Letters from the British settlement in Pennsylvania. To which are added, the constitutions of the United States, and of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia: Published by H. Hall, 1819. 16mo. (xii), 25-192 pp. FIRST EDITION. With a fantastic copy of the folding map. Original boards, spine frayed but with the original spine label. A beautiful uncut, unsophisticated copy. Item #16485
First edition of this work produced by the British Emigrant Society of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The Society takes issue with Mr. Birkbeck and his settlement on the “fever prairies” of Illinois. It also discourages any trans-Allegheny colonies. The fold-out map illustrates the roads leading to the town of Britania in the British settlement, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
The British Emigrant Society was created to “secure an eligible situation for their countrymen; and by obtaining a large tract of land, to enable them to settle together, and, at the same time, to procure the land at a low price.” The book describes all aspects of the settlement and, much as a promotional document, attempts to convince people to set down roots in an area without state taxes, with jobs, natural beauty, etc., etc. Further comparisons of the Settlement with “western” (read Illinois) territories (with their bad climate, pricey land, contempt of religion, unhealthiness, and lawyers) caps the arguments in favor of Pennsylvania.
Little is known about the author. Johnson (1788?-1835) was an English physician who had apparently moved to Broome County, New York.
Howes, J128; Sabin, 36198.
Price: $1,500.00