MOREAU DE SAINT-MÉRY, DESCRIPTION DE LA PARTIE FRANÇAISE DE L'ISLE DE SAINT-DOMINGUE, PHILADELPHIA, 1797, 2 VOLS, CLOTH

2 volumes, 4to (258 x 197mm.), woodcut illustration on p.208 in volume I, folding engraved map with outline colour in volume I, folding letterpress table of distances in volume II, old brown cloth with new endleaves, old red morocco lettering-pieces, small paper flaw in Ggg1 of volume II, bindings rubbed

Edward Seymour Forster (1879-1950), Oriel College Oxford, bookplates; London Institution (closed in 1912), ink stamp on title-pages and at end

Sabin 50571

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Moreau de Saint-Méry (1750-1819) also wrote a companion volume on the Spanish part of Hispaniola (now Haiti). In the late eighteenth century Saint-Domingue was in the throes of a slave rebellion against the white French settlers, and in the list of subscribers there are numerous Saint-Domingue colonists listed as resident in Philadelphia, where they fled to escape probable slaughter. Moreau was in favour of slavery and was active politically in Paris during the rebellion on the side of the settlers. He settled in Philadelphia in around 1794, where he was the proprietor of a bookshop which acted as the focus of the community of exiles from both Saint-Domingue and the France of Robespierre.