Wilson, William, editor.

first edition, 4to (296 x 234mm.), presentation copy, inscribed by rev. thomas haweis to captain james wilson, together with a letter to wilson from haweis bound in (see footnote), 6 engraved plates and 7 maps and charts (5 folding), contemporary tree calf gilt, spine gilt, some offsetting and spotting, neatly rebacked, corners rubbed

Captain James Wilson, presentation inscription and letter from the Rev. Thomas Haweis (1734-1820)

Ferguson 301; Hill, p.184; Borba de Moraes, p.943; Sabin 49480

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

an important association copy. the copy presented to captain james wilson, the commander of the voyage, by the rev. thomas haweis, co-founder of the london missionary society and sponsor of the voyage. The purpose of the voyage was to establish a mission at Tahiti. The Duff was the first missionary vessel to sail across the Pacific Ocean and after 208 days, reached Tahiti where a settlement of 25 people was established. Although they were befriended by King Pomare I, the missionaries met with numerous difficulties on the island, including civil war and were finally forced to flee to Australia. The authors were William Wilson and James Morrison (a reprieved Bounty mutineer) who compiled this account from their own papers and those of Captain James Wilson and includes valuable details about Tahiti, the Fiji Islands, Tonga, and the Marquesas as well as accounts of their discovery of other islands. There were two simultaneous and identical printings of the work, the present issue and the other printed for Chapman by T. Gillet; the list of subscribers in each is completely different.