An Account of Six Years Residence in Hudson's-Bay, From 1733 to 1736, and 1744 to 1747

First Edition. hardcover. Containing a Variety of Facts, Observations, and Discoveries, tending to shew, I. The vast Importance of the Countries about Hudson's-Bay to Great Britain, on Account of the extensive Improvements that many be made there in many beneficial Articles of Commerce, particularly in the Furs and in the Whale and Seal Fisheries. And, II. The interested Views of the Hudson's bay Company; and the absolute Necessity of laying open the Trade, and making it the Object of National Encouragement, as the only Method of keeping it out of the Hands of the French. To which is added an appendix; containing, I. A short History of the Discovery of (truncated) Hudson's- bay; and of the Proceedings of the English there since the Grant of the Hudson's bay Charter... 3 folding maps. [2], vi, 84, 95pp. 8vo, contemporary calf; (hinges repaired and strengthened, edges of covers lightly worn, rubbing to spine). London: J. Payne and J. Bouquet, 1752. Internally a bright and tight copy. Joseph Robson was surveyor and supervisor of the buildings of the Hudson's Bay Company. "Robson was as yet the longest resident in the Bay to print his observations. With an intimate knowledge of the locality and of the personnel of the Company, he condemned its failure to promote fishing and mining enterprise, the exploration and settlement in the interior. Appendix I, p. 1-67 is based on the unpublished journal of Groseillers' expedition to the Bay in 1668-69 by his ship Captain Zachariah Gillam...and on Company papers." Staton and Tremaine, 217. The maps depict the Nelson and Hayes Rivers, the Plans of York and Prince of Wales Forts, and the Churchill River. Peel 12. Sabin 72259. Field 1312. Graff 3532. Streeter Sale VI, 3648. (Inventory #: 155847)