Adventures On The Columbia River, Including The Narrative Of A Residence Of Six Years On The Western Side Of The Rocky Mountains, Among Various Tribes Of Indians Hitherto Unknown: Together With A Journey Across The American Continent.

ROSS COX

Publication: Henry Colburn & Richard Bentley, 1831, London

First Edition. Two Volumes. Three-Quarter Leather with Decorative Boards. xxiv., 368pp. and viii., 400pp. Wood-engraved illustration on page 83 of second volume is a sketch map of the junction of the Columbia and Okanogan Rivers. Half-Titles present. Preface. Introduction. "One of the most important sources of information about Oregon in the early period, along with Alexander Ross', ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST SETTLERS ON THE OREGON OR COLUMBIA RIVER (London, 1849). These two works are generally considered to be the prime printed sources of information on the exploration and settlement of Oregon."-Bill Reese. As a member of the Astoria venture, "Cox arrived in Oregon on May 9, 1812, having sailed on board the Beaver from the Sandwich Islands. When the Astoria operation was sold to the North West Company, he joined the latter organization where he remained for five years. On April 16, 1817, he left for Montreal in a party of eighty-six persons. The party ascended the Columbia, crossed the Rockies to the Athabasca River and Rocky Mountain House. Cox met Peter Skene Ogden at Fort Ile de la Crosse and eventually arrived at Fort William on August 14, by way of Cumberland House and the Winnipeg River. His book describes the rivalry between the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company as well as the Indian tribes along the Columbia."--Wagner-Camp-Becker 43:1. "Cox's narrative gives an excellent firsthand account of the fur trade and the Indian tribes in Montana, Idaho, and eastern Washington with whom the fur traders dealt and sometimes fought."-Streeter Sale 3702. Previous owner's bookplate on front pastedown in each volume, with name written above in ink. Very lightly rubbed with some very light edgewear. Text block is clean with some very light foxing scattered throughout both volumes. A beautifully bound set in exceptional condition. Protected in a custom slipcase with title, author, and year of publication in gilt on leather label on spine. Rare First Edition!