Infanterie

1811 · 54628 — E-172: Longman Hurst Rees Orme and Brown. Very Good. 1811. First Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. Leather. 4to. Printed in London for Longman Hurst Rees Orme and Brown Paternoster-Row. 1811. 436 pgs. Fine folding engraved map "of the Interior of Louisiana with a part of New Mexico" and full-page map of ". The Mississippi River from its source to the Mouth of the Missouri." Bound by in full calf leather. Spine has been rebacked with contemporary leather spine and gilt titled spine label. Boards are scuffed and worn with wear present to the edges of the boards. Small name present to the reverse of the front board. Both maps present however the first map has a small piece missing and has been rebacked with linen. Foxing present. Text is free of marks. Binding tight and solid. The first U. S. Government exploration of the American southwest. In 1805 Wilkinson ordered Pike to find the source of the Mississippi River so Pike traveled into the northern Louisiana Territory newly purchased from France. In 1806 Pike led an expedition to the southwestern borders of the land acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. One of the most important inland travel narratives giving an account of the South-west including the author's description of his earlier journey to explore the headwaters of the Mississippi. The two maps are among the first of the area executed by a government expedition. After Pike returned from this first expedition General Wilkinson almost immediately ordered him to mount a second expedition this time to explore map and find the headwaters of the Arkansas and Red rivers. Additional objectives of this exploratory expedition into the southwestern part of the Louisiana Territory were to evaluate natural resources and establish friendly relations with Native Americans. Beginning July 15 1806 Pike led what became known as the "Pike Expedition". General Wilkinson's son James served as one of his lieutenants although it now seems that Wilkinson planned that the Spanish who controlled Mexico would capture him and his men. Over 100 years later France released official records showing General Wilkinson received personal trade concessions and thus could be labeled a spy for Spain at the time. Sabin 62837; Howes P373 e-172; 8vo 8" - 9" tall . Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown hardcover