The American Cruiser's Own Book

Billings New York: Richard Marsh, 1852. Later printing (copyright date is 1846). Hardcover. vi, 7-384 pages. Bookseller's stamp inside front cover. Cover worn, soiled and frayed. Some page foxing and soiling noted. Somewhat shaken. Frontis illustration and title page illustration. Includes 38 chapters, as well as an introduction and a conclusion. The Author was personally connected with many of the scenes that are described in this book, and therefore can answer for their veracity. The American Cruiser's Own Book. An early and rare bit of Americana. It was written by American naval captain George Little based on his own experiences aboard a privateer during the War of 1812. Captain Little also includes details of his eventual capture by the British and his time spent in Dartmoor Prison. A fascinating read. Much history here, with engravings by Billings embellishing an already colorful text. Chapter headings include: "Excitement in New-York in 1812," "The Two Seamen enter on Board the Privateer, for the Cruise," "Morning Duty, Preparations for Sea, Stations, etc.," "Descriptions of the Officers, the Force of the Cruiser, the Chase," "Chase Engagement, Capture of a British Brig," "Portuguese Brig, and Prisoners Released," "Disaffection of the Crew," "Capture of a British Brig in a Fog, with the Boats," "The Doom of the Cruiser," "Descriptions of Dartmoor Prison," "The Massacre, Boatswain's Leg Shot Off," et al. Little is know about this author/officer who may to have been born in 1791 and thus went to sea at a relatively early age. The illustrator is believed to be Charles Howland Hammatt Billings (1818–1874) was an artist and architect from Boston, Massachusetts. Among his works are the original illustrations for Uncle Tom's Cabin (both the initial printing and an expanded 1853 edition), the National Monument to the Forefathers, the Civil War monument in Concord, Mass., and the 19th-century granite canopy for the Plymouth Rock memorial. He was the artist of one of the well-noted portrayals of the Battle of Lexington. Condition: Fair.

Keywords: War of 1812, Privateer, Cruiser, Seaman, Schooner, Brig, Letter of Marque, Naval Operations, Prisoners, Dartmoor, Naval Officers

[Book #80805]

Price: $175.00

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