VAN-BRAAM HOUCKGEEST (A.-E.). Voyage de l'ambassade de la Compagnie des Indes orientales hollandaises, vers l'empereur de la Chine, en 1794 et 1795... Paris, Garnery, year VI- (1798). 2 vol. in-8 (196 x123 mm), green shagreened calf, smooth spines decorated with repeated gilt rosettes, cherry calf title-pages, gilt fillets on covers (Period bindings). Second French edition of the journal of André-Everard Van-Braam Houckgeest, former director of the Compagnie des Indes. Houckgeest lived for six years in Macao and Canton before moving to the United States in 1783, inspired by the Declaration of Independence. He grew rich growing and trading rice. In 1794, the Compagnie des Indes sent him to QuienLong to try and conclude a trade treaty with China. The Diary covers his journey from Canton to Peking "crossing parts of China where no European has ever set foot" and his reception in the Forbidden City. A very fine copy.