Report of the Secretary of War, Communicating, in Compliance with a Resolution of the Senate, the Report of Lieutenant Colonel Graham on the Subject of the Boundary Line Between the United States and Mexico

[1]+[2]-250 pages with 2 folding lithographed maps, Mexican Boundary B. Extract from the Treaty Map of Disturnell of 1847; Mexican Boundary. Sketch A. Referred to in Colonel Graham s Report folding lithographed chart Barometric Profile of the Route from San Antonio. Royal octavo (9 1/4" x 5 3/4") bound in original publisher's black cloth with gilt lettering to spine. Author's personal copy with hand written errata on back end paper. (Basic Texas Books 57n. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 298, 413 & 414. Graff 1609. Howes G296. Martin & Martin 40) First edition.

Author's personal copy with notes, marginalia, "corrected copy" and errata in James Duncan Graham's hand throughout.

The history of the Mexican Boundary Survey was, perhaps more than any other episode in the American West, colored by ineptitude, personal animosity, ambition, and political interference. It was to have a significant effect on the final shape of the region. In addition to reporting his troubles with John R. Bartlett, Graham included information and reports on southern New Mexico.The map entitled Mexican Boundary B delineates the boundary difference that would result from the two different interpretations of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo vis-à-vis the Disturnell map. The first interpretation was based on strict reference to the lines of longitude and latitude on the map; the second, on actual reference to the landmarks of El Paso and the Rio Grande. The Disturnell map had placed El Paso too far north and west of its actual position. Graham's maps show that the two interpretations would result in a difference of 5,950 square miles to U.S. territory in an area strategic to mining and railroads.

Condition:

Author's name to front paste down and errata to back end papers. Spine ends and corners rubbed, corners bumped, tear to first fold of sketch "A" map, spit at front head hinge else very good.