JOURNAL OF TRAVELS OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS To the mouth of the Columbia River, made during the years 1845 and 1846
Arthur H. Clark, Cleveland, 1906. 1906. First Thus. Hardcover. Very Good. Item #0508106
1st edition thus. Cloth with gilt-stamped spine. 311pp. Facsimile of original title page of 1847 edition. Appendices: "Letter of the Rev. H. H. Spalding to Joel Palmer...", "Organic Laws of Oregon...". Gilt top edge trimmed. Fore & bottom edges untrimmed. One of the most important journals ever published on the emigration to the Oregon Country in mid-century. Shortly afterwards, Palmer was appointed Supt. of Indians for Oregon, & later became active in Oregon politics. This an association copy with the following inscription on the ffep: "Mrs. Hannah Shaw - Hermosa Beach, Cal - April 12th 1922 - The Author, 'Joel Palmer' - is my Uncle, my - Mother's brother." This edition with the Notes, Introduction, & Index by Thwaites regards it a choice item, "the most complete description of the Oregon Trail that we now possess." Matthes agrees. This copy one of a number (287 copies) that were sold separately from the Early Western Travels series, presumably for buyers who weren't collecting the whole series. Condition: A rear blank leaf is cut back slightly (1/8" to 3/8") along the bottom 2/3 of the leading margin, & another (advertising page) cut less so from improper opening. Slight fraying to head/toe of spine. There are a few small dark spots on the spine. Overall a very good copy. Very, very scarce. WCB 136, Clark 282, Mattes 146 & 192, Mintz 357, Cowan p168, Howes P47, Smith 7866.
Price: $249.04