WILKES, Charles (1798-1877). Synopsis of the Cruise of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, during the Years 1838, ’39, ’40, ’41, & ’42; Delivered before the National Institute. Washington, D.C.: Peter Force, 1842.
8vo (241 x 152 mm). Large folding map at end. Original printed blue wrappers (extremities chipped with losses, upper cover soiled). (Browning and spotting throughout). Provenance: Hon. Caleb Cushing (1800-1879), signature on upper cover. Cushing was a notable Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and proponent of territorial and commercial expansion, especially regarding the acquisition of Texas, Oregon and Cuba; Levi K. Fuller (Brattleboro bookplate, perhaps Civil War), class number on title-page corner margin.
FIRST EDITION of Wilke’s first report of the results of the expedition, published immediately after the expedition’s return. Wilkes delivered this synopsis before the National Institute on 20 June 1842, three years before the publication of the official Narrative (1845). It contains some information not included in the finished work including the large folding map. Rosove saw two copies of this report which, as with this copy, also had names of U.S. Congressman inscribed which he notes as apparently being pre-assigned by a secretary. Haskell 275; Rosove 352.A1 (“Rare”); Spence 1260.