Progress-Report upon Geographical and Geological Explorations and Surveys West of the One Hundredth Meridian in 1872

4to., (11 4/8 x 9 inches). Fine chromolithographed folding "Skeleton map of the Territory of the United States west of the Mississippi River." and 5 full-page tinted lithographed plates (some insignificant spotting and one or two marginal thumb prints). Original grey printed paper wrappers (a bit creased and lightly soiled). Provenance: Presentation copy from Lieut. George M. Wheeler, with his compliments slip tipped-in to the inside front wrapper; to Lieut. Charles William Whipple (1846-1916), son of the explorer Amiel Weeks Whipple (1818 - 1863), inscribed by him at the head of the front cover; his sale his sale Doyle New York, 23rd April 2012, lot 115. Following the famous 1871 survey of California, Nevada, and Arizona, the first survey after the Civil War in the tradition of the former Corps of Topographical Engineers, Wheeler developed a "comprehensive plan to map west of the 100th meridian, "the main object of this exploration to obtain correct topographical knowledge of the country traversed." Officially designated the U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian, the "Wheeler Survey" became one of four great federal surveys after the Civil War. While Clarence King was just completing his 1867-1872 fieldwork for the chief of engineers, Interior Department surveys under Ferdinand V. Hayden and Powell remained active. The other surveys had no military presence, but army officers commanded Wheeler's parties and performed much of the astronomy required for detailed surveying. Civilian topographers performed most mapping for Wheeler, and civilian scientists did pioneering studies in geology, botany, paleontology, and archaeology. Topographic emphasis also differentiated Wheeler from the other surveys' concentration on geology" (Peter L. Guth for ANB).…