. Parke, T. E. and Mr. M. H. Kern, Drawn by R. H. Kern, 1852 [Gila river from a reconnaissance of Maj. Emory .... and Colorado River below Camp Yuma from a reconnaissance by Lt. Derby...]” From Wheat, the purpose of the expedition “was to determine whether the Zuni River actually emptied into the Colorado, and to examine the territory en route. … The map was very detailed and included portions from Emory and Derby maps. … All in all this map is a monumental achievement …”. The map was printed on two sheets with a number of copies mismatched during binding.

Richard Hovendon Kern (1821-1853) an artist and topographer on Survey expeditions in the American Southwest. Richard H. Kern was a key figure in documenting the geography of the New Mexico Territory and surrounding areas just after the Mexican-American War. His maps were later used in the Pacific Railroad surveys.

Price: $550.00