Rare items offered by Michael Ginsberg Books

From: "Michael Ginsberg" ginsbook@bellatlantic.net

Here are some recent acquisitions that may be of interest: ...

Keeler, William J. NATIONAL MAP OF THE TERRITORY OF THE UNITED STATES FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. Wash., D. C. , Gedey, 1867. 120.9 x 146.4 cm, hand colored and mounted on linen as issued. Folded into original brown cloth cover with title in gilt on front cover, minor repairs at folds and minor repairs to the cloth covers, in cloth slipcase. Presentation copy to Hon W. C. Fields, house of representatives from N. G. Taylor, Commissioners of Indian Affairs. First edition. Phillips p.916. Munk 121. Graff 2281. Martin and Martin: Maps of Texas Plate 47 p. 157 for interesting comments about the map. Wheat, Mapping the Transmississippi West V p.211: coming from such a source and based upon such data it is unnecessary to vouch for its accuracy and reliability. It is a complete Railroad Map, the only one published which shows the whole of the great Pacific Railroad routes and their projections and branches, together with all other railroads in the State and Territories bordering the Mississippi on both sides..." Keeler's map also locate the Indian Reservations of the West colored in orange, the gold mines are identified. The map also depicts the wagon roads, overland routes as well as the post and forts. Streeter Sale 3077. with: NOTES TO ACCOMPANY KEELER'S MAP OF THE U.S. TERRITORY FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. Wash., GPO, 1868 30pp. Sewn. The "Notes" provide a variety of information: cities where land offices are located, data regarding Pacific Railroad land grants, general descriptions of the states and territories of the West, transportation from the Missouri River to the Rockies, and "Distances from St. Louis to Fort Benton Via Missouri River." Howes K122. The map and notes are rarely offered together. (31343) $5500.00 ...

[PACIFIC TELEGRAPH]. DeGrand, P.P.F et al. PETITION OF P.P.F. DEGRAND AND OTHERS, PRAYING A CHARTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A RAILROAD AND ESTABLISHING A LINE OF TELEGRAPH FROM ST. LOUIS TO SAN FRANCISCO. Wash., SMD28, 1850 35ppp. dbd. First edition. This plan "is the only one as yet proposed which will secure practically, mathematically and irrevocably, by a single act of Congress, the construction of this great work in the shortest time allowed..." (16384) $75.00 ...

Wilkes, George. PROPOSAL FOR A NATIONAL RAIL-ROAD TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING A SHORT ROUTE TO OREGON AND THE INDIES. N.Y., Adee, Printer, 1847. 24pp. Folding map (untitled folding map of the works (position of American between the oceans) 22.3 x 26cm., boundary lines colored in yellow and green, printed on blue paper. Original printed grey wrappers, fine copy laid in half morocco slipcase. Fourth and best edition with the map. Presentation copy from the author at bottom of wrapper title. The map depicts the route for world trade in red. Howes W419: "One of the earliest transcontinental agitations; framed while California was still a Mexican province, and Oregon terminus was planned. Wagner-Camp-Becker 119:2 note. Bancroft in his "History of Oregon" states: "This scheme was for a free national road to be supported by tolls sufficient to pay its expenses, and not a corporate monopoly. Wilkes was in advance of this times; but the principle he advocated is undoubtedly the correct one for developing the great interior of the continent." (31370) $2000.00 ...

[PACIFIC RAILROAD]. Carver, Dr. Hartwell. PROPOSAL FOR A CHARTER TO BUILD A RAILROAD FROM LAKE MICHIGAN TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN. Washington, Gideon, 1847. 38pp. Dbd. Evenly tanned. Very good. Carver, who claims to be the first to propose a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, here brings together his various writings on the subject. He includes a three-page "Memorial for a Private Charter" addressed to the U.S. Congress and asking that Carver and his associates be granted a private charter to build the railroad; remarks on the practicability of the enterprise, including criticisms of the plans of Asa Whitney and George Wilkes (whom Carver claims are asking for too much land and too much time to build the railroad); and various newspaper articles that Carver has written on the subject. "One of the earliest transcontinental projects, with critical comments on the plans of Whitney and Wilkes" – Howes. HOWES C214, "aa." GRAFF 621. COWAN, p.108. RAILWAY ECONOMICS, p.281. (22084) $2250.00 ...

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