Lot 64

Mortimer, Lieut. George.

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Observations and Remarks made during a Voyage to the Islands of Teneriffe, Amsterdam, Maria's Islands near Van Diemen's Land; Otaheite, Sandwich Islands; Owhyhee, the Fox Islands on the North West Coast of America, Tinian, and from thence to Canton, in the Brig Mercury, commanded by John Henry Cox. London: Printed for the author, 1791

first edition, 4to (320 x 255mm.), 4pp. list of subscribers (with contemporary manuscript additions to the list of names), 2 engraved maps, and one plate, original marble-papered boards, uncut, tear in margin of E2, boards worn and detached

Literature

Ferguson 110; Hill p.206; Sabin 50985; BCJC 253; Howes M845

Catalogue Note

rare. 'This voyage was apparently a private enterprise, undertaken "from motives of curiosity" and for reaping some benefit from the fur trade on the northwest coast of America. There is some indication that the expedition was also undertaken with the permission of the Admiralty to conduct some secret British investigations in the Pacific. There are references to Captain Cook and Captain Bligh. [Bligh had apparently left Tahiti about 15 days before Mortimer's arrival there and Mortimer recounts what the natives had to say about the visits by Bligh and Fletcher Christian]. There is an extremely interesting relation of the Russian establishment at Unalaska and an account of the collecting of sealskins and oil on Amsterdam Island.' (Hill)

The names added in manuscript to the list of subscribers are Right Hon. the Lord Dover, Sir J. Honeywood Bart., Lady Honeywood and Lieut. Gen. H. Smith.