First Edition, Inscribed by the Author
Across the Plains in 1853.
Seattle, Washington: [Bull Bros], 1911.
First edition. Small octavo (6 7/8 x 4 5/8 inches; 175 x 115 mm). [2], 55, [1] pp. Inscribed by the author on the dedication leaf, "For Miss Caroline Horton/ From/ D.B. Ward, with/ regards./ May 31st 1912". With frontispiece portrait with tissue guard.
Original tan printed wrappers. Bound with string. Front wrapper with a minor crease. Back wrapper with some light dampstaining. Wrapper edges a bit wrinkled. Internally an about fine copy.
"Written 58 years after the fact, this work recounts D.B. Ward’s journey to the Willamette Valley from Arkansas via Bent’s Fort and the Upper Platte at the age of 15." (Washington Secretary of State).
"Privately printed in a few copies for the immediate family and intimate friends. The narrative is one of especial interest because of the route traversed, the hardships and perils encountered and for its rich lore of the buffalo, the ox-team and the canvas-covered wagon a-creak on the long trail. The Ward party set out in March of 1853 from Arkansas, crossed through the Indian Territory, and journeyed by way of the Santa Fe trail to Bents Fort, the Spanish Peaks and the present site of Denver. Pushing northward they struck the main overland trail at the North Platte, which they travelled to Green River, and thence by way of the old Oregon Trail to the Dalles, which they finally reached in October." (Eberstadt).
Ward inscribes this copy to Caroline E. Horton, daughter of Dexter Horton. Dexter Horton was an early settler, merchant and the founder of the first bank in the city of Seattle.
Eberstadt no. II-843. Howes W94. Streeter 3216.
HBS 69736.
$2,250.
Price: $2,250.00
Item #69736