A Narrative of The Briton's Voyage to Pitcairn's Island.

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

Taunton: Printed for the Author by J.W. Marriott 1817. 8vo. Orig. plain paper boards re-spined and with paper titling-label. (iv iv 180 vi pp.). Complete with the 16 etchings instead of the 18 as mentioned on the title-page (see Ferguson 696) as well as the final 3 leaves being (1) Names of Officers ...; (2) Errata leaf; and (3) Announcement leaf. Uncut. Fine crisp copy. The very rare First Edition privately published by the Author in only a handful of copies; subsequently reprinted into the second and third printings. NOTE: A very interesting narrative including some curious details regarding the Mutiny of the Bounty and the meeting with the Mutiny survivor John Adams when the ship called at Pitcairn Island; also giving certain information regarding Capt. David Porter of the U.S.S. Essex and his proceedings in the Marquesas. Pages 8-19 relate to the Briton's visit to Brazil particularly Rio de Janeiro. From Brazil the vessel was ordered into the Pacific to search for the American frigate Essex then threatening the British whalers in those waters. Various places on the coast of Chile and Peru were visited and likewise the Galapagos Islands. The writer excuses certain predatory practices on the part of the ladies of Payta in regard to the ship's silver by saying that Anson years before had done the same thing to the property of their ancestors!