8vo (230 x 143 mm). Large map folding in separate portfolio (separated along centerfold and repaired verso); 4 lithographed maps (2 folding); 22 lithographed plates. (Some spotting and browning.) Original brown blind-stamped cloth, gilt-lettered on spine (rebacked preserving most of original spine and endpapers). Provenance: Reverend Samuel A. Van Franken (presentation inscription from George Sykes, see below); David L. Dunkin (signature). 

FIRST EDITION, the House issue, without the astronomical and meteorological observations present in the Senate issue and subsequent editions (see previous lot). "The year 1845...though otherwise somewhat cartographically barren, because of a single event is in fact one of the towering years in the story of Western Cartography. In that year John C. Fremont's report of his journey to Oregon and California in 1843-44 was published. This report and the Fremont (Preuss) map which accompanied it, changed the entire picture of the West, and made a lasting contribution to cartography." (Cowan pp.223-4).  Inscribed by House of Representatives member from New Jersey, George Sykes. A FINE ASSOCIATION COPY. Graff 1436; Howes F-370; Sabin 25845; Streeter VI:3131; Wagner-Camp 115:1.