[HISTORIES]. RIPLEY, Roswell Sabine. The War with Mexico. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 82 Cliff Street, 1849. 2 Vols. Vol I: [xi-xiii] xiv-xxii, [2] [25] 26-524 pp., 4 maps. Vol. II: [i-iii] iv-vii [1, blank], [9] 10-650, [1] 2-14 (ads) pp., 10 maps. Total: 14 maps lithographed by Sarony & Major showing major battles (including Battle of Palo Alto, Battle of Resaca de la Palma, Monterrey, Siege of Veracruz, Route from Veracruz to Mexico, Valley of Mexico, Storming of Chapultepec). 8vo (24.3 x 16 cm), original brown blind-stamped cloth with gilt-lettered spines. Light shelf wear, rubbing, and fading. Internally fine, vol. 2 partially unopened. From the library of Lucien Edgar Wood of Minneapolis with his ink rubber stamp in several places and his pencil signature in vol. 1. A fine copy.

First edition. Connor & Faulk 23: “The earliest major history of the war and long the only thorough one. It is surprisingly detailed and accurate considering the early date.... Ripley does not attempt to affix blame or culpability on either nation.... [He] was more interested in the military engagements, but...[does discuss] the effects of both U.S. and Mexican domestic politics on the course of the war.” Garrett & Goodwin, p. 44. Haferkorn, p. 17. Howes R311. Raines, p. 174: “As a military history it has not yet been excelled. Scarce and highly valued.” Sabin 71530. Tutorow 3232.

The lithographed maps and plans are excellent, showing troop movements, regiments, and all manner of military detail. Contains much on strategic operations of the war, a lot of it gathered first-hand.

The author (1823-1877), a native of Ohio, served as an artillery officer in the Mexican-American War and served in the Civil War, wherein he fought for the South.