This volume contains 12 monthly issues of the Atkinson's Casket, Gems of Literature, Wit & Sentiment for the period covering January to December 1835. Of particular interest is the “Texas” article from the June issue (pp. 315-19) that is reprinted from Atkinson’s other publication, The Saturday Evening Post, and provides extracts of a journal by an anonymous traveler to Texas published in New York. The traveler describes the overall fertility of the land but also the bleakness of the vast prairies. A long passage describes the arduous trek of a resident who became lost on the prairie. The traveler reported that slavery was permitted by the Mexican government under the guise of a 99-year indenture. He found that the scrip he had purchased for 50,000 acres was worthless and part of the Galveston Company fraud. The editor concludes, “Texas is, undoubtedly, one of the most luxuriant countries in the known world, and promises to the emigrant…a rich harbor for his labor.” The article apparently refers to the volume published in 1834, A Visit to Texas… attributed to M. Fiske. John Jenkins describes this volume as “one of the most important accounts of Texas during a critical period of its history.”

The volume also features two colored fashion plates and two folding maps including a colored map of Pennsylvania (11.3 x 8.1”) and an uncolored map of western Pennsylvania (11.1 x 6.2”). 716 pages. Hardbound in quarter leather with tips over marbled boards. Published in Philadelphia by S.A. Atkinson.

References: Jenkins (Basic Texas Books) #209; Streeter (Texas) #1155.

Condition: B

Text has scattered foxing throughout. The colored folding map has some staining and a couple of tiny edge tears, while the uncolored map has moderate toning and archival repairs to a couple of fold separations. Covers have moderate shelf wear.