A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

Washington (D.C.): Gales and Seaton, 1845. First edition, Senate issue. 8vo. (iii), 693, (2) pp. Illustrated with 23 lithographic plates and two (of three) folding maps (folding map normally found in rear pocket wanting, as usual). Publisher's brown cloth-covered boards, stamped in blind and in gilt, split in cloth in front joint; scattered foxing and offsetting to text and plates; contemporary inscription on front paste-down; pp. 164-173 sprung. Howes F 370; Sabin 25845; Streeter Sale VI: 3131; Hasse, p. 31

First edition of John C. Fremont's important and sizable report on his two government-funded western expeditions, which covered over 20,000 miles of wilderness. His descriptions, as well as the illustrations, gave American readers their first impressions of the rugged Rocky Mountains and the landscape surrounding them. In many ways this text served as a guide for many pioneers pushing west, hoping to enact America's Manifest Destiny.