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LA PLATA:
THE ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION,
AND
PARAGUAY.
Being a Narrative of the Exploration of the Tributaries of the River La Plata and Adjacent Countries, during the Years 1853, ’54, ’55, and ’56, under the orders, of the United States Government.
By THOMAS J. PAGE, U.S.N.,
Commander of the Expedition.
One Volume Large Octavo, with Map and numerous Illustrations. Muslin, Three Dollars.
This Volume contains the Official Narrative of one of the most important expeditions ever sent out by our Government. Early in 1853 the steamer Water Witch was placed under the command of Lieutenant Page, with instructions to explore the Rivers of La Plata, and report upon their navigability and adaptation to commerce. Lieutenant Page executed his commission with rare fidelity and intelligence, and has embodied the results in this volume. The explorations described in the Narrative embrace an extent of 3600 miles of river navigation, and 4400 miles of journey by land in Paraguay and the Argentine Confederation. The River Paraguay alone was found to be navigable, at low water, by a steamer drawing nine feet, for more than two thousand miles from the ocean. The basin of La Plata is almost equal in extent to that of the Mississippi, and not inferior in salubrity of climate and fertility of soil, while the head waters of its rivers penetrate the richest mineral provinces of Brazil and Bolivia. The products of this region must find their outlet through the River La Plata. The population numbers scarcely one person to a square mile, but great inducements to emigration are now offered by the Argentine Confederation. The commerce of the country, already considerable, is capable of immediate and almost indefinite increase.