Details
FRMONT, John Charles (1813-1890). Report of the exploring expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1842, and to Oregon and North California in the years 1843-44. Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1845.
8 (228 x 142mm). 22 lithographic plates, 5 lithographic maps, 3 folding, one in rear pocket, the latter with hand-coloured detail. (Some browning to title-page, first few leaves, and a few plates, separate map with a few old folds partially split). Original blindstamped brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt (extremities rubbed).
SENATE ISSUE. One of the most important Expeditionary reports of western America, a work which established the reputation of Frmont and Kit Carson. Frmont and his colleagues covered some 10,000 miles 'in the wilderness which lies between the frontiers of the Missouri and the shores of the Pacific' (Notice to the Reader, p. 3), and the report made substantial contributions in the fields of surveying, topography, geography, and natural history. The exploration party comprised mainly of men of Creole or Canadian extraction, but it also included the German topographical surveyor Charles Preuss, and Americans L. Maxwell, a hunter, and the celebrated Christopher 'Kit' Carson. Carson served as guides to all three of Frmont's expeditions, but it was his involvement in the first which brought him 'into immediate and country-wide fame' (DAB). In its various editions this report was more widely read than any other account of the American West before the gold rush, and the text and maps had a profound effect on the routes frequented during the great period of emigration. The folding "Map of Oregon and North California in the years 1843-44", was very influential in the opening up of the west. Graff 1437; Hill p. 112; Howes F370; Sabin 25845; Stafleu & Cowan 1852.
8 (228 x 142mm). 22 lithographic plates, 5 lithographic maps, 3 folding, one in rear pocket, the latter with hand-coloured detail. (Some browning to title-page, first few leaves, and a few plates, separate map with a few old folds partially split). Original blindstamped brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt (extremities rubbed).
SENATE ISSUE. One of the most important Expeditionary reports of western America, a work which established the reputation of Frmont and Kit Carson. Frmont and his colleagues covered some 10,000 miles 'in the wilderness which lies between the frontiers of the Missouri and the shores of the Pacific' (Notice to the Reader, p. 3), and the report made substantial contributions in the fields of surveying, topography, geography, and natural history. The exploration party comprised mainly of men of Creole or Canadian extraction, but it also included the German topographical surveyor Charles Preuss, and Americans L. Maxwell, a hunter, and the celebrated Christopher 'Kit' Carson. Carson served as guides to all three of Frmont's expeditions, but it was his involvement in the first which brought him 'into immediate and country-wide fame' (DAB). In its various editions this report was more widely read than any other account of the American West before the gold rush, and the text and maps had a profound effect on the routes frequented during the great period of emigration. The folding "Map of Oregon and North California in the years 1843-44", was very influential in the opening up of the west. Graff 1437; Hill p. 112; Howes F370; Sabin 25845; Stafleu & Cowan 1852.