1814 The Journal of Andrew Ellicott, Late Commissioner

Description: The Journal of Andrew Ellicott, late commissioner on behalf of the United States during part of the year 1796, the years 1797, 1798, 1799, and part of the year 1800: for determining the boundary between the United States and the possessions of his Catholic Majesty in America, containing occasional remarks on the situation, soil, rivers, natural productions, and diseases of the different countries on the Ohio, Mississippi, and Gulf of Mexico, The Whole West of Florida, and part of East Florida, to Which is Added an Appendix, Containing all of the Astronomical Observations made use of for determining the boundaries with many others, made in different parts of the country for settling the geographical positions of some important points, with maps of the boundary on a large scale; likewise a great number of Thermometrical Observations made at different times, and places. Printed by William Fry, Philadelphia, 1814, 299 pp, appendix 151 pp, 12 of 14 maps, contemporary half leather, 9.75 x 6”, 8vo. In fair condition. Nicely rebound in half leather and marbled boards. Small .25” tear in leather at joint at head of spine. Light wear to extremities. “Fresh” end papers. Ex-library of Bucknell Theological Seminary blind stamp on title. Contemporary hand of somewhat who cataloged the maps, both present and missing. Maps on 78 pp and 124 pp at appendix are missing. Page 136 map is torn and mostly missing. Mavis family signatures on original fly and preface, a Mrs. Lillian H. Mavis & J? Mavis. Title page cut off from improper printing. Interior lightly toned with typical foxing, heavy at times. Maps are in varied states. Some are perfectly fine with small tears and others have bigger issues. The last map in the rear pocket is too delicate to photograph as parts of it are loose and quite torn. Free of known marginalia. Binding remains intact. Dried plant material at pages 63 and 195pp. Please see photos. The "first thorough American survey of the lower Mississippi and Gulf regions" (Howes) and one of the earliest American reports on West Florida. Following his work on laying out the plans and surveys for Washington, D.C., Ellicott was appointed commissioner to determine the boundary between the United States and Spanish Florida. His travels, occupying four years, covered the Mississippi Valley, Florida, and the southern hinterlands. First published in 1803, the text provides a detailed summary of his work, while the maps show the borders and the region in far more detail than they had been illustrated previously. At the time of the Louisiana Purchase, this was one of the foremost authorities available on the region, and Ellicott's surveys and mentoring would have a profound influence on Meriwether Lewis, whom he advised at the request of Thomas Jefferson. The present copy is a scarce example of the first edition, second issue: i.e. comprised of the sheets of the 1803 first edition, but with a cancel title page on wove paper bearing the 1814 imprint of William Fry. RAREA1814EYZR

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Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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