DE SMET, Pierre-Jean

Voyages aux Montagnes Rocheuses chez les Tribus Indiennes du vaste territoire de l'Orogon, dépendant des États-Unis d'Amérique [ASSOCIATION Copy]

Lille: L. Lefort, 1859. Fourth Edition. Hardcover. 8vo. Pp. vi-240. Marbled endpapers. Text in French. Rebacked with most of original spine laid on, original pebbled boards, some rubbing and soiling. Inscribed by De Smet on the half-title page "Presented to Capt. La Barge With my best respects" Very Good. Item #12103

Captain Joseph Marie LaBarge (1815 – 1899) was a steamboat captain on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, bringing fur traders, miners, goods and supplies up and down those rivers to their destinations, most importantly those pursuing opportunities in the westward expansion. During much of his career LaBarge was in the employ of the American Fur Company, earning renown as a vital conduit on the Missouri, where he routinely offered his steamboat services gratis to Jesuit missionaries.

A superb association copy, given De Smet's tireless travel up down the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers relied expressly on the portage of LaBarge. Scarce thus.

Price: $5,000.00