ONLY KNOWN EXTANT FIRST BOOK PRINTING OF JEFFERSON’S MESSAGE ON THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION

[JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826)]. Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, at the Second Session of the Ninth Congress. Washington, D.C.: A. & G. Way, 1806. 8vo. (Dampstaining to gutter near foot). Later cloth, leather lettering-pieces gilt (extremities sunned, some wear to labels). Provenance: contemporary presentation inscription to the New York Society Library; New York City Association of the Bar Library (rubberstamps on title-page). FIRST EDITION containing Jefferson’s Message to Congress of December 2, 1806, regarding the completion of Lewis and Clark’s expedition and its success. “The expedition of Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, for exploring the river Missouri, and the best communication from that to the Pacific Ocean, has had all the success which could have been expected. They have traced the Missouri nearly to its source, descended the Columbia to the Pacific ocean, ascertained with accuracy the geography of the interesting communication across our continent, learnt the character of the country, of its commerce and inhabitants; and it is but justice to say, that Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their brave companions, have, by this arduous service, deserved well of their country” (p. 13). RARE: We could not locate any copies selling at auction. Literature of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 2c.2.