Four Years in the Government Exploring Expedition; Commanded by Captain Charles Wilkes, to the Island of Madeira, Cape Verd Island, Brazil, Coast of Patagonia, Chili, Peru, Paumato Group, Society Islands, Navigator Group, Australia, Antarctic Continent, New Zealand, Friendly Islands, Northwest Coast of America, Oregon, California, East Indies, St. Helena, etc.
New York: J. M. Fairchild & Co., 1855. Hard Cover. Very Good binding. Item #8907
12mo. 371, [1] pp., frontis, plates. Fifth edition. As issued, in publisher's cloth. Light to moderate wear to the binding, though this remains a pleasing copy; one leaf with loss to the bottom corner of the margin, not touching text; clean but for expected toning to the contents.
Of Colvocoresses's journal, Eberstand writes, "The Journal of an officer in Wilkes Expedition, and one of the only sources for the overland trip through Oregon and California in 1841. Colvocoresses left the main party at Vancouver (Sept. 2, 1841) in company with Lieut. Emmons and a party of 37 others on an "Overland Expedition to Alta California." Under dated entries he describes in detail the trip across the mountains; the natural curiosities. Indian tribes met with; Sutter's Fort, San Francisco, etc. Other chapters are devoted to the Bear Flag Revolution, the Conquest of California, the Gold Discovery and affairs immediately thereafter" Eberstadt 104-065. Originally issued, in 1852, this work went into 4 more edition by 1855. The first edition was issued with 20 plates (per Howes), subsequent editions with fewer. This edition has a frontispiece and 12 plates and is complete thus. Howes C-635; Sabin 14907.
Price: $175.00