Report of the Exploring Expedition from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to the Junction of the Grand and Green Rivers of the Great Colorado of the West, in 1859, under the Command of Capt. J. N. Macomb. with Geological Report by Prof. J. S. Newberry

First edition printed in 1876. Dark brown cloth boards with faded gilt lettering on spine. Spine is quite faded and gilt has largely worn away; hinges partially cracked; head of spine is frayed and split and has been glued back in place. Scuffing and shelf wear to boards; rubbing to edges, which has exposed the boards at the corners. Binding is surprisingly tight. Interior is toned but readable; some foxing, mostly to page edges; slight chipping to some page edges, does not impact content. Small bookplate from previous owner on first free endpaper, small number sticker on front pastedown. All 22 plates are present with 11 chromolithographic landscape views (all with tissue guards) , three other landscape views in black and white, and eight black and white plates with fossils. Plates are in very good condition with occasional foxing. Folding map that measures 36 x 30 ½ inches is bound in and in very good condition. Map has two tears where it is attached to the text block (neither impacts content) , slight toning, and a few small breaks at the intersections of folds. In 1859, Captain John N. Macomb led an expedition northwest from Santa Fe along the Old Spanish Trail in search of a route for transporting military supplies into Utah, eventually reaching the confluence of the Green and Grand rivers. Most of the text is J. S. Newberry's geological report. F. B. Meek contributed descriptions of Cretaceous fossils. Publication of the report was delayed until 1876 because of the Civil War. A fascinating report known for its detailed map and striking chromolithographic plates including the view of Shiprock that Farquhar called "one of the most pleasing of the scenic views made in that epoch." Farquhar 23. Howes M179. ; Plates and Map; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 152 pp.…