Journal of the Voyages and Travels of a Corps of Discovery by Patrick Gass. Published in Pittsburgh by Zadok Cramer for David M’Keehan in 1807. First Edition. Bound in contemporary marbled boards with a rebacked calf spine, gilt-lettered (pp. viii, [9]-262).
The binding is firm but shows wear, with rubbed edges and repairs to the front endpaper and title page corners. Owner inscriptions and a presumed catalog number appear on the front pastedown and page iii, respectively. Pages are toned, with occasional dampstaining and foxing, most prominent in the opening sections. Despite these flaws, this first edition remains scarce and highly collectible, offering an authentic and vivid account of one of America’s most celebrated explorations.
This earliest published firsthand account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, predating the official report by seven years, cemented Patrick Gass’s legacy as one of the most notable members of the Corps of Discovery. His critical role as sergeant, frequent mentions in the journals of Lewis and Clark, and distinction as the first to publish an account of the expedition, contributed to his enduring recognition. Gass also coined the term “Corps of Discovery,” now synonymous with the historic journey. Widely regarded as “one of the essential books for an Americana collection” (Streeter), this work remains a cornerstone of early American exploration literature.
