Journal of a Passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic, Crossing the Andes in the Northern Provinces of Peru, and Descending the River Maranon, or Amazon

xv+486+[1] pages with folding map, tables and appendix. Octavo (8 3/4"x 5 1/2") bound in half antique dark green calf with five raised spine bands and gilt lettering to spine over marbled boards. (Howgego p.396; Sabin 46988; Hill 1115) First edition.

Henry Lister maw entered the Navy 11 May, 1818; and was for some time Midshipman of the Liffey, bearing the broad pendant in the East Indies of Commodore Charles Grant, by whom, during the expedition to Ava, he was allowed to act as Naval Aide-de-Camp to Sir Alex Campbell, Commander-in-Chief of the troops. While officiating in that capacity he appears to have been employed in surveying the Rangoon river, and to have effected, 25 June, 1824, the destruction of two fire-rafts. In an attack subsequently made on a strong stockade on the Dalla river, it was his misfortune, while cheering on his men, to receive a ball in the head – a circumstance which obliged him to return to England for the benefit of his health. Having all along, however, distinguished himself by "a series of gallantry" exhibitive of the "most conspicuous and forward bravery," and being recommended in the strongest terms by Captain Marryat, the senior naval officer on the station, he was rewarded with a Lieutenant's commission dated 25 July, 1825. His succeeding appointments were – 2 Feb. 1826, to the Harrier sloop, Captain John Pakenham, on the coast of Ireland – 7 Jan. 1827 and 2 Oct. 1829, to the Menai, and Volage, Captains. Michael Seymour and Lord Colchester, both on the South American station – and, 3 Dec. 1832 and 16 July, 1834, as Second-Lieutenant, to the Vernon, and President, flag-ships of Sir Geo. Cockburn in North America and the West Indies.

Condition:

Offsetting to the end papers, stained, foxing through out else better than very good.