2 volumes. xxxviii, [2], 387; vi, [2], 474 pp. Illustrated with 19 steel-engraved plates, 20 woodcut vignettes plus 3 folding maps. 23.1x14 cm. (9x5½"), original embossed cloth binding by Bone & Son, spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.

Taking over for Captain Frederick William Beechey, who had fallen ill, Belcher commanded this expedition of exploration and survey of the Pacific coast of North and South America and of the Pacific basin. The various harbors along the coast of California and northwest to Alaska were surveyed, and a month's journey in open boats was made up the Sacramento River from San Francisco. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands, Marquesas, Society Islands, Tonga Islands, the Solomons, and other island groups were visited. Forbes 1377; Hill 102; Howes B318; Lada-Mocarski 117. Ownership signature dated 1850 on front free endpaper.