Exceptionally scarce complete suite of 7 lithographed 19th-century architectural plans created by influential 19th century American architect, Robert Mills (1781–1855). Mills was in many ways the architect of the emergent America. He designed the Washington Monument, the Treasury Department [just east of the White House], the Old Patent Office Building [now the Smithsonian Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery], the University of Virginia [on which he collaborated with Thomas Jefferson], etc.
The present plans were commissioned by the United States Marine Hospital Service and provided two options, i.e. a larger and smaller unit. The designs were part of a federal initiative to provide medical care for sailors on major inland rivers and the Great Lakes.
Last offered by Charles Wood [now nearly 40 years ago, in 1988, at $400.00], none in the auction record and none either in original or modern reprint on the market at the time of cataloging.
Also, exceptional content related to Native American / Indian Relations and Treaties, Schoolcraft, etc.
[Robert Mills] Design No. 1. for a Marine Hospital on the Western Waters to accomodate [sic.] 100 Patients. Washington City. P. Haas, Lithography. 1837. Title + 4 Folding Plates.
[Bound with]
[Robert Mills] Design No. 2. for a Marine Hospital on the Western Waters to accomodate [sic.] 50n Patients. Washington City. P. Haas Lithography. 1837. Title + 3 Folding Plates.
Very good condition, bound in a larger volume of 1837 governmental documents in original calf. Very handsome, though the leather bears a tide stain as shown, affecting the text block almost throughout . . . the two suites of designs tucked near the middle of the volume and protect near miraculously [Noah's ark-like] and in a very clean, crisp state.
