An Account of Expeditions to the Sources of the Mississippi... by Zebulon Pike. Philadelphia: Published by C. & A. Conrad, et al, 1810. First edition of ""the first government exploration of the Southwest."" Octavo. No frontispiece. Three folding tables. First blank leafs and title pages are heavily toned. Toning and foxing to the text. No front or rear boards.
Pike's account is a fascinating insight into the mindset of early explorers and the challenges they faced in trying to navigate uncharted territory. Throughout the book, Pike provides detailed descriptions of the landscapes, flora, fauna, and the various native tribes that he encountered on his travels. His account is particularly interesting in the way it reflects the attitudes and prejudices of the time, as Pike and his men encounter various native peoples and have to navigate the complex relationships between different tribes.
One of the most notable incidents in the book is Pike's encounter with the Spanish, who at the time claimed the area around the Mississippi River as part of their territory. Pike's party was eventually arrested by Spanish forces and held captive for several months before being released. This incident highlights the tensions that existed between different European powers in the early 19th century, as they vied for control over the vast territories of the American West.

Fair condition. First blank leafs and title pages are heavily toned. Toning and foxing to the text. No front or rear boards.

8.5 x 5.25 x 1.5 in