Jefferson, Thomas | The President Surveys the Louisiana Purchase

Jefferson, Thomas

An Account of Louisiana. Being an Abstract of Documents Delivered in, or Transmitted to, Mr. Jefferson, President of the U.S.; And By Him Laid Before Congress and Published by Their Order. London 1804. 

8vo ( 205 x 125 mm). Folding plate; some light spotting, old library stamps to last few leaves. Modern half calf antique.

Rare first British edition of a popular compilation by Jefferson in response to the enormous public interest in the lands covered by the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. One principal contributor was probably John Sibley, who corresponded with Jefferson on the region. The work gathered in one place as much relevant information as possible on the Indians, geography, navigation, laws and agriculture of the newly acquired region.

It was the first real account of the vast western territory available to Americans.

REFERENCE

Best of the West 26; Federal Hundred 96; Howes L3; Sabin 14279.