Schoolcraft, Henry R. (1793-1864).

Narrative Journal of Travels, Through the Northwestern Regions of the United States Extending From Detroit Through the Great Chain of American Lakes, to the Sources of the Mississippi River. Performed as a Member of the Expedition Under Governor Cass

      Albany: E. & E. Hosford, 1821. 8vo., (8 5/8 x 5 2/8 inches). Additional engraved title-page, engraved folding map handcolored in outline (repairs to verso) and 7 plates, including one hand colored. Errata slip pasted to final blank (heavy spotting throughout). Contemporary tree calf (recased and rebacked to style). First edition. A detailed record of the expedition by General Cass which Schoolcraft joined as official topographer, to explore the Northwest regions and the "great chain of lakes-and of the sources of the Mississippi river?to obtain a more correct knowledge of the names, numbers, customs, history, condition, mode of subsistence, and dispositions of the Indian tribes-to survey the topography of the country, and collect the materials for an accurate map-to locate the site of a garrison at the foot of Lake Superior, and to purchase the ground-to investigate the subject of the northwestern copper mines, lead mines, and gypsum quarries, and to purchase from the Indian tribes such tracts as might be necessary to secure the United States the ultimate advantages to be derived from them" (Introduction). "The author has interwoven with his narrative a large number of incidents of Indian history, personal experience among the tribes he visited, and sketches of their principal characteristics, derived from persons living among them" (Field 1363). Howes S186; Sabin 77862; Streeter sale 3: 1782. Purchased $600 in 2006. Catalogue description prepared for and on behalf of Arader Galleries by Kate Hunter.