Early Walla Walla Imprint: From New York to Portland, Oregon Via Straits of Magellan, with a History of the Voyage, Scenes, Places, Incidents and Notes of the Journey

Walla Walla, W. T.: Statesman Book and Job Printing Office, 1879. First Edition. Sewn printed wraps. Very Good+. 12mo (book measures 4 1/4" wide X 5 3/8" tall). Total of 80 pp. printed in 8-point font. Original tan printed wrappers, a variant binding that contrasts with the pink or blue copies we've seen or handled. Faint dampstain to the top fore-edge corner of first five leaves, not affecting text. The book was trimmed off-kilter, with the fore-edge showing a slightly serrated surface. In all, an attractive copy.

A surprisingly engaging account of a voyage by steamer (the Oregon), as indicated in the title, with little proselytizing by the good reverend. While Portland, OR remains the titular terminus of the voyage, he in fact lands in Walla Walla after heading up the Columbia on a couple other vessels, then by stage and narrow gauge train to Walla Walla.

En route to the Columbia, the Oregon stopped in Rio de Janeiro for coal, only to find the city quarantined due to a yellow fever outbreak. Near Terra del Fuego, McConkey presents a dismal view of Puntas and Sandy Point, where a penal mutiny occurred, ruining the town and its morale. Entering the Columbia -- to which the Hudson is compared "an insignificant stream" -- he writes, "Farewell Pacific! I cannot say that thou art peaceful." At the time, the Oregon was the largest steamer to cross the Columbia bar. Includes references to "grog shops" in Astoria (open on Sunday "and not a few"), negative remarks on Umatilla, and laudatory view of Walla Walla, then composed of "3,000 Walla Wallians," and, surprisingly, a comment that heralds the region's future: "Walla Walla grapes are unequalled."

In sum, a charming narrative presented in a slightly crude production with the desirable hallmarks of a territorial print shop. An uncommon Walla Walla imprint not found in GRAFF, HOWES, SOLIDAY, SMITH or STREETER.