16
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(AMERICAN INDIANS—SENECA.) Seaver, James E.
A Narrative of the Life
of Mrs. Mary Jemison, who was Taken by the Indians.
[2], 189 pages. 16mo, original
calf-backed boards, moderate wear, some paper loss to boards; foxing, tears to a few leaves;
original gift inscriptions on front free endpaper and flyleaf.
Canandaigua, NY, 1824
[1,500/2,500]
FIRST EDITION
of the classic captivity narrative; issue with separate copyright leaf after title
page. Mary Jemison (1743-1833) settled in the western Pennsylvania wilderness in 1755,
where she was captured and her entire family killed. She was raised among the Senecas and
remained a member for the rest of her long life. Known colloquially as the White Woman of
the Genesee, she resided in western New York, often playing an important role in Seneca rela-
tions with the English-speaking world. Her story, as told to a Genesee County physician, has
been through dozens of editions. Ayer, Captivity Narratives 248; Howes S263 (“b”); Streeter
sale II:905.
17
●
(AMERICAN INDIANS—SENECA.) Seaver, James E.
A Narrative of the Life
of Mrs. Mary Jemison, who was Taken by the Indians.
12mo, later full morocco gilt,
minor wear; moderate foxing and soiling; uncut; Frank C. Deering book label and later
bookplate on front pastedown, 1828 English family register on rear flyleaf.
Howden, England, 1826
[250/350]
Second edition. Ayer, Captivity Narratives 249; Church 1334; Field 1381; Sabin 78678
(calling this the first edition).
16
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