Johnson, Overton and William H. Winter | Route Across the Rocky Mountains, a rare overland guidebook

Johnson, Overton and William H. Winter

Route Across the Rocky Mountains, with a description of Oregon and California: their geographical features, their resources, soil, climate, productions. Lafayette, In.: John B. Semans, printer, 1846

8vo (210 x 130 mm). Ink inscription to front flyleaf; lightly foxed throughout, repair to closed diagonal tear to pp. 76, minor worming to lower pastedown near hinge. Original cloth backed paper boards; boards lightly soiled, spine with a few scuffs, and worn at extremities. Red morocco and cloth slipcase.

First edition, second issue of rare overland guidebooks—the Herbert McLean Evans-Irving Robbins copy.

Preceded by only The Emigrants' Guide to Oregon and California (1845), Route Across the Rocky Mountains provides a detailed account of the authors' 1843 trip from Independence, Missouri to Oregon. Having arranged to publish ahead of the 1846 emigrant season, Johnson and Winter's journey makes up the first 40 pages—with mention of conflicts with local Native American tribes, topographical attributes, and native animal and plant species. The remaining chapters focus on descriptions of Oregon and California, gold in the Pueblo Valley, and a return route from California.

Inscribed in ink: "Jno. M.Gowan / Johnson classmate in / Wabash college / for 3 years."

REFERENCES

Cowan I, p.315; Graff 2221; Howes J142, "d."; Sabin 36260; Streeter Sale 3145; Wagner-Camp 122

PROVENANCE

Herbert Mclean Evans (bookplate to front pastedown) — Irving Robbins (book label laid in)