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Description

"...probably the most detailed map of the Ohio region up to that time" - Streeter

First Edition in French of Provost William Smith's An historical account of the expedition against the Ohio Indians, translated from the original English, after the very rare first edition published in Philadelphia by William Bradford in 1765.

A key work for the history of the Ohio Country, relating Colonel Bouquet's expedition to relieve Fort Pitt, and his subsequent entry via the Muskingum River, which let to the end of the Pontiac War.

This French language first edition includes a biographical sketch of Bouquet, added by the translator Dumas, which is not in the original English language editions. According to Thomas Field the biographical section "adds some very desirable information to our previous knowledge of the skillful officer and wise negotiator, whose last peaceful campaign was not excelled in military sagacity by his former bloody one."

The Maps

Thomas Streeter described the original Philadelphia edition of the Thomas Hutchins map as "probably the most detailed map of the Ohio region up to that time." The four maps and plans in the present first French edition have been reengraved from the English edition, with the large map divided and printed on two separate sheets here, as follows:

Carte du Cours de l'Ohio & du Muskingum. Représentant la Position des Villes Indiennes, par rapport à l'Armée du Colonel Bouquet, par Thomas Hutchins. Ingenieur Assistant.

Marche du Colonel Bouquet à travers le Pays des Indiens en 1764 par Thomas Hutchins. Ingenieur Assistant.

The two plates, originally after drawings by Benjamin West, are here reengraved and signed by "P. V. S." but retain the attribution to "B. West" as the artist.

Henry Bouquet

Bouquet had fought in America for eight years, gaining the respect of his Native American foes through the use of guerilla tactics during wilderness warfare. In 1765 he won the release of hostages from the Delaware and Shawnee, thus putting an end to the Indian attacks on the western frontier. Bouquet died of a fever in September 1765. William Smith prepared this account of his service from Bouquet's notes and journals.

This campaign gave Pontiac's conspiracy its death-blow - Howes.

The introduction described Bouquet's successful expedition of 1763, to relieve Fort Pitt from the siege of the Shawnees, Delaware, and other Indian tribes. Because of lack of men, he was unable to follow up his victory at Bushy Run, and depredations by the Indians continued. He was dispatched by General Gage in 1764, to force them to make treaties of peace, and to release their prisoners, in both of which aims he was successful - Sabin. 

An important Ohio Book, here complete with all the maps and plates and in a beautiful binding.

Condition Description
8vo. Beautifully bound to style in ¼ gilt calf over blue pastepaper (beautifully mottled) boards, raised bands, red leather lettering piece, cornered with vellum. 4 engraved folding maps after Hutchins and 2 engraved plates of scenes of Bouquet with Indians, after Benjamin West. xvi, 147, [10] pages. Complete. Minor to moderate water stain to the gutter and top margin of the last 10 or so leaves (plates and maps unaffected). Overall a very handsome copy in a fine French-style binding.
Reference
Echeverria & Wilkie 769/18. Howes S693. Sabin 84647. Field 1443. Vail, Voice of the Old Frontier 599.