America.- Mormons.- Aitken (W., of Ashton-under-Lyne) A Journey up the Mississippi River, from its Mouth to Nauvoo, the City of the Latter Day Saints, second edition, some spotting, lightly browned, [cf. first edition of 1845 in Flake 36 (listing only two copies); and Howes A92 ("b")], Ashton-under-Lyne, Printed by W.B. Micklethwaite, Old Cross, [?1845] bound with New York City.- Jervis (John B., Chief Engineer) Description of the Croton Aqueduct, first edition, ink manuscript library number to verso of title, some foxing or spotting, [Sabin 36071], New York, Slamm & Guion, 1842 and 7 other 19th century works, one relating to Canada and the others including English economic and legal matters, together 9 works in 1 vol., contemporary half calf, lacking backstrip, covers detached, corners worn, rubbed and scuffed, 8vo

⁂ Thomas Falconer's copy of the rare second edition of this account of travels in America in 1842. He was concerned about the fate of the English who had joined the Mormons, and the work includes a description of his meeting with Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement.

Provenance: Thomas Falconer (1805-1882), English jurist, explorer and member of the RGS and Geological Society of London. In 1840 Falconer emigrated to the Republic of Texas. On his arrival he obtained permission to accompany the Texan Santa Fe Expedition as an observer. His group was attacked by Indian on a number of occasions and he was taken prisoner by Mexicans. He was released at the demand of British Prime Minister Richard Pakenham. In 1850 he was appointed an arbitrator to decide the boundary between New Brunswick and Canada. He later returned to Britain and was appointed judge of Glamorganshire in December 1851, and died in Bath in 1882 (engraved armorial bookplate to front pastedown); Cardiff Free Library (engraved armorial bookplate with withdrawn stamp to front free endpaper).