Weld, an Irish-born topographer, arrived to Philadelphia in 1795, and his subsequent travels took him through the mid-Atlantic states where he met George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He then continued to Montreal and Quebec and, following the St. Lawrence River, journeyed to the lakes of Kingston, Niagara and Detroit. His description of the country and its settlements are often unflattering, but provide a fascinating early view of the emerging nation. This is the fourth English edition of Weld's work, printed for John Stockdale. This two-volume edition includes sixteen plates and the following five folding maps/plans:

A. Part of the United States of North America (18.3 x 16.2"). This map of the young United States is filled with great information on early development including roads and settlements. The map covers from the Province of Main through North Carolina with a large inset of South Carolina and Georgia. West of the states are the Western Territory and Kentucky. The villages of "Christian Indians" are located by numerous large icons. Condition: Very light offsetting with a couple of small stains and a tiny binding tear at right. (B+)

B. Plan of the City of Washington (8.5 x 6.6"). Condition: Light offsetting and scattered foxing that is more prominent in the blank margins. (B)

C. A New Map of Upper & Lower Canada (9 x 6.8"). Condition: Light offsetting and foxing with a couple of stains. (B)

D. A Plan of the City of Quebec (9.4 x 6.8"). Condition: Light offsetting with moderate foxing. (B)

E. An Eye Sketch of the Falls of Niagara (8.9 x 6.5"). Condition: Light offsetting with moderate foxing. (B)

Plates include an American Stage Wagon, a Canadian Calash, and views of Mount Vernon, Hudson River, Niagara Falls, Cohoes Falls, Cape Diamond, and Natural Bridge, Virginia. Octavo, 427 pp., 376 pp. Full leather and red leather title label on spine with gilt title and embossed bands.

References: Howes #W235; McCorkle #798.5; Sabin #102541.

Condition: B

Condition of maps is described above. Text is lightly toned with scattered foxing. The plates also have light toning with light to moderate foxing. The pastedowns and free-endpapers are stained at the edges. The hinges of volume I have been professionally reinforced. The covers show light wear with bumped corners and a few small abrasions. The spines are cracking. Title page of Vol. I has signature of previous owner.