Heading: (Pacific Railroad Reports)
Author:
Title: Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for A Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made Under the Direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853-54...
Place Published: Washington D.C.
Publisher:
Date Published: 1855-1860
Description:

12 volumes in 13 (complete). Extensively illustrated with color lithograph plates of scenic views, black & white lithographs of geological, botanical & zoological subjects (including some hand-colored lithographs of birds), graphs & charts, folding maps, etc. (4to) 29x22 cm (11½x8½") original cloth, all but Volume 12, Part 1, professionally rebacked with original spine cloth laid down. A full set of the Senate issues.

Complete set of the Quarto Edition of the massive compilation of surveys and reports undertaken under the aegis of Secretary of War Jefferson Davis in the largest concerted effort to map the western frontier of the United States to that time. Four major routes were surveyed, from a northern route terminating at the mouth of the Columbia River to a southern route running through Texas to San Diego. Among the principal contributors were A.A. Humphreys, G.K. Warren, Isaac Ingalls Stevens, J.G. Parke, A.W. Whipple, J.C. Ives, W.H. Emory, Spencer F. Baird and others. The important series of lithographic views of the West, from drawings by Richard and Edward Kern, Tom Mix Stanley, Charles Koppel and others, presented to the world some of the first depictions of previously unexplored regions of the West, and some of its newly civilized regions. Wagner-Camp notes, "Despite their flaws, these volumes contain a monumental collection of scientific information, geographical, zoological, botanical, geological, of the still mysterious American West. Upon first examination, the volumes seem forbiddingly disorganized... however these faults are amply compensated by the richness of the material within." Howes P3; Wagner-Camp 262-267. Collated and complete as issued. For information on the inscriptions in the various volumes please see the on-line catalog.

Volumes I - VIII are inscribed by John R. Thomson of the United States Senate. Volume II inscription is dated 1858. Volumes V, VI, and VIII inscriptions are dated 1862. Volumes I, III, IV, and VII are inscribed but undated. Thomson (Democrat - New Jersey) served in the Senate from 1853 to 1862. The dates and inscriptions suggest the volumes were sent as gifts to an individual over a period of time as they were issued. The person they are inscribed to is unclear. Perhaps a William H. Hendricks? Volume IX is signed "Charles T. Jackson from War Department May 9th 1859." Charles Thomas Jackson (1805-1880) was a controversial physician and geologist who succumbed to mental illness. Jackson spent his final years in a Massachusetts insane asylum. This: volume is also signed by "L. Vernon Briggs." Lloyd Vernon Briggs (1863-1941) is known for his work with the State Board of Insanity in Massachusetts. Volumes X & XI are not signed. Volume XII parts 1 & 2 carry stamp "E Nolan" and signature "Edward W. Nolan 11-1-72." In addition there is a pencil notation "This volume from Isaac I Stevens' Private Library (Stephen Lundsford, Vancouver)." "Edward W. Nolan (1939- ) is a rare photograph collector and author of numerous illustrated books and guides related to Pacific Northwest history." (see Archives West, Orbis Cascade Alliance).

Bindings professionally restored, except Volume 12, Part 1 which is chipped at the spine ends; some light wear, foxing, etc.; overall very good or better. Better than typically encountered.