WITH EARLY MAPS OF THE CAROLINAS AND NORTHERN COLONIES

HUMPHREYS, David. An Historical Account of the Incorporated Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. London: Joseph Downing, 1730. Octavo, period-style full paneled calf, raised bands, red morocco spine label. $3800.

First edition of this report of missionary activity in North America, with two engraved folding maps by Herman Moll, one of the Carolinas and the other of New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

“This work— which every collector of American history should possess— is illustrated with two maps, one of Carolina, the other of New England, &c” (Allibone I:919). “The whole of this volume relates to the proceedings of the missionaries in different parts of North America, together with the state of religion there” (Rich, 44). It contains separate chapters on the education of slaves and relations with Native Americans, including accounts of uprisings against the English colonies: “In the Year 1715, the Indians adjoining to the [South Carolina] Colony, all round from the borders of Fort St. Augustino to Cape Fear, had formed a conspiracy to extirpate the white people. This war broke out the week before Easter… about 300 souls made their escape to Charlestown… some few families fell into their hands, who were barbarously tortured and murdered.” (97-98). The two folding maps by Herman Moll are dated 1730 and depict both the English and Indian settlements and towns in the regions. Moll is also known for his maps in Dampier’s Voyages (1698) and for his famous “Beaver Map,” formally titled “A New and Exact Map of the Dominions of the King of Great Britain on ye Continent of North America” (1715). Howes H795. Sabin 33801.

Title page rehinged; occasional faint dampstains and soiling to text. Small closed tears at center fold of each map. Period-style binding handsome and fine.