Description
Signed first edition of New Indian Sketches by Reverend P.J. De Smet.
Twelvemo, 175pp. Brown pebbled cloth, title in gilt on spine, embossed cover. Solid text block, bumped corners, sunning to spine. Some wear to front endpaper. Complete with two plates, including frontispiece with tissue guard. A scarce, very good example. (Howes D285) (Sabin 82267) Signed on the front free endpaper: “Presented to Mr. — with my best respects / P.J. De Smet Sr.”
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.
