1823 ANN H. JUDSON. True First Edition of Adoniram Judson and American Baptist Mission to the Burman Empire.

A very scarce true first American edition of Ann Hasseltine Judson’s history of Adoniram Judson's work in Burmah, one of the very first book-length mission histories written by an American woman. Written while Judson was on furlough in the United States recovering from illness, these compiled letters addressed to British MP Joseph Butterworth provided Western readers with firsthand observations of 19th-century Burmese culture, language, society, and religious traditions under the Konbaung Dynasty. Beyond its narrative impact in spurring the foreign mission movement across America and England, the book stands as an early landmark in American women’s travel literature, autobiography, and institutional history, cementing Judson's legacy as a formidable writer and pioneer in foreign relations.

The American imprint issued in Washington City is exceptionally rare and desirable. While London editions under the title "An Account of the American Baptist Mission..." were released concurrently by Butterworth & Son, the Washington edition was printed directly by John S. Meehan at the Mission Press. Meehan, who would later become the Librarian of Congress, operated a notable press that produced extremely limited runs primarily intended for institutional Baptist circulation and regional patrons. Consequently, surviving complete copies in the original 315-page format printed by Meehan are scarce on the antiquarian market, with most institutional holdings preserving either the British edition or later reprints.

Not a single example in the auction history we can locate. 

Judson, Ann Hasseltine. A Particular Relation of the American Baptist Mission to the Burman Empire. In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Joseph Butterworth, Esq. Washington City. Printed and Published by John S. Meehan at the Mission Press. 1823. 315pp.

Good - only in original paper covered boards, spine overlaid with linen book tape, though likely retaining the original label. Pastedown label from the Haverhill Public Library. Blind stamp of the same on the title. Contents a bit tender at prelims, some general foxing and handling, but remarkably well preserved textually on the whole. Both interior hinges awkwardly repaired with book tape. Lacks the original map, which could easily be replaced in facsimile. Worth investing in some restoration.