Lot 2083: MEARES, JOHN. 1756?-1809.

Voyages de la Chine à la côte nord-ouest d'Amérique, faits dans les années 1788 et 1789. Paris: F. Buisson, An 3e [1794/5]. 3 volumes + atlas. 8vo (196 x 116 mm) and 4to (277 x 205 mm). xxiv, 391; [4], 386; [4], 371, [1] pp. Half-titles. Atlas: title, list of plates, and 28 engraved views, maps, plans, and portraits. Period speckled calf, spines elaborately gilt, atlas bound in differing design. Rubbing to spine of atlas, some wear to fore-edge of same, a fine copy overall. FIRST FRENCH EDITION. Meares' pioneering voyages to the Northwest coast provided the basis for Britain's claims to Oregon. The treaty which followed the seizure of Meares' ships in Nootka Sound required Spain's forfeiture of claims to territory north of California. Graff 2735; Howes M469; Sabin 47262. Cf. Hill p 195-96.