11, [1], 16, 56 pp. With large folding hand-colored lithographed map; single-page partially colored map. (8vo) 22.2x14.2 cm (8¾x5½"), original printed wrappers, bound in modern red cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.
The rare privately printed first edition of this Memorial, preceding the Senate Document issue. The large folding map is the same in both issues: "Map of the Country from Lake Superior to the Pacific Ocean from the Latest Explorations and Surveys. To Accompany the Report of Edwin F. Johnson, Chf. Engr. Northern Pacific R.R. November 1867," by G.W. & C.B. Colton, measuring 55x114 cm. It covers from Detroit west to the Pacific, well into Canada and south to about the 39th parallel and the Great Salt Lake. Features include the Pony Express route, overland mail routes, Frémont's exploration routes and dates, proposed and existing railroads, wagon roads, forts and much more. Along the top is a profile of the Northern Pacific Route across the country. This edition also contains a single-page map not in the Senate issue, "Map of North Pacific Ocean showing direct lines and distances Between Ports in Asia and America," partially colored. With pencil inscription on the front wrapper, "Hon C. C. Luther Compl of E F Johnson"; within the text there are a number of pencil corrections and emendations in the text, "the nature of which suggests that they were done by the author," as Warren Heckrotte postulates. He also states his belief that this issue is scarcer than the government publication.
Provenance: Swann, 12/8/05
References: Phillips, America, p. 916; Wheat Transmississippi 1169 & Vol. 5, Part 1, pp. 205-209.
Condition:
Some expert restoration to the original wrappers, last few leaves with minor edge wear; very good, folding map near fine and clean with a few tiny splits at fold intersections.