A Description of Kentucky, in North America: To Which are Prefixed Miscellaneous Observations Respecting the United States
[London]: 1792.
First Edition. Hardcover. Near fine. 8vo, pp 121 + (3), index, with full page engraved map of Kentucky and explanation of the map on facing page inserted between pp 67 and 69. Attractively rebound in three quarter light brown calf with title in gilt on the spine. Minor insect damage to the upper corner of the first 6 leaves (no significant loss), otherwise an exceptionally nice copy. An early emigrant's guide, designed "to furnish in a small compass, and at trifling expence, such information, as would be most useful to those who have any thoughts of removing to America." Much of the information in the first part of the book ("Miscellaneous Observations") comes from Imlay's Topographical Description (1792) and Morse's American Geography (1792), but Streeter (1625) notes the work is important for the section on Kentucky in particular (pp 69-121), which "is about the first piece describing Kentucky from the point of view of the prospective emigrant." Much detailed information on geography, topography, and natural resources is included. Toulmin was a Unitarian minister who left England after facing harassment for his outspoken political and religious views. He met Thomas Jefferson and James Madison soon after arriving in the United States, and with their help was appointed President of Transylvania University in Lexington. He resigned in 1796 to become Secretary of State of Kentucky, and in 1804 Jefferson appointed him to a judgeship in the superior court of the Washington District of the Mississippi Territory. He "contributed much to the study of law in the United States [and] was the first person to record the formal law codes of Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama" (ANB). Sabin 96327; Evans 26268; Howes T-308.
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