A Narrative of the Captivity and Sufferings of Benjamin Gilbert and His Family…

Pamphlet, 8vo, paper wrappers, 38 pp. Some wear and chips to wrappers, and edges, normal aging and toning; otherwise very good.A classic Indian captivity first published in Philadelphia in 1784; there were several later editions, the last in 1904. Gilbert and his family were captured on April 25, 1780, and taken all the way to Canada. A party of eleven Seneca Indians, who invaded the Pennsylvania frontier where the Gilbert homestead was located, took them. But not before their homes were plundered and torched. They did not return until September 1782. The Gilberts were a very well known family, especially among the Quakers of eastern Pennsylvania, and their captivity attracted wide attention. The narrative is based on an account given verbally by Gilbert to Walton. Sabin 27348, Field 608, Streeter III 1655. Church 1203. Ayer 303.