"EXTREMELY VALUABLE FOR ITS ACCOUNT OF INDIAN LIFE": BENJAMIN GILBERT'S 1785 CAPTIVITY ACCOUNT

(GILBERT, Benjamin). [WALTON, William]. A Narrative of the Captivity and Sufferings of Benjamin Gilbert and his Family, Who Were Surprised by the Indians, and Taken from Their Farms, on the Frontiers of Pennsylvania, in the Spring, 1780. London: James Phillips, 1785. Small 12mo, early 20th-century three-quarter brown morocco gilt, spine gilt-decorated with black floral morocco onlays, marbled boards and endpapers, top edge gilt. $3000.

First English edition of this important and interesting captivity account, published just one year after the first edition was issued in Philadelphia.

Benjamin Gilbert was a Quaker farmer and miller seized with his entire family (along with a neighbor family, in all 15 persons) from their Pennsylvania homes April 25, 1780. They did not reach their homes again until September 28, 1782. "The Gilberts were a very well known family, especially among the Quakers of Eastern Pennsylvania, and their captivity attracted wide attention" (Church 1203). Although Gilbert died soon after being released from captivity, his brother-in-law William Walton was able to take down the present narrative, which includes accounts of the family's separation, the outfitting of the children in Indian clothes, and their general treatment during captivity. "Extremely valuable for its account of Indian life" (Vail 718). Sabin 27348. Howes W80. Field 607. Ayer 302. With 1937 typed letter from Philadelphia bookseller Charles Sessler laid in.

Small marginal tear to lower corner of D8, not affecting text. A fine copy. Scarce.