Lot 238: PREUSS, Charles (1803-1854). Topographical Map of the Road from Missouri to Oregon Commencing

PREUSS, Charles (1803-1854). Topographical Map of the Road from Missouri to Oregon Commencing at the Mouth of the Kansas in the Missouri River and Ending at the Mouth of the Wallah Wallah in the Columbia...From the field notes and journal of Capt. J.C. Frémont. [Baltimore: E. Weber and Co., 1846].

Seven lithographed maps (each approximately 394 x 648 mm). (Some soft creasing where folded, few short tears/nicks at edges, but overall in fine condition). Laid loose in a red cloth folding case.

A HIGHSPOT OF WESTERN CARTOGRAPHY: "An extraordinary map by a master cartographer" (Graff). "This valuable overland guide map must not be confused with those found in Frémont's reports. Preuss was a topographer of the 'Pathfinder's' first expedition and herein records the daily stopping places, with notes on the country, water, wood, game, Indians, and other subjects of interest or reasons for caution along the way. Each of the seven map-sections has its own separate title together with observations and extracts from Fremont's report relevant to the portion of the route depicted" (Eberstadt 137:518). Printed around the map are extracts from Frémont's report. This is the issue without the Weber imprint. Graff 3360; Streeter V:3100; Wagner-Camp-Becker 115 note ("Beautifully executed maps"); Wheat Mapping the Transmississippi West 523 (noting the map is especially valuable for the study of transcontinental wagon roads).