63, [1] pp. in 4 unbound signatures. With folding hand-colored lithographed map, backed with linen & sectioned for folding. Map and signatures set loose in modern cloth case. (8vo) 23x15.5 cm (9x6)").

Unbound signatures of what was undoubtedly an elaborate prospectus to interest investors in financing the development of Frémont's gold-bearing property in the Sierra foothills. As noted in the Henry Stevens catalogue entry for this item:  "The introduction is signed [printed] at Morley's Trafalgar Square, London, May 3, 1861, (Steven's London residence) by Fremont and Frederick Billings, who was Stevens' cousin. Stevens and Fremont were old time friends. Fremont was visiting London and Europe on a financial fund-raising trip to develop his gold-bearing property Mariposas when Fort Sumter surrender took place 14 April, 1861. Stevens became Arms Agent for Fremont at the Civil War outbreak. This work was probably published by Stevens for Fremont and likely for circulation amongst English investors." The accompanying map is "Las Mariposas Estate, Mariposas County, California. Containing 44,386 83/100 Acres or 70 Square Miles. Lith of Sarony, Major & Knapp, 449 Broadway, N.Y. Max Strobel Engineer" (63x50 cm - 15x19½"),

Provenance: Henry Stevens, 3/02;  Map, Harrison