The History of New South Wales, from its First Discovery to the Present Time…
The History of New South Wales, from its First Discovery to the Present Time…; comprising an accurate and interesting Description of that Vast and Remarkable Country; and of the Persons, Manners, and Customs, of the Natives…
Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Mackenzie and Dent, [1812].
Octavo, with an engraved folding map frontispiece and four other engraved plates; contemporary marbled sheep, old rebacking to style, spine with original red morocco label and Greek key rules in gilt.
Contemporary account of the Rum Rebellion court-martial
A very scarce book. This is the second of two issues (identified by having Paterson's name on the title-page, noting "maps" instead of "map", and omitting the date of publication).
A very scarce book. This is the second of two issues (identified by having Paterson's name on the title-page, noting "maps" instead of "map", and omitting the date of publication).
Paterson's "History", much of it sourced from Collins' First Fleet books as well as from Tuckey, Mann, and other authors, is effectively the introductory volume and preface to the Macquarie period since it tells the history of the colony up to and including Bligh's deposition. Published in 1811, it was able to include some of the latest news and reports of the infamous trial of Lieutenant-Colonel George Johnson for his part in the "Rum Rebellion", printed in a substantial appendix. The transcripts of Johnston's court-martial provide "the fullest, clearest, and best substantiated account of the present state of the colony of New South Wales" (p. 533). Johnston was serving in the New South Wales Corps when William Bligh was assigned to clear up the colony's rum trade. After Bligh's heavy-handedness had alienated the colonies' major political and economic parties, Johnston was persuaded in 1808 to take control as acting governor and to place Bligh under open arrest.
The colony's labyrinthine disputes soon proved too much for Johnston, and he swiftly resigned his position. The subsequent investigation stripped him of his commission and cost him upwards of £6,000.
Provenance: Charles Richmond John Glover (1870-1936; celebrated Australian collector, his sale 1970; with engraved bookplate). Glover served as first lord mayor of Adelaide and helped to develop the famed city centre. He was also a noted collector of Australasian books: his library was dispersed in a landmark 1970 sale. Gilt bookticket of Philip C. Duschnes Rare Books, New York, to rear pastedown.
Ferguson, 522; Wantrup (2 ed.), p.140.
Condition Report: Light rubbing and scuffing, minor foxing and offsetting; a very good copy.
Price (AUD): $2,700.00
US$1,861.36 Other currencies