Sketches of Border Adventures, in the Life and Times of Major Moses Van Campen, A surviving Soldier of the revolution. By his Grandson John N. Hubbard

Large 12mo, original blind-stamped brown cloth with gilt lettering and Indian vignette stamped in gilt on the spine, vi, [7]-310 pp. Spine and edges of covers faded, some minor wear at edges, leather book label and bookseller catalog entry on front endpaper and pastedown, foxing throughout; otherwise a very nice copy. This is the first issue of the third of three editions published in 1841 and 1842. Van Campen’s own brief narrative was published in Hartford in 1780 and New London in 1784, but both these works are extremely rare. Lieutenant Moses Van Campen was a militia officer from Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. In 1775, during a dispute between Connecticut and Wyoming, he took part in Plunket’s expedition into the Wyoming Valley. In 1777 he joined the Revolutionary forces, and in 1780 the fort he built at Fishing Creek was attacked, but the settlers in the area were to retreat safely to the fort. However, the Van Campen family lost their home, and when they tried to return to their home site, they were attacked again, and his father and brother were killed and he and four others were captured. They escaped by killing nine of ten Indian guards, and made their way home. This copy is accompanied by a one page autograph manuscript letter signed by Moses Van Campen, and dated, Canajocharry May 2, 1785. The letter is to a Mr. Steward in New York appealing to him to inform him of an outstanding debt relating to some real estate. Howes H752. Sabin 33436. Field 729. Vail 712. Ayer 139. Streeter 814 (1841 edition).