Harrison, David:

$10,000 · Offered by William Reese Company · No longer available

THE MELANCHOLY NARRATIVE OF THE DISTRESSFUL VOYAGE AND MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE OF CAPTAIN DAVID HARRISON, OF THE SLOOP PEGGY, OF NEW-YORK, ON HIS VOYAGE FROM FYAL, ONE OF THE WESTERN ISLANDS, TO NEW ... A truly horrifying narrative by the captain of a ship engaged in the wine trade to Madeira out of New York in the late colonial period. Captain Harrison picked up a cargo of wine and brandy in the fall of 1765, and while returning to New York lost most of his masts and sails in a series of storms. Supplies dwindled and eventually the crew, maddened by drink, murdered a black slave and ate him. Harrison, who took no part, describes the tragedy in detail, including the cooking methods (stewed in wine, then broiled). Lots had been drawn for the execution of a second member of the crew to serve as fodder when the ship, Susanna, in the Virginia trade, found the Peggy and saved her crew. In London, Harrison made statements about the affair for insurance purposes, printed here, and this fearsome account was published. A rare narrative.

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