Williamson, Peter | "the most popular of all Indian captivities"

Williamson, Peter

French and Indian Cruelty; Exemplified in the Life and Various Vicissitudes of Fortune, of Peter Williamson, a Disbanded Soldier. Glasgow: printed by J. Bryce and D. Paterson, for the benefit of the unfortunate author, 1758

8vo (180 x 105 mm). Unobtrusive worming to upper margin, faint browning. Early half calf and marbled boards, spine with raised bands in six compartments, edges speckled red; extremities rubbed with some loss, particularly to spine, joints weak, annotations to front endpapers. In a chemise and half blue morocco slipcase. 

Third edition, "with considerable improvements" (title-page). One of the earliest obtainable editions, with the first existing in only a few copies. 

This extraordinary story commences with the abduction of Williamson in Aberdeen and his transportation to Pennsylvania where he was sold into slavery, "a victim of a barbarous traffic which then disgraced Aberdeen" (DNB). He later obtained his freedom and established a plantation from which he was abducted by Indians. Escaping, he enlisted with the military and gives accounts of engagements in the French and Indian Wars. On his return to Scotland and the publication of the present work, Williamson was convicted by the Aberdeen judiciary of a scurrilous libel on the corporation of Aberdeen, but obtained redress through the Court of Session. Williamson then settled to a quieter life in Edinburgh, combining the pleasant occupations of bookseller and publican.

Scarce.

PROVENANCE

William Lee Antonie, Esq. (armorial bookplates)

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 33; Ayer 317; ESTC T94620; Howes W500; Sabin 104469; Struggle for North America 40; Vail, Old Frontier 526A