Early Report of Northwest Explorations and Economic Potential

"[Pacific Northwest] Exploration of the Northwest Coast...the Establishment of a Military Post at the Mouth of the Columbia River, and the Expediency of Providing for the More Perfect Exploring of the Northwest Coast of America...", U.S. Government

This congressional report by Francis Baylies concerns the establishment of a military post in the Pacific Northwest as a first step toward settlement. The report touts the climate, natural resources, strategic location, and an Indian population that is "harmless, stupid, imbecile, good tempered, and unsuspecting." The committee recommended 500 troops for several posts in the region and that "for the complete defence of the Columbia, nothing will be necessary, but a few cannon placed in a stockaded fort, which can be erected at small expense." 26 pages, disbound.

References: Howes #B-263.

Condition: B

Moderate toning and foxing.