Wilson, Robert

Estimate

1,500 - 2,500 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

The Travels of that well-known Pedestrian, Robert Wilson... containing his remarkable adventures, his extraordinary sufferings, and wonderful escapes. London: Printed for the Author, 1807
paper

FIRST EDITION, 12mo (176 x 98mm.), viii, [xx (contents and list of subscribers)], 244pp., 4 engraved plates, half calf over contemporary brown paper boards (rebacked with Beckford's cross-patté and cinquefoil in compartments, and the original black labels, and recornered), occasional spotting, boards slightly rubbed

Provenance

William Beckford, his notes on a preliminary leaf

Literature

Howes W534; Sabin 104680; not in Streeter

Catalogue Note

RARE. THE BECKFORD COPY, with one page of his notes in pencil.

In 1779 Wilson sailed with the British in the Florida campaign against the Spaniards. From thence, he proceeded to Alabama, where his vessel was captured by the Spaniards. After experiencing some difficult times ashore, he made his way to Mobile, and Tensaw, where he enlisted in the army and journeyed with the troops to Pensacola. He was sent as a message-bearer back to Mobile where he had numerous adventures among the Spaniards and Indians, finally escaping to Natchez, and later to Savannah, where he spent a considerable time among the Creek Indians. Late in 1780 he made his way to Charleston and finally as a captive to Yorktown, Virginia, where he was an eyewitness of the capitulation.