Details
BRAYTON, Matthew (1818-1862). The Indian Captive. A Narrative of the Adventures and Suffering of Matthew Brayton, in his Thirty-Four Years of Captivity among the Indians of North Western America. Cleveland: Fairbanks Benedict & Co., 1860.
16o (159 x 103 mm). 68 pages. (Some spotting and pale browning.) Original tan printed wrappers (spotted, a few chips and small losses); blue quarter morocco slipcase.
FIRST EDITION, SCARCELY EVER FOUND IN WRAPPERS. "Brayton was kidnapped from his home in northwestern Ohio at the age of seven. During the course of his captivity, he lived among the Pottawatamies, Paw Paws, Winnebagoes, Chippewas, Sioux and the Snakes. After many years and adventures, he found his way back to his family and home in Ohio. Ernest Wessen recounts in Midland Notes, 30:29 some of his own efforts to verify Brayton's story. In discussing Brayton's credibility, Wessen says: 'It is quite true that it would not have been possible for Brayton to have made some of the movements described among the tribes named. On the other hand the critics have overlooked the fact that Brayton was taken captive at the age of seven and lived among the Indians for thirty-four years. He could not read or write, and spoke English with some difficulty...There remains not the slightest doubt that Matthew was a Brayton, and that his narrative is, in general, correct" (Wagner-Camp-Becker 351). Graff 393; Greenly Michigan 32; Howes B-736 ("c"); Streeter VII:4272; Thomson 115.
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FIRST EDITION, SCARCELY EVER FOUND IN WRAPPERS. "Brayton was kidnapped from his home in northwestern Ohio at the age of seven. During the course of his captivity, he lived among the Pottawatamies, Paw Paws, Winnebagoes, Chippewas, Sioux and the Snakes. After many years and adventures, he found his way back to his family and home in Ohio. Ernest Wessen recounts in Midland Notes, 30:29 some of his own efforts to verify Brayton's story. In discussing Brayton's credibility, Wessen says: 'It is quite true that it would not have been possible for Brayton to have made some of the movements described among the tribes named. On the other hand the critics have overlooked the fact that Brayton was taken captive at the age of seven and lived among the Indians for thirty-four years. He could not read or write, and spoke English with some difficulty...There remains not the slightest doubt that Matthew was a Brayton, and that his narrative is, in general, correct" (Wagner-Camp-Becker 351). Graff 393; Greenly Michigan 32; Howes B-736 ("c"); Streeter VII:4272; Thomson 115.