EXPLORATION OF THE RED RIVER OF LOUISIANA IN THE YEAR 1852

First edition of the Senate issue. Octavo, 9.25 in. x 6 in., pp. xv, [1], 320, [61] (plates). Illustrated with sixty-five plates, two fold-out maps, and one hand-colored fold-out plate. Includes "Map of the Country Upon Upper Red River Explored in 1852" (16.5 in. x 34 in.) and "Map of the Country Between the Frontiers of Arkansas and New Mexico Embracing the Section Explored in 1849, 50, 51, & 52". (27 in. x 59 in). This second map was previously detached from the book by the previous owner, for careful study, and will be sent under separate cover. The 61 plates offer full-page natural history drawings of natural scenery, reptiles, plants, spiders, etc. that the team discovered on their exploration. Contemporary half calf over marbled boards. Gilt title and four raised bands to spine. Rubbing to extremities; corner lightly nudged and showing. Marbled endpapers. Light age-toning and spotting throughout. Map of Upper Red River in Very Good Plus condition. Map of Frontiers of Arkansas and New Mexico in Good condition with a few extra creases and considerable tape repair to back side to protect seams and corners, and common fold/wear points. Light tanning to seams and left side of map. Sabin 44512. Howes M276. Randolph B. Marcy was the Captain of the 5th Infantry Division under the leadership of Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. "Exploration of the Red River of Louisiana, in the Year 1852" is a more detailed account of the United States army expedition briefly described in author R.B. Marcy's book "Thirty Years of Army Life on the Border." The military had tried and failed several times before to explore the Red River's uncharted waters before finally launching this successful mission. "Exploration of the Red River" reads like a diary but contains all the necessary information for a report on the expedition. Macy included descriptions of the Indians encountered, wildlife, plant life, scenery, attached waterways and lakes, and appendicies of the courses and distances charted, minerals, fossils, animals, plants, and Indian languages.