David Spilman Fine Books

Narrative of a Tour from the State of Indiana to the Oregon Territory in the years 1841-2; Introduction by James C. Bell, Jr., [reprint of a very scarce 1843 edition]

Williams, Joseph

New York: The Cadmus Book Shop, 1921. Near Fine. First Edition. Limited to 250 copies, [8.5x6in], 95 pp.; Dark Royal Blue cloth covers with gilt lettering on front and spine, all edges trimmed; Minimal rubbing to corners and spine top and bottom. A near fine copy. [Wagner-Camp 105, Howes W471, Graff 4682]. Item #13742

Joseph Williams (1778-?) was an Indiana Methodist minister, that in 1841, at the age of 63, traveled, independently, overland from Independence, MO to Oregon and back. From a book review in the Washington Historical Quarterly (July, 1921), Williams '... was prompted to make his tour to Oregon ... to preach to the Indians ... and ... see the country. ... This Narrative throws some rather valuable side lights upon the conditions in the Oregon Country notwithstanding the author's frequent digressions upon the wickedness which he everywhere found." From Wagner-Camp, "A few days out [from Independence], he joined the Bartleson Party with whom Father De Smet was traveling [apprehensive about the Catholic missions in Oregon, he still had kind words for Father De Semt]. ... His narrative is one of the first to mention a visit to Fort Bridger."

Price: $160.00