REPORT OF THE EXPLORING EXPEDITION TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS IN THE YEAR 1842, AND TO OREGON AND NORTH CALIFORNIA IN THE YEARS 1843-44.

Washington, D.C.: Gales and Seaton, 1845., 1845. First edition. 28th Congress, 2nd Session, Senate Exec. Doc. 174. Serial 461. First Edition, Senate Issue. Original blind-stamped, brown cloth, with title in gilt on spine, 693pp. Illus. with 22 lithographed plates, 5 maps, 3 folding with large folding map in pocket at rear. An outstanding report and Fremont's greatest work. It records Fremont's first two expeditions. "The first expedition consisted of 25 men, with Kit Carson as a guide. They went a little beyond South Pass. The second expedition, consisting of about 40 men, was guided by Thomas Fitzpatrick (joined by Kit Carson en route) and reached the Columbia River and Fort Vancouver. The expedition then looped back to California by a spectacular winter crossing of the Sierra Nevada and returned to St. Louis via the San Joaquin Valley, Tehachapi Pass, and the Great Salt Lake."--The Pacific Northwest. The great Fremont (Preuss) unusually nice condition with a few minor splits at folds, else fine. Of this map Carl Wheat said, "The great folding map is an altogether memorable document in the cartographic history of the west, and for it alone Fremont would deserve to be remembered in history." The report is comprised of a well-written and interesting narrative of each expedition, combined with much detailed scientific data, skillfully-produced maps, and attractive lithographic plates by E. Weber & Co.-Baltimore. This report, as well as the expeditions themselves, received much promotion and exposure from Fremont's father-in-law, Sen. Thomas Hart Benton. The report guided Oregon emigrants and California gold seekers, and firmly established Fremont's reputation. Occasional minor foxing, else near fine! An exceptionally nice, clean, tight copy of this important work, which is usually encountered rebound, heavily foxed & worn, and/or without map. The important large folding map shows minor wear, an old water stain to lower corner of some pages, lightly foxed, else a very good copy.