Well-illustrated first-hand relation of Western travel. "Heap's letters were printed in the National Intelligencer (Washington, D.C.) November 26, 29, December 1, 3, 6, 8 and 13, 1853, and comprise the entire text of this book... They were probably submitted by Senator Benton..." Graff notes that "Some of the areas explored are here described for the first time." This copy without the map, which Howes says was "not inserted in all copies." Cowan p.273; Graff 1837; Howes H378; Sabin 31175; Wagner-Camp 235.