The Expeditions Of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, To Headwaters Of The Mississippi River, Through Louisiana Territory, And In New Spain, During The Years 1805-6-7

COUES, ELLIOTT [EDITOR].

Publication: Francis P Harper, 1895, New York

Three Volumes. Ltd. to 1150 copies of which this is # 506. Cloth, cxiii, 356 pp., 357-855 pp., 857-955 pp., illustrations. 7 maps, 6 of which are folding maps in pocket at rear of Volume III. Index. Preface and lengthy "Memoir of Zebulon Montgomery Pike" by Elliott Coues. An outstanding reprint of the rare 1810 first edition. Due to the important contributions of editor, Elliott Coues, this edition is considered "the best" by Wright Howes and other historians. In addition to his exploration of the Mississippi River, Zebulon Pike led the first government exploration of the Southwest. His expedition, originally comprised of 22 men, crossed the plains of Nebraska and Kansas. Near present Larned, Kansas Pike sent 6 of his men down the Arkansas River while he and the remainder of his party ascended the river into Colorado. Pike discovered Pike's Peak, Royal Gorge, South Park, and several important passes in his exploration of the region. His party crossed the Sangre De Cristo Mountains to the upper Rio Grande where Pike and his men were captured by Mexican soldiers and escorted to Chihuahua. Although suspected of spying, Pike and his men were released and reached Louisiana in July, 1807. Of this edition John Jenkins said, "For long the best and still a classic edition, with lengthy preliminary material, excellent though harsh critical commentary, extensive annotations, and an index. In this edition, the text is rearranged into a more consistent format. Coues enlisted the aid of F. W. Hodge, A. W. Greely, J. W. Powell, R. G. Thwaites, and even ex-President Benjamin Harrison in preparing this superb edition. A fine, bright set.

Inventory Number: 52649