"The Literary Magazine, and American Register. For 1803-4. From October to March, Inclusive...",

This is the first volume of the short-lived Literary Magazine (1803-1807) which contains six monthly issues (October 1803 - March 1804), including two early references to the Lewis & Clark expedition. The first reference (p. 65) is from the October 1803 issue and includes a communication dated August 25 from Louisville: “An expedition is expected to leave this place shortly…to proceed through the immense wilderness to the Western or Pacific Ocean. The particular objects of this undertaking are at present matters of conjecture only; but we have good reason to believe, that our government intend to encourage settlements, and establish sea ports, on the Pacific Ocean….” The second reference (p. 377) in the February 1804 issue is the brief article " Anticipation of Major Lewis’s Journal" that begins "“Mr. Jefferson having given an official account of the territory of Louisiana, has thought proper to send his first secretary to find how far that information may be relied upon.” The article gives [erroneous] plans for the expedition, and ends with a discussion of a map: “The longitude and latitude is to be taken in certain points, and “the spaces between protracted on a map, in time instead of space,’ in the manner of Ellicott…” Each of the six monthly issues is bound with its original title page. Deckled edges. Hardbound in quarter calf with tips over marbled boards. A scarce and desirable early Lewis & Clark item.

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Condition: B

Text has occasional light toning, scattered foxing, and minor staining. Boards are heavily worn with a number of chips to the spine. Rear board is nearly detached.