1845 Sierra Nevada California, Fremont

zoom

One Engraving from
1845 Report of the Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the Year 1842,
and to Oregon and North California in the Years 1843-1844
By Brevet Capt. J. C. Frémont of the Topographical Engineers
Under the orders of Col. J.J. Abert, Chief of the Topographical bureau
Printed by order of the House of Representatives
Washington, Blair and Rives, printers. 1845.

"Pass in the Sierra Nevada of California"

John Charles Frémont (1813-1890) was an American mapmaker and explorer of the Far West, an important figure in the U.S. conquest and development of California. In 1838 Frémont assisted the French scientist Jean-Nicolas Nicollet in surveying and mapping the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers. He also headed an expedition (1841) to survey the Des Moines River for Nicollet, who had given him expert instruction in geology, topography, and astronomy. His growing taste for wilderness exploration was whetted by the expansionist enthusiasm of Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton, who became his adviser, sponsor, and, in 1841, father-in-law. Benton's influence in government enabled Frémont to accomplish within the next few years the mapping of much of the territory between the Mississippi valley and the Pacific Ocean. In 1842 the War Department sent him to survey the route west to Wyoming. The second Topographical Expedition left Missouri in June of 1843, and, mapping the Oregon Trail, had traveled to Fort Vancouver. Intending to return to Missouri through the Southwest, they turned south through Oregon, Western Nevada (then Utah Territory) , thus completing a survey to the mouth of the Columbia River. By January, 1844, the expedition was comprised of twenty-seven men, including Christopher "Kit" Carson and Thomas "Broken Hand" Fitzpatrick, sixty-seven horses and mules, and a bronze mountain howitzer.

The engraving offered for sale comes from the report describing these two Frémont expeditions. The volume was printed in Washington DC by Blair and Rives. At that time, all of the federal government's printing was contracted out. Congress resolved that 10,000 copies of this report be published. For the detailed description of the report and its content, GO HERE,

This lot contains one authentic engraving from Frémont's report, lithographed by E. Weber & Co. It shows the dividing ridge of the Sierras, February 14, 1844, drawn shortly before Frémont's descent into the Sacramento Valley, documents the party's daring winter crossing guided by the mountaineer Kit Carson. See picture for more details; click image to view larger version.

Page is 5 1/2" x 9". The condition is poor/fair. Imperfections: foxing and staining; two diagonal folds.

Shipping Policy

• We will combine shipping on multiple items
• We are not responsible for packages once they enter the postal system. Registration/insurance is strongly recommended for an additional fee
• Postage/handling/insurance charges:
  • US Customers: $5.00 by USPS Priority Mail or, for large-size maps, first class mail in a strong cardboard tube. For insurance, add $1.35 for amounts up to and including $50.00, $2.30 for amounts between 50.01 and 100.00, $3.35 for amounts between 100.01 and 200.00, etc.
  • Canadian Customers: $5.00 by regular airmail. For insurance, consult the International USPS calculator or contact me.
  • Other Customers: $7.00 by regular airmail. For insurance, consult the International USPS calculator or contact me.

Payment Policy

• Please ask any questions regarding payment before bidding
• No cash is accepted
• Payment options:
  • US Customers: Payment may be made by US check, money order, or credit card through PayPal. Item paid by check will be shipped as soon as payment clears, usually within 7 days following receipt. Money order and PayPal payments will be shipped immediately.
  • International Customers: Payment may be made ONLY by cashier's check, international money order or through PayPal.

VORTECPAN MAPS & PRINTS
Old Maps, Woodcut Leaves, Antique Prints
Please click here to check out our other items