DEFENSE OF CHURCH MISSIONS IN CALIFORNIA, 1845 FIRST EDITION—THE STREETER COPY

(CALIFORNIA) RODRIGUEZ DE SAN MIGUEL, Juan. Rectificación de Graves Equivocaciones en que Inciden los Señores Terceros Poseedores de Bienes del Fondo Piadoso de Californias, con Respecto al Reverendo Obispo y a su Apoderado. México: Imprenta de Lara, 1845. Octavo, saddle stitched as issued, early plain paper wrappers; pp. 16. $2800.

First edition of this pamphlet, “another defense of the Pious Fund, on behalf of the church” (Streeter). From the renowned Americana collection of Thomas W. Streeter, with his booklabel.

“In 1843 Ramirez was the representative of Garcia Diego, Bishop of California. He was succeeded by Rodriguez de San Miguel as apoderado in 1843” (Streeter). In 1842 the Mexican government of Santa Anna issued laws that began to starve the Pious Fund, which had been established to administer the missions in Upper and Lower California. Rodriguez de San Miguel was one of the “apoderados” of the Fund, and issued other pamphlets in 1845 documenting the urgent need for monies to keep the Fund going. Text in Spanish. Sabin 72543. Cowan, 492. Streeter 2506 (this copy). Booklabel of renowned Americana collector Thomas W. Streeter affixed to rear wrapper; signed bookplate of esteemed Americana collector Bruce McKinney laid in.

Fine condition. A superb copy with distinguished provenance.