INDIAN CAPTIVITIES & MASSACRES One of the more significant phases of American history is the story of Caucasian contact—and conflict—with the Indian. The narratives of those who suffered capture and captivity often represent the first actual observations on the Indians in question; in general they are based on life among the tribe extending over a considerable period, and collectively they constitute a revealing chapter not always favorable—in our National history. The captives, "American prisoners of war" of an earlier day, were variously treated. Sometimes they were tortured, sometimes they lived with the Indians on terms of equality and refused escape when it offered. Often they were adopted into the tribe, where they had ample opportunity to learn the customs and habits of their captors. Occasionally captured children grew to maturity and were more Indian than white when they returned to the settlements. The massacres were not always committed by the Indians, the brutalities perpetrated on Custer, Whitman and Fetterman having more than their counterpart in those committed against Black Hawk, the Cheyenne and the Piegan Indians. And it must be remembered that the historical concept derived from such a body of literature as the present is bound to be prejudiced. Doubtless for most of the atrocities perpetrated by the native there was ample provocation. But the Indian had no press agent, nor indeed any press. So what we have here, with a few exceptions, is the white man's picture of the inhumanity of the red man, as the latter saw his empire, his home, and finally his very food fall prey to the march of civilization. The present is one of a projected series of catalogues on the Indian. The next part-now in process of preparation—will embrace narratives of Indian battles, campaigns and wars. ABERT'S NEW MEXICAN EXPEDITION IN WRAPPERS [1] ABERT (LT. J. W.). Report and Map of the Examination of New Mexico. Folding map and 24 plates. 132 pp., 8vo, original printed wrappers, uncut. Washington, 1848. 50.00 ORIGINAL EDITION. Wagner-Camp, No. 143. One of but two known copies in original wrappers, uncut. The narrative is a day-by-day journal of the expedition from Ft. Leavenworth to Santa Fe, and tour of inspection throughout New Mexico Territory immediately following its conquest by the U. S. forces. Abert met and tells of St. Vrain, Ruxton, Doniphan, Fink, and the Spanish captives of the Navajo. [2] . The Same, regular issue without wrappers. 1848 20.00 [3] ABNEY (A. H.). Life and Adventures of L. D. Lafferty; Being a True Biography of One of the Most Remarkable Men of the Great Southwest, from an Adventurous Boyhood in Arkansas, Through a Protracted Life of Unparalleled Sufferings and Hairbreadth Escapes Upon the Frontier of Texas; in which are given many interesting Incidents in the Early History of that Republic. Portrait and plates. 219 pp., 12mo, cloth. New York, [1875]. 35.00 Ayer, No. 1. A much sought narrative of early-day Texas from 1818 onward; history, exploration, Indian warfare and captivity, War for Independence, etc. [4] ADVENTURES of Hunters, and Narratives of Border Warfare and Indian Captivity. Plates. 12mo, cloth. Phila., 1855. 6.50 Ayer, No. 2. Captivities of the Johnson Boys; the Moore Family; Miss Gunn; Joshua Flechart and Joseph Logston. The hunting adventures recount exciting engagements with bison, bear, panther, etc. AN IMPORTANT EARLY COMPILATION [5] AFFECTING HISTORY of the Dreadful Distresses of Frederic Manheim's Family, to which are added, the Sufferings of John Corbly's Family. An encounter between a white man and two Savages. Adventures of Capt. Isaac Stewart. Deposition of Massey Harbeson. Adventures and Sufferings of Peter Wilkinson. Remarkable Adventures of Jackson Johonnott, etc. Copperplate engraving depicting LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA |