The Spanish Conquest Of New Mexico

DAVIS, A. M., W. W. H

Publication: Privately printed, 1869, Doylestown

First edition. 8vo. Inscribed and dated in ink in the year of publication on the front fly leaf by the author, "Presented by W. W. H. Davis, Doylestown, Pa., Oct. 12, 1869." Orange cloth, embossed design on front and rear covers, titles stamped in gold gilt on the spine, frontispiece (portrait of the author), xv, [blank], 17-438 pp., preface, footnotes, large folding map, appendix, index. Davis served in posts in New Mexico Territory (including present-day Arizona) from 1853 to 1857, and as acting governor. "His narrative of the prolonged hostilities between the Spaniards and the Indians, the religious rites, method of warfare, and peculiar ceremonies of the latter, is fresh, vigorous, and highly interesting" - Field 406. Large folding map is of New Mexico showing the routes of Niza, Coronado, Ruiz, and Espejo. Drawn according to the original boundaries established by Congress. The map has been reinforced with clear cellophane tape at a few points but is complete to detail and quite serviceable. Raines page 65 says "Quite authorative base, as it is an abstract of official documents. Much space is devoted to Cabeca de Vaca and his overland journey." Light foxing to a few preliminary pages, a few early pages carelessly opened, front hinge starting to loosen a bit, light wear to the upper and lower front cover corners, former owner's inked name on front pastedown sheet and at top of page 17, else a very good copy of an elusive title.

Inventory Number: 38819