Report of an Expedition Down the Zuni and Colorado Rivers; 32nd Congress, 2nd Session. Senate Executive Document, no. 59

Washington, D. C.: Robert Armstrong, 1853. 8vo. 198 pp. 78 lithographed plates after R.H. Kern by Ackerman, N.Y., some tinted, one folding and large folding map. Modern red half leather. Some very pale cockling to some plates at end, generally clean and bright. FIRST EDITION. Sitgreaves and his party traversed the country from northern New Mexico to San Diego in the summer and fall of 1851, crossing northern Arizona and descending the Colorado to Yuma before crossing the desert. This report is notable for its many lithographed plates of scenes along the route, as well as flora and fauna (and ornithology, perhaps the reason for its appeal to Woodhouse and Cassin). The natural history specimens are described by John Torrey. Wheat calls the map "a monumental achievement... generally correct and exceedingly well done." Field 1414; Graff 3809; Howes S-251; Meisel III p. 134; Sabin 81472; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 VI, p. 403; Wagner-Camp-Becker 230:1; Wheat, Mapping the Transmississippi West 763.