Description
First edition, first issue of Letters and Sketches With a Narrative of a Years Residence Among the Indian Tribes of The Rocky Mountains by Reverend P.J. De Smet.
Twelvemo, [xiii], [13]-252pp. Brown patterned cloth, title in gilt on spine. Solid text block, bumped corners. Foxing throughout. Previous ownership inscription to front free endpaper. A scarce, very good example. (Howes D283) (Sabin 82262) Complete with twelve full-page plates, including frontispiece. With fold-out “Indian Symbolical Catechism” and description at rear.
Pierre-Jean De Smet (1801-1873) was a Catholic priest and Jesuit known for his missionary work throughout the Midwest and northwestern United States, as well as western Canada. De Smet primarily spoke to Native American peoples, and was nicknamed “Friend of Sitting Bull” for his ability to persuade a Sioux chief to join negotiations with America, ultimately leading to the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. These Letters and Sketches include a memoir of a holy Native American woman named Louise Sighouin, a number of letters by De Smet detailing his travels, a translation guide for the Skalzi or Koetenay languages, and an Indian Catechism at the rear.
