Lot 308: DU PONT, SAMUEL FRANCIS. 1803-1865. Extracts from the Private Journal-Letters of Captain S. F. Du Pont while in Command of the Cyane, during the War with Mexico, 1846-1848. Wilmington: Ferris Bros., 1885.

Extracts from the Private Journal-Letters of Captain S. F. Du Pont while in Command of the Cyane, during the War with Mexico, 1846-1848. Wilmington: Ferris Bros., 1885.
[4], 444 pp. Tipped-in 2 pp errata. 8vo (224 x 142 mm). Publisher's half morocco over marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt. Internally clean, spine somewhat faded, light shelfwear.

FIRST EDITION, PRIVATELY PRINTED by Captain Du Pont's widow and intended for distribution to his family. The volume offers a valuable account of the United States Naval operations in the Pacific and Gulf of California during the Mexican-American War. Du Pont, commanding the USS Cyane, transported Fremont and his battalion from Monterey to San Diego, participated in the taking of San Blas, seized La Paz, and burned the Mexican fleet at Guaymas. He later led the main line of ships in the occupation of Mazatlan, and participated in the rescue of American forces at Mission San Jose. Colton Storm speculates that fewer than 50 copies were printed. Graff 1184; Howes D588; Streeter sale 2991.
Acquisition: purchased from William Reese Company, 2001, $4,000.