REPORT OF THE EXPLORING EXPEDITION TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN THE YEAR 1842, AND TO OREGON AND NORTH CALIFORNIA IN THE YEARS 1843-'44, Printed by Order of the Senate of the United States
Washington, D.C. Gales and Seaton, 1845. First Edition. Hardcover. First edition, the preferred Senate issue, which includes astronomical and meteorological data omitted from the House issue.
A cornerstone work on the early exploration of the American West, describing the first two expeditions Fremont (1813-90) led while serving in the Army Corps of Topographical Engineers. Having assisted Joseph Nicollet in exploring the lands between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in 1838-39, Fremont set out in 1842 on an expedition to the Rocky Mountains, with Kit Carson as guide, and then in 1843-44, with first Thomas Fitzpatrick and then Carson as guide, to Oregon. He explored the Nevada country, crossed the Sierra Nevada to California, and returned home by a more southerly route. His enthusiastic reports, containing detailed scientific and topographic data, created widespread interest in the West in the days leading up to the Mexican War and the American annexation of California.
Thick octavo: 693 p. with 22 lithographic plates and 5 maps, including the large folding Charles Preuss map housed in the rear pocket. Original dark brown cloth binding, with decorative blindstamping and gilt titles. Some mild foxing, with a faint stain to the bottom corner of first quarter of the contents. Period previous owner's ink signature to the front flyleaf. The spine is lighty sun faded, with a bit of minor wear to the corners and tips; otherwise very good. Howes F370, Wagner-Camp 115.1, The Zamorano Eighty 39. Very Good. Item #75142
Price: $2,500.00