An Historical Narrative and Topographical Description of Louisiana, and West-Florida, comprehending.... Philadelphia: Printed for the Author, and sold by Robert Aitken, 1784.
iv, 94, [1] pp. Table of Distances present. 8vo (192 x 112 mm). Period boards rebacked to style. Minor even browning. Upper cover with small fore-edge chip, some staining to boards.

FIRST EDITION, FROM THE FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF THE FIRST AND ONLY OFFICIAL "GEOGRAPHER OF THE UNITED STATES." Hutchins served as a British officer during the French & Indian Wars, but resigned his commission during the American Revolution. He was appointed "Geographer of the United States" at the end of the War in 1781. The present description covers the region between West Florida and New Orleans, in particular the principal rivers, the Mississippi and Alabama, Mobile Bay, Pensacola, Rose Island, St. Andrew's Bay, Cape St. George's, the Acadian settlements, the town and fort of New Orleans (with observations on its prospects as a great port city) and the territory north of New Orleans to Natchez and the mouth of the Arkansas River. Hutchins was an early and vocal proponent for the American annexation of West Florida and Louisiana which were then controlled by Spain. Evans 18532; Hildeburn 4493; Howes H845; Sabin 34056; Servies 608; Streeter sale 1521; Vail 705.
Acquisition: purchased from George S. MacManus Co., 1993, $2,475.