ON THE INDIAN TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI, 1831

ATWATER, Caleb. Remarks made on a Tour to Prairie du Chien; thence to Washington City, in 1829, by… late Commissioner employed by the United States to negotiate with the Indians of the Upper Mississippi, for the Purchase of Mineral Country. Columbus, Ohio: Isaac N. Whiting, 1831. 12mo, modern full dark brown calf, raised bands, burgundy leather spine labels. $850.

First edition of this important early travel account describing the Indian tribes occupying what would later become Wisconsin and Illinois.

“Some very curious particulars relating to customs of the Winnebagoes are related by Atwater… The real object of his tour was to procure as Commissioner of the government, a cession of the title of the Winnebago, Pottawatomie, Chippewa, and Ottawa Indians, in the rich mineral lands, now forming the State of Wisconsin and part of Illinois. Much of the greater part of the work is devoted therefore to a narration of the peculiarities of those tribes which he visited, biography of some of their chiefs, Indian poetry, specimens of their language, and incidents of his associations with them” (Field 54). Includes a grammar of the Sioux language. Sabin 2335. Howes A379.

Light occasional foxing. A very nice copy in handsome full calf.