(iii)-ix, [3], [13]-252 pp. 12 lithograph plates, including frontispiece. Lacking folding allegorical plate (as often). (12mo) 17x10.5 cm. (6¾x4¼") later half morocco and marbled boards, spine lettered and ruled in gilt, all edges marbled. First Edition.
"Father De Smet gave more than three decades of service to the cause of the American Indian. In addition to his successful efforts to bring the Christian message to the tribes of the Northwest, his voluminous, articulate writings, in the form of letters published in the United States and in Europe, described his wards with accuracy and sympathy. On a number of occasions he acted as chief negotiator between the government and the Indians, and he was influential in the formation of national Indian policy. ...Letters and Sketches consists of sixteen letters, February 4, 1841-November 1, 1842, reporting on two journeys to the Northwest.... On April 30, 1840, Father De Smet left Westport in company with the annual party of the American Fur Company for rendezvous on the Green River, and returned in the fall of that year. In 1841, he journeyed to the Rockies again, where he remained for nearly a year. In the Spring of 1842, he continued his journey west, arriving at Fort Vancouver early in June, and returned to Saint Louis by way of Fort Colville, Fort Union, and the Missouri River." (Wagner-Camp). Graff 3823; Howes D283; Sabin 82262; Wagner-Camp 102:1.
Condition:
Spine sunned, small scuff to marbled paper of front board; foxing, some dampstaining to plates; very good.