The Singular Adventures and Captivity of Thos. Barry, among the Monsipi Indians, in the Unexplored Regions of North America
- Frontispiece in facsimile. [iii]-vii, [1], [9]-62pp. Lacks half-title. 12mo
- Sommers-Town [London]: Printed and Published by A. Neil, 1802
Sommers-Town [London]: Printed and Published by A. Neil, 1802. Second edition. Frontispiece in facsimile. [iii]-vii, [1], [9]-62pp. Lacks half-title. 12mo. Later half red morocco and marbled paper covered boards. Provenance: George Walker Cole (inscription on front endpaper). Second edition. Frontispiece in facsimile. [iii]-vii, [1], [9]-62pp. Lacks half-title. 12mo. The rare second edition of this engaging, though likely ficticious, narrative and Indian captivity, following the first edition published in Sommers Town, England in 1800. Thomas Barry, originally of Waterford, Ireland, emigrated to Charleston, South Carolina on May 20, 1790 with intentions of joining his uncle in mercantile ventures. Here he provides a glowing description of the bustling city, including estates on the banks of the Ashley and Cooper rivers. He passed the next six years in prosperity and enjoyed his developing relationship with Ms. Eliza Wilson. But Barry's situation took a tragic turn.
His uncle decided to engage the Canadian Wiandots in trade, and he planned on sending a shipment of arms, ammunition, tobacco, and blankets to them in exchange for large quantities of furs. On April 4, 1797, Barry joined a party of twenty young men bound for Canada. Several days after their departure Barry was surprised by a roving band of braves. He was clubbed senseless and taken into their custody. Preparations were made to burn him alive, but the intervention of a young squaw named Oneida saved him, and he was delivered into her care. Oneida nursed Barry back to health, and she taught him their language. A few months passed, and eventually Barry and Oneida married, though Barry was tormented with his memory of Eliza. Barry entreated Oneida to return with him to Charleston, which she did, though upon their arrival they found Eliza dying of grief. After a final interview with the forsaken girl, Oneida and Barry removed to London where they remained.
Of the narrative, Howes writes: "Unquestionably questionable." Nevertheless, very scarce on the market, with OCLC locating 7 copies of this edition. Howes B193; Ayer 21; Eberstadt 122:016; Church 1288; cf. Sabin 3690
His uncle decided to engage the Canadian Wiandots in trade, and he planned on sending a shipment of arms, ammunition, tobacco, and blankets to them in exchange for large quantities of furs. On April 4, 1797, Barry joined a party of twenty young men bound for Canada. Several days after their departure Barry was surprised by a roving band of braves. He was clubbed senseless and taken into their custody. Preparations were made to burn him alive, but the intervention of a young squaw named Oneida saved him, and he was delivered into her care. Oneida nursed Barry back to health, and she taught him their language. A few months passed, and eventually Barry and Oneida married, though Barry was tormented with his memory of Eliza. Barry entreated Oneida to return with him to Charleston, which she did, though upon their arrival they found Eliza dying of grief. After a final interview with the forsaken girl, Oneida and Barry removed to London where they remained.
Of the narrative, Howes writes: "Unquestionably questionable." Nevertheless, very scarce on the market, with OCLC locating 7 copies of this edition. Howes B193; Ayer 21; Eberstadt 122:016; Church 1288; cf. Sabin 3690