Voyage au Nouveau-Mexique

PIKE, ZEBULON M., Voyage au Nouveau-Mexique, a la Suite d'une Expédition Ordonépar le Gouvernement des États-Unis, pour Reconnoître les Sources des Rivières Arkansas, Kanses, La Plate et Pierre-Jaune, dans l'interieur de la Louisiane Occidentale. Précédé d'une Excursion aux Sources du Mississippi, Pendant les Années 1805, 1806, et 1807. Paris: D'Hautel, 1812. 2 volumes. 368pp. & 373pp.+2 folding maps. Lacking one map. Original full calf. Spine decorated in gilt. Red morocco labels with gilt on spines. Very good.

Being a personal account of Pike's journey to the Southwest, even before Lewis & Clark. Lieut. Zebulon Pike was sent by the U.S. Government to explore the southern reaches of Louisiana Territory, traveling through Colorado down to the Front Range in search of the Red River. He and his party failed to locate the Red River, and accidentally wandered into New Mexico where they were apprehended by the Spanish and escorted home. His expedition was not in vain, as he returned with valuable information about the northern provinces of colonial Mexico. The headwaters of the Arkansas and Red Rivers were explores, and information on Spanish settlements in New Mexico was gathered. He also recounts his expedition to the upper Mississippi in Minnesota. Howes P373. Wagner-Camp-Becker 9:3.