1847 Disturnell Map of Mexico during the Mexican-American War

This is a rare first-edition 1847 John Disturnell and Joseph Goldsborough Bruff map of the Mexico during the Mexican-American War (1846 - 1848). Depicting the region from Chihuahua to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Rio Grande to Mexico City, this map represents the most detailed cartography available to the United States Army at the beginning of the war.

A Captured Map

The source material for the present map was discovered in Mexican General Arista's baggage by General Zachary Taylor's army following the Battle of Resaca de la Palma (May 9, 1846). Members of General Taylor's staff (including George Meade, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg) made copies of the captured map and sent them to Washington. Despite being top-secret intelligence, the map was leaked by Bruff to both New York Herald and map publisher John Disturnell, who published the present map.

On the Map

Arista's map provides the general source topography, which either Bruff or Disturnell augmented with additional information and insets. Cities captures by the U.S. Army are marked with flags, most of which are concentrated along the Rio Grande and further south, highlighting American victories during the first few months of the war. This edition notably predates General Scott's march across central Mexico.

The Insets

Bruff's most significant additions are the insets. These include a chart of the Bay of Veracruz taken from a French map by French Vice Admiral Baudin; a map of Tampico and its environs; a map of the Battles of May 8th and 9th, 1846; and a plan of the city of Monterey and its environs. Short descriptions of the Battles of May 8th and 9th and the Battle of Monterey (Monterrey) appear at right. An American eagle, clutching a star-spangled shield, occupies the top center, above a table of distances.

The Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma

When Bruff and Disturnell refer to the battles of May 8th and 9th, 1846, they are referencing the Battle of Palo Alto (May 8) and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma (May 9). Considered the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, the Battle of Palo Alto pitted U.S. General Zachary Taylor against Mexican General Mariano Arista. It occurred three days before the official declaration of war. Arista's forces crossed the Rio Grande on April 30 and, beginning on May 3, besieged Fort Texas. Taylor and his Army of Occupation marched to relieve the siege, and Arista diverted the majority of his forces to meet the advance. Arista's two cavalry charges were devastatingly bombarded by U.S. artillery, leading to defeat for the Mexicans. The Battle of Resaca de la Palma took place a day later. General Taylor and his army engaged Arista's retreating army, driving the Mexican army out of Texas.

The Battle of Monterrey

The Battle of Monterrey took place between September 21 and 24, 1846, and should not be confused with the July Battle of Monterey (California). The Battle of Monterrey was an American victory led by General Zachary Taylor. After three days of urban combat, with heavy casualties to both sides, a two-month armistice was negotiated. Under the armistice, Mexican troops were allowed to evacuate the region in return for the surrender of Monterrey.

The Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War was fought between Mexico and the United States over Texas from 1846 to 1848. The Republic of Texas was a short-lived nation established in March of 1836 when it ceded from Mexico. Following the independence of Mexico from Spain, the American Stephen Fuller Austin led a group of 300 Empresarios to settle Texas, near Austin, where they received a grant from the Mexican government. As more Americans moved to Texas, resentment and strife began to build between the American settlers and Mexican authorities. This and other factors ultimately led to the Texan Revolution in 1835 and the declaration of Texan independence in 1836. Texas remained an independent republic until it joined the United States 10 years later in 1846. The annexation incited Mexican authorities, who considered Texas their sovereign territory. Mexico marched against Texas and, in the aftermath, the U.S. landed forces at Veracruz and marched on Mexico City. The army, after a series of one-sided battles, captured Mexico City, forcing the Mexican government to sue for peace. In the subsequent Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo, United States gained most of the southwestern United States, including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Utah, and Nevada. In exchange, the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million and assumed $3.5 million in debt the U.S. claimed the Mexican government owed to American citizens.

Publication History and Census

This map was adapted from a Mexican map captured by Joseph Goldsborough Bruff. It was engraved by John Probst, lithographed by E. Jones and G.W. Newman, and published by John Disturnell in 1847. Scarce on the market.