Bonhams 1793 : [GREAT LAKES.] A Discovery of a Large, Rich, and Plentiful Country in the North America; extending above 4000 leagues. Wherein, By a very short Passage, lately found out, thro' the Mer-Barmejo into the South-Sea; by which a considerable Trade might be carry'd on, as well in the Northern as the Southern Parts of America. London: W. Boreham, [1720].

A Discovery of a Large, Rich, and Plentiful Country in the North America; extending above 4000 leagues. Wherein, By a very short Passage, lately found out, thro' the Mer-Barmejo into the South-Sea; by which a considerable Trade might be carry'd on, as well in the Northern as the Southern Parts of America. London: W. Boreham, [1720].
[4], 24, 17-22 pp. Woodcut head- and tail-pieces. 8vo (183 x 103 mm). Modern full calf gilt by Root & Son. Erasures to endpapers and head of title, inkstamp effaced from preface leaf, spine rubbed.

RARE PROMOTIONAL PAMPHLET FOR THE SOUTH SEA COMPANY RELATING TO THE GREAT LAKES. This account is partially based on Hennepin, but also includes "important contemporary accounts of LaMothe, Cadillac, the founder of Detroit, La Salle, and Tonti, as well as interesting descriptions of the Indians" (Lande). The pamphlet suggests the existence of a passage from the Great Lakes to the Pacific. An early hand has written in the preface, "one bubble more." Only one auction record appears for the last 30 years. Lande S654; Howes D348 ("b"); Sabin 20247.
Acquisition: purchased from William Reese Company, 2001, $6,000.

Sold for US$ 9,150 inc. premium