387. [AMERICANA] - BOSSU (Jean-Bernard). Nouveaux voyages aux Indes occidentales, contenant une relation des différens peuples qui habitent les environs du grand fleuve Saint-Louis, appelé vulgairement le Mississipi ; leur religion ; leur gouvernement ; leurs moeurs ; leurs guerres & leur commerce. Paris, Le Jay, 1768, 2 vol. in-12, XX-244-[4]-264 pp. with two frontispieces and 2 plates engraved by Beurlier after Saint-Aubin, tortoiseshell calf, ornate smooth spine, double gilt fillet framing the boards, pebbled edges (period binding). Uncommon first edition of this account of the state of Louisiana. Jean-Bernard Bossu (1720-1792) joined the Régiment de la Dauphine, became a lieutenant and was admitted to the Marine Corps in 1748. He was garrisoned at Belle-Isle when he was sent to Louisiana on the recommendation of the Marquis de Vaudreuil. A fine copy.