MEMOIRES DES COMMISSAIRES DU ROI... SUR LES POSSESSIONS... EN AMERIQUE, PARIS, 1755-57, 4 VOLUMES, ARMORIAL CALF

4 volumes, 4to (252 x 187mm.), woodcut head- and tailpieces, volume 1: folding engraved map of eastern North America, volume 4: folding map of the whole of North America, contemporary mottled calf gilt with arms of the duke of Sutherland on upper covers, spine gilt in compartments with fleurs-de-lys and crowned L monogram, red morocco lettering-pieces, red speckled edges, Hh1 in vol. 3 torn without loss, joints repaired, extremities slightly rubbed

Marquis of Stafford, armorial bookplate; George Granville Leveson-Gower (1758-1833), first duke of Sutherland (and marquess of Stafford), arms on binding (stamp 4). He was briefly ambassador to France at the start of the Revolution, though better known for the Highland Clearances.

Sabin 47547

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."

At the time of publication of this collection of treaties and reports, Great Britain and France were involved in disputes over territory in northeast America, including Acadia (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) which was first colonised by the French until the takeover by the British in the early eighteenth century. The treatises also cover St Lucia and Tobago, which regularly changed hands between the French and the British. The issues were finally resolved in 1763, at the termination of the Seven Years' War, at which point the British took possession of all the disputed territory. This work was reprinted in Amsterdam the same year and reissued in a smaller format in Paris in 1756. For the English edition of just the second part relating to St Lucia.