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, of Q'rmaster's dep't. 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. Ordered to be printed.
Description
- Language(s)
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English
- Published
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Washington, Printed at the Union office, 1850.
- Summary
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This report was most important for the opening of travel and settlement in West Texas and New Mexico. By these explorations a supply and potential railroad route was surveyed across West Texas, and this became the main passageway for soldiers, settlers and gold seekers. The surveyors were pleased with what they saw, pointing out the large population which could be supported in the Rio Grande Valley, as well as the strategic importance of El Paso. The Simpson report is one of the first thorough surveys in New Mexico. Related to it are the many handsome plates, as well as one of the maps. The other map shows the routes across Texas. The plates with the Simpson report make it an important American color plate book.
- Note
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Item no. 184 in Wagner-Camp's bibliography The Plains and the Rockies.
Plates 2, 21 and 39 wanting.
- Physical Description
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250 p.
75 pl. (part col., part fold., incl. ports., plans) 2 fold. maps.
23 cm.
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