Jefferys, Thomas (c. 1719-1771) The Natural and Civil History of the French Dominions in North and South America, Sir William Johnson's (c. 1715-1774) Copy.
London: for Thomas Jefferys, 1760.
First edition, folio, two parts in one volume; corrected issue with added pages in part one (*129-*138) containing information on the capture of Quebec received after the original publication; title pages printed in red and black, illustrated with eighteen folding maps and plans, as called for in the printer's directions to the binder; four maps with closed unrepaired tears resulting from careless unfolding; errata slip pasted onto page 80, in part two; ex libris Sir William Johnson, with his bookplate pasted inside the front board and signature on the title page; bound in full contemporary speckled calf, with a red lettering piece; unrepaired; the binding worn; flyleaves and final blank removed; corners bumped and rubbed, covers stained, leather at front joint cracked; endcaps chipped with loss, 13 3/4 x 8 1/2 in.
Sir William Johnson was an extraordinary character; born in Ireland, he emigrated to New York in 1738 to manage an estate owned by an uncle. Johnson made friends among the Mohawk Indians of the Six Nations of the Iroquois League, learning the language, and working with Iroquois leaders. He became an honorary sachem himself, known as Warraghiyagey: a man who undertakes great things. He served with distinction during the French and Indian War, serving as an important diplomat between European and Indian ruling bodies. He is also known to have fathered numerous children with European and Mohawk women. He had eight children with Joseph Brant's sister Molly.
Estimate $12,000-18,000
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