Farnham's Travels in the Great Western Prairies, etc., part 1, May 21-October 16, 1839

Chapter 5: PREFACE BY THE FIRST EDITOR

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Adventure History - American Travel Writing

About This Book

A travel narrative recounts a party led by a young lawyer from Illinois as they attempt to reach the Columbia River, choosing an arduous southern route that provokes thirst, hunger, desertions, and conflicts. The account blends vivid landscape description with practical detail about forts, mountain men, and mission stations, and records negotiations with indigenous guides. The author alternates enthusiasm for the fertile valleys with later misgivings, helps promote a petition requesting American protection for settlers, and ultimately departs westward by sea toward Pacific islands and California.

PREFACE BY THE FIRST EDITOR

This authentic account of the Great Western Prairies and Oregon Territory supplies a deficiency which has been felt for a long time. The author, by his own personal observations, has been enabled to furnish a very interesting narrative of travel; and whether he treats of the Prairies, or of the Oregon region, the various incidents related by him cannot fail to give entertainment and instruction.

With respect to the Introduction, in which the Author asserts the claims of the United States to the Oregon Territory little need be said here: the subject will no doubt receive the full consideration of the Governments interested in the decision of the question.

London, 1843.