Forty Years A Fur Trader On The Upper Missouri, The Personal Narrative

COUES, ELLIOTT [EDITOR].

Publication: Francis P Harper, 1898, New York

First edition. 2 Volumes. #299 of a Numbered Edition limited to 950 copies. Dark Blue Cloth, 236pp. + 1 page advertisement, + 237-473pp. + 1 page advertisement. 12 Plates, 6 Maps. An excellent narrative, greatly enhanced by the thorough and able editing of Dr. Elliott Coues. Charles Larpenteur signed on with William Sublette and Robert Campbell in 1833 for a fur trade expedition to the Rockies. The company built Ft. William at the mouth of the Yellowstone to compete with the American Fur Company's Ft. Union located nearby. When Sublette sold out the first winter, Larpenteur became an "engage" to the American Fur Company. He remained with them until 1848, when he became a free trader to the Flatheads near Ft. Benton. Larpenteur recorded daily events throughout his years as a trader, giving tremendous insight into the day-to-day activity in the Upper Missouri fur trade. He describes the 1837 smallpox epidemic, and many other historically noteworthy events. Larpenteur tried to "quit-the-mountains" and settled on a farm in Iowa in 1850. But, like others, Larpenteur soon returned to the Upper Missouri, where he remained until 1872. An interesting life, and an important historical record. Small, nearly-invisible spot on front of Volume II, and very slight bump to a couple of corners, else an exceptionally fine, bright, tight set of this important fur trade classic. Protected in a custom slipcase

Inventory Number: 53266