Report of the Secretary of War, Communicating the report of an exploration of the Territory of Minnesota, by Brevet Captain Pope.

Large folding lithographed map. (8vo) 22.5x14 cm (9x5½"), modern quarter leather (?), and marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt, 56 pp.. First Edition. Some light foxing/darkening to text, short stub tear to map; very good or better in fine modern binding. The large folding map of Minnesota is detailed and significant, showing the 10,000 or so lakes for which the territory was justly famous. It is titled "Map of the Territory of Minnesota Exhibiting the Route of the Expedition to the Red River of the North, in the Summer of 1849 By Captain John Pope (1822-1892), Corps. Top. Engrs. Drawn by P.S. Morawski"; it measures 67.5x56 cm. Wagner-Camp relates that "Captain Pope left Fort Snelling on June 6, 1849, to travel into the unsettled western part of Minnesota Territory and he returned on September 27. His report envisions possible immigration and settlement of the valley of the Red River. He urges the Congress to take action to quiet the Indian title to this region because the tribes - Sioux, Winnebago, and Chippewa - 'are as yet entirely ignorant of the great value of their lands.'" Pope was a decorated Civil War officer, but he was a product of his times, suggesting the government basically try and steal land from Native Americans. Issued as Senate Ex. Doc. No. 42, 31st Congress, 1st Session. References: Graff 3320; Howes P479; Wagner-Camp 186b; Wheat Transmississippi 640.
$850