Report Of The Exploring Expedition To The Rocky Mountains In The Year 1842, And To Oregon And North California In The Years 1843-44.

JOHN C. FREMONT

Publication: Gales and Seaton, Printers, 1845, Washington

28th Congress, 2nd Session Senate Executive Document No. 174, Serial 461] [Includes Geological, Astronomical and meteorological appendices]. First edition. 8vo. 693 pp., Five maps (two fold out) including the large Preuss map (with light blue tinted waters, in rear pocket), 22 plates of illustrations, appendices of charts and schedules; Original brown cloth covers with blind-stamped designs and border with gilt lettering on spine, map pocket with ribbon on rear cover, all edges trimmed, custom half morocco and brown cloth clamshell box with gilt lettering on spine and rules; This 1845 Senate report covers the First and Second expeditions that made Frémont well known and set him on a path of further explorations, adventure and adding to the knowledge of the American West. "John C. Fremont's second expedition is one of the single most important pieces of Western Americana. His exploration of the overland trails to Oregon and California was of great interest to an expanding nation, and Fremont (along with his wife, Jessie Benton Fremont) produced a volume as notable for its high-flown style as its excellent content. It was the perfect combination for the era, and the excitement soon generated by the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush made it one of the most popular American books of the 18th century....and the text and map had a seminal effect on the routes frequented in the great period of emigration. It made Fremont a national hero and launched his later military and political career."--Bill Reese, The Best Of The West-86. The reports and maps were significant in providing reliable information and routes to Oregon and California. The maps are; (1) Bear River p.132 foldout, (2) Beer Spring p.136, (3) Great Salt Lake p.155, (4) Crossing Sierra Nevada at South Fork of American river p.246 foldout, (5) (Rear Pocket) Exploring Expedition to the Rocky Mountains in the year 1842, Oregon and Northern California 1843-44 [30x50.5in, 76.5x128 cm]. The 22 plate illustrations all present. Light shelf wear to cover surface with rubbing to edges and corners, typical age-toning to text with light foxing, binding and map pocket are tight, Preuss map has light age spots and toning along edges and exposed folds with small chips along edges and typical small separations at fold crease corners, prior owner, [George] Durand-Viel, ink signature on front pastedown sheet. Overall a very good copy housed in a quarter leather and cloth clamshell case with raised bands and titles stamped in gilt on the spine.