COLUMBIA RIVER TO THE SACRAMENTO.

1958, 4to, x, 140pp, illustrated, two folding maps. VG+. Limited to 600 copies. The author was the Commander of the U. S. Exploring Expediton, 1839-1842. He was the first to use astronomical instruments for observation; he was also the first to name and chart the Antarctic continent. In 1841, he was commanded to explore the Northwestern Coast of America, including the Columbia River, and the coast of California, with special reference to the Bay of San Francisco. Wilkes' report, first published in 1845, (Howes W-414; Streeter VI, 3324), may have been the first published account describing parts of California, in particular, that part which now comprises the north/south area traversed by Highway 99.