This two-volume set features a number of outstanding reports on Wester Explorations, Mormon and Indian Wars.

Most of the first volume consists of the Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs with numerous eyewitness reports of the Indian Wars throughout Oregon and Washington, including the Rogue River. The most significant report is from an unidentified officer engaged in the Battle of Pine Creek or Steptoe Disaster, here titled “The fight with the Indians near the Pelouse river.” Col. Steptoe did not expect to encounter hostilities so the soldiers under his command left the fort with only 40 rounds of ammunition each and without their swords. They entered Spokane country, apparently in violation of a treaty, and encountered a force of 600 to 800 Indians who were already upset at the prospect of the wagon road Lt. John Mullan was rumored to be building. Hostilities ensued and the superior forces of the Indians were prevailing, but the Indians withdrew at dusk to complete the attack the next day. To the soldiers “it became apparent that on the morrow we must ‘go under,’ and that not one of us would escape. It was plain that nearly destitute of ammunition, we were completely surrounded by six to eight hundred Indians,... Therefore, it was determined to run the gauntlet, so that if possible some might escape. Abandoning everything, we mounted and left the hill at 9 o’clock [at night], and after a ride of ninety miles, mostly at a gallop, and without a rest, we reached Snake River…and were met by our friends, the Nez Perce (p.626).” Following the defeat, Steptoe was put on sick leave where he remained until he resigned. Later that summer Col. Wright commanded a larger force that defeated the Indians and forced them onto reservations. The volume begins with President Buchanan’s annual message, which includes his famous proclamation about Utah, dated April 5, 1858. He refers to the Utah “rebellion,” and insists that the inhabitants submit to the authority of the United States government or face military action (pp. 69-72). 750 pages.

Volume II consists entirely of the Report of the Secretary of War. This House printing is identical to the Senate version, which Wagner-Camp describes as "particularly interesting." Graff calls it “fascinating…with many short and long reports on military affairs of the West.” The report contains the most detailed government description of the Mormon War on pages 28-223. Also included within the report are four Wagner-Camp items: #296, 303, 311b, 314 and note to 375. These are respectively a diary by John Bartletson of a trip from Fort Bridger to Fort Laramie, Capt. Marcy’s report of an expedition from Utah to New Mexico, Lt. Warren’s report of an exploration in Nebraska Territory, and a preliminary report of Lt. Ives’ exploration. Several other reports of explorations are included as well as an illustrated treatise on the camel. 670 pages.

Printed by James B. Stedman. Hardbound in contemporary cloth with gilt tiles on spines.

References: Wagner-Camp #311b; Graff #4437.

Condition: B+

Contents are very good with some occasional light toning. Volume 1 has a narrow dampstain along the top edge and occasional staining along the right edge, all of which is confined to the margins. Text blocks are cracked in a few places but contents are still intact. Bindings have average wear with a small chip to the spine of the first volume.