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AMERICAN

BIBLIOPOLIST.

A Literary Register and Monthly Catalogue of Old and New Books, and Repository of Notes and Queries.

Vol. 1.

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY, 1869.

No. 2.

The design of The American Bibliopolist will be to place before the book buying public, a continuous Register of the many Additions the undersigned are constantly making to their Stock: Lists of New Publications, English and American; Notices of the Sales of Books at Auction, and Reports concerning important items; Useful Hints and Suggestions as to the best Editions, etc.; Lists of Books wanted to purchase, and Incidental Discussions on Matters appertaining to Books in general.

It will, for the present, be sent gratuitously to Book Buyers, but a Subscription of One Dollar will secure it for One Year. Advertisements will be inserted at $10 per page; $6 for half a page, and $4 for a quarter of a page. J. SABIN & SONS, 84 Nassau Street, N. Y.

Auction Sales.

The event of the month has been the sale of "Books on America, Illustrated Books, &c., belonging to T. H. Morrell," which was announced to take place in December, 1868, but was, for various reasons, postponed to January 12th, 13th and 14th, 1869.

The "Notice" has the merit of brevity, but contains this remarkable statement:

"No books have been admitted from my stock, or from any other source, and with the exception of a few volumes, none have ever been offered by me at private sale," the meaning of which is rather obscure. But, we presume, the idea intended to be conveyed is, that all the books belonged to Mr. Morrell. Surely the exceptions referred to must at some time have formed part of his "stock," if we rightly understand the meaning of the term.

Some years ago Mr. Morrell made a sale of his so-called "Private Library," which was a pecuniary success, and encouraged him to repeat the experiment. Since that time he has been an active collector of what we should call "stock," and the result of his enterprise is represented in this catalogue.

The quotations of prices are a convenience to the buyer, and would perhaps have been

a guide had they included the prices realized at the late sales of the stock of a Brooklyn bookseller, and that of the late Mr. E.

French.

in the notice is, strictly speaking, only appliThe "uniformity" of prices referred to cable to the really rare books, which are not likely to become cheaper.

The extensive publicity given to the sale by advertising a list of the rarer books * created expectations which were scarcely sustained on the appearance of the Catalogue itself. This list of rarities was a skilful abridgment of the catalogue, and named all the books of high interest, the remainder being a good specimen of "sweetness long drawn out." The prices realized for the ordinary books sufficiently illustrate this state

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ficult to reduce to an absolute written law, but which the diligent reader of their works will not fail to realize, and will therefore make due allowance for the very profuse use in this catalogue of adjectives in the superlative e. g., we are told, concerning Lot 442, that they are exceedingly rare, when the fact is they are to be found in most libraries of any pretension to completeness. Where we come to such lots as No. 194, which are in fact "exceedingly scarce," the value of the superlative is lost among such a host of inferior books, which are here unjustly elevated to an equal rarity.

These remarks are made in no invidious spirit, but with a desire to bring catalogues to such a standard that the ordinary book-buyer shall not be deceived as to the actual rarity of the books he may desire to possess.

There are some other points in this catalogue to which we shall draw attention as we proceed to notice the price obtained for the more important books.

Lot 3, Alden's Epitaphs, sold for $17.50. This is described as "boards uncut, rough edges" on which we remark that all books in "boards uncut" necessarily have "rough edges," and these two words are mere surplusage.

Lot 10, Andre's Cow Chace, first edition, $70.

Lot 13, Dunlap's Andre; a Tragedy, sold for $12.50.

This

Lot 25, Barlow's Columbiad, $22. Lot 33, Benson's Memoir, $15. Lot 25, Beverly's Virginia, $13. is said to be the "best edition brilliant impressions of the plates." It may be the best edition of the work, but we must look to the first for "brilliant impressions of the plates."

Lot 26, Bible, Illustrated, $240.

In the note appended to its description, Mr. M. remarks: "An excessively rare etching, a folding, (i. e. folded plate,) by John Luyken, of the Shipwreck of St. Paul,' and Noah entering the Ark,' by Visscher, may be mentioned as the most valuable.” The volume from which these plates are taken can be imported for $10.00.

Lot 39, Bishop's New England Judged, $7.00.

The catalogue made no mention of the fact that it was only part of the work-but the price realized indicates a popular knowledge of the fact.

Lot 57, Burgoyne's Expedition, $17.50. Lot 59, Burgoyne's Letters, $2.75. Cheap the large note from the Monthly Review did not help it much.

Lot 64, Burr's Trial, 2 vols., $19. Lot 75, Byfield's Revolution in New England, $25.

Lot 78, Callender's Rhode Island, $25. Lot 85, Carver's Travels, said to be on large paper, $3.

Lot 87,-printed 86-Catesby's Carolina, $65.00, said to be "colored with superior care." We thought otherwise.

Lot 93, Chalmer's Political Annals, $8. This is one of several books which are said to have a portrait of him inserted." Lot 98, Cicero's Cato Major, $55.

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Lot 102, The American War, $4.50. This is said to contain an "extremely rare print"--which print is, or should be, in every copy of the book.

Lot 105, Coghlan's Memoirs, $8.50.

Lot 106, The same, with 22 Plates inserted, $25.

Lot 114, Constitution of the U. S., original edition, $2.50.

Lot 116, Cooper's U. S. Navy, illustrated, $30.

Lot 126, Dawson's Putnam, illustrated, $47.50.

Some doubt exists as to the scarcity of this work; it is found in every sale of Ame

ricana.

Not 136, Colliers Detail, $2.50. The title page contains a singular misstatement-the book had been printed years before in the "Naval Chronicle."

Lot 138, Doddridge's Indian Wars, $10. Lot 146, Drayton's American Revolution,

$16.

Lot 147, Duer's Old New York, $15. Lot 151, Easton's King Philip, $22. Lot 161, The Federalist, first edition, $24.00.

Lot 164, Filson's Kentucky, $14. Lot 171, Franklin's Works, large paper, $51.25.

Lot 178, Fraser's Charleston, $7.50. Lots 190 and 191, Garden's Anecdotes, notwithstanding the "unusual" condition, for $18.co.

Lot 194, Winslow's Glorious Progress of the Gospel, $30. This might properly have been catalogued as very, or even exceedingly rare-but is disposed of with a scarce."

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Lot 195, Garden's American Revolution,

described as "almost uncut." Brooklyn, 1865, $9.00.

Lot 205, Garden's Anecdotes, large paper, $5.25, subscription price, $30.00.

Lot 215, Coleman's Collection, illustrated with common plates, $15.

Lot 219, Hamilton's National Flag, illustrated with 69 plates, $72.50.

Lot 225, Hennepin's Travels, $21. Lot 238, Hutchins' Topographical Description of Virginia, Pennsylvania, &c.,

$12.

Lot 242, Impartial History of the War in America, $22.00.

Lot 245, Irvingiana; large paper, 110 copies printed, $13.00.

Lot 236, Josselyn's Voyages, $15.00; perhaps the cheapest book in the sale, said to be a fine copy:

Lot 263, Keith's Virginia; said to be "perfectly spotless and with wide margins," $35.00. Perfectly spotless is also applied to other books; it is a curious way of indicating a clean copy.

Lot 283, Love and Patriotism, a comparatively worthless book, brought $13.00.

Lot 290, Mackenzie's Decatur, described as large paper, illustrated copy, $41.00. Lot 293, Mante's Late War, without Maps, 4to, 1772, $22.00.

Lot 298, Mason's Pequot War, $52.00. Lot 300, Mather's Magnalia, $65.00. Lot 301, Mather's India Christiana, 1721, $20.00.

Lot 304, Mather on Comets, 1683, $35.00. Lot 305, Moody's Narrative, 1783, $14.00.

Lot 329, Morton's N. E. Memorial, second edition, $20.00.

Lot 346 and 347, Almanacks, printed by W. Bradford, $11.00 each.

Lot 382, State of the Country of the Five Nations, to accompany Colden's History, $37.00.

Lot 356, Francis' Old New York, illustrated copy, 158 plates, $128.

Lot 358, Ireland's N. Y. Stage, illustrated copy, $60.00.

Lot 364, Charter of New York, Printed by Zenger. A fine specimen of printing, $100.00.

Lot 366, Bill in the Chancery of New Jersey, $30.00.

Lot 385, Autograph Letters by the Penn Family, $25.00.

Lot 394, A Series of Autograph Letters

by the Presidents of the United States, $140.00.

Lot 421, Recueil d'Estampes, a collection of imaginary scenes, $9.00.

Lot 427, Robin's Travels, uncut, $27.00. Lot 432, Russell's America, $5.00. A book of but little value, except for the plates. How the view of Fort George, with the city of New York, should be rare is beyond our knowledge-it is found in every perfect copy of this common book.

Lot 435, Sabine's General Wolf, illustrated copy, $21.00.

Lot 446, Signers of the Declaration of Independence, with 21 Autograph Letters and 100 Plates, $120.00.

Lot 453, Smith's Virginia, folio, 1624, one map deficient, $67.50.

Lot 454, Smith's True Travels, folio, 1630, $50.00.

Lot 460, Smith's New Jersey, fine copy, $50.00.

Lot 468, [Snowden's] American Revolution, 1823, $9.00.

Lot 482, Stiles' Judges, 1794, $13.50. Lot 483, Stith's Virginia, 1747, $51.00. Lot 493, Strength out of Weakness, 1652, $25.00.

Lot 512, Treaty with the Indians at Lancaster, folio, $28.00.

Lot 513, Trial of J. P. Zenger, 1756,

$100.00.

Lot 514, Trial of Gen. Lee, 1778, $70.00.

Lot 515, Trial of St. Clair, 1778, $65.00.
Lot 516, Trial of Schuyler, 1778, $95.00.
Lot 519, Trial of Burr, $26.00.

Lot 521, Trial of Gen. Harmar, $22.00. Lot 522, Trial of Col. Henley, $10.00. Lot 525, Trial of Zenger, 4to, 1738, $15.00.

Lot 527, Trial of Andre, 1780, $40.00. Lot 551, Walton and Cotton's Angler, illustrated copy, $340.00.

Lot 556, Ward's Simple Cobbler, 1647, $25.00.

Lot 570, Columbia's Legacy, 1796, $10.00.

Lot 574, Washington's Diary, $21.00. Lot 575, Washington's Diary, $28.00. Lot 576, Washington's Diary, another edition, $21.00.

584, Washington's Letters to Laurens, 4 Autographs, $90.00.

These cost Mr. M. $200, and it is unfortunate that the note, in which he says: "The

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Henshaw. Our Branch and its Tributaries; being a History of the Work of the Northwestern Commission and its Auxiliaries during the War of the Rebellion. By Mrs. Sarah Edwards Henshaw. Including

a full Report of Receipts and Disbursements, by E. W. Blatchford, Treasurer; and an Introductory Chapter, by Hon. Mark Skinner. Chicago: Alfred L. Sewell, Publisher, 1868. 8vo, pp. 432.

The great rebellion, which summoned to the field a million of men, demanded of the women, who remained at home, some corresponding services; and their patriotism found a fitting object in the organization of numerous societies, whose design was to aid the sick, the wounded, and the prisoners on either side of the contest. Not the least of these organizations was the one which was finally called the "Northwestern Sanitary Commission," the history of which is here at once truthfully and graphically related. The style is sometimes brilliant, often elegant, and occasionally masculine in

sold by Bangs, Merwin & Co. some time this spring. It comprises a very large collection of small books, among which American Poetry seems to predominate. This catalogue promises to be a large one, and is another illustration of the tendency of amateur catalogue makers to overdo the description of the books, for the benefit of printers and paper makers.

NOTICES.

its character. Mrs. H. has somewhat overstepped her design, and gives details. of battles, quotations from private letters, and other documents, which will not fail to be useful to that much-to-be-pitied individual, "the future historian of the war." Foremost among the women who devoted themselves to this work are the names of Mrs. Bickerdyke, Mrs. Colt, Mrs. A. F. Grant, Mrs. Hoge, Mrs. Livermore, and Mrs. Porter; while not a little of the success of the enterprise was due to the intelligent and persevering efforts of Mr. E. W. Blatchford, the treasurer, and the successive presidents of the association, and other gentlemen. The volume itself is a very creditable piece of book-making, being printed with a broad margin, and having a copious table of contents, and a double index of "proper names" and "subjects." On page 299, it is stated that the fair netted nearly $85,000-it should read $220,000.

C[alef] F[ohn. The Siege of the Penobscot by the Rebels; [ containing a

Journal of the Proceedings of | His Majesty's Forces detached from the 74th and 82nd Re- giments, consisting of about 700 Rank and File, under the Command of BrigadierGeneral Francis M'Lean, and of Three of His Majesty's Sloops of War, of 16 Guns. each, under the command of Captain Henry Mowat, | Senior Officer; when Besieged by Three Thousand Three Hundred (Rebel) Land Forces, | under the Command of Brigadier-General Solomon Lovell, and | Seventeen Rebel Ships and Vessels of War, under the Com- | mand of G. Saltonstall, Commodore. To which is annexed | A Proclamation issued June 15, 1779, by General | M'Lean and Captain Barclay to the Inhabitants; Also Brigadier - General Lovell's Proclamation to the Inha- | bitants; and his Letter to Commodore Saltonstall, found | on board the Rebel Ship Hunter; | Together with the Names, Force, and Commanders, of the Rebel Ships | destroyed in Penobscot Bay and River, August 14 and 15, 1779. | With A Chart of the Peninsula of Majabigwaduce, and of Penobscot River, | To which is subjoined | A Postscript, wherein a short Account of the Country of | Penobscot is given. By J. C., Esq., a Volunteer. | London: Printed for G. Kearsley, in Fleet Street, and Ashby and Neele (late Spilsbury's in Russel-Court, Covent-Garden | M, DCC,LXXXI. 8vo, Title and PP. 44. Chart of Penobscot River, also Chart of Penobscot by John Calef.

The

The long title to this rare little volume is, in fact, an abridgment of its contents. book consists chiefly of a daily journal, in which the events of the siege are recorded with apparent precision, but with a strong

their ships, had their irons taken off, and were set at liberty."*

If statement in the note be true, it is evident that the horrors of the "Prison Ships" were confined to the British side.

He sums up the narrative in a somewhat eloquent strain:

"Thus did this little Garrison, with Three Sloops of War, by the unwearied exertions of soldiers and seamen, whose bravery cannot be too much extolled, under the judicious conduct of officers, whose zeal is hardly to be paralleled, succeed, in an enterprise of great importance, against difficulties apparently insurmountable, under circumstances exceedingly critical, and in a manner strongly expressive of their faithful and spirited attachment to the interests of their King and Country."

The remainder of the volume, as indicated in the title, is occupied by the respective proclamations of the belligerents, and concludes with a short description of the country of Penobscot, situate in the present State of Maine, to which is appended this almost amusing statement:

“N. B.-From Boston to Halifax there is a good cart-road.”

An indifferent copy of this tract brought $20, at an auction in New York, Dec. 18,

1868.

Clarke. An | Impartial and Authentic | Narrative of the | Battle | Fought on the 17th of June, 1775, | between | His Britannic Majesty's Troops and the American Provincial Army, | on | Bunker's Hill, near Charles Town, in New-England, | with | A True and Faithful Account of the Officers | who were killed and wounded in that memo

English bias. The author concludes his Four-rable | Battle. To which are added, | Some

nal with the following paragraphs:

"The manœuvres of the Three Sloops of War, under the direction of Capt. Mowatt, were, moreover, such as enabled the King's forces to hold out a close siege of 21 days, against a fleet and army of more than six times their number, and strength; insomuch that, on the first appearance of the reinforcements from New York, in the offing, the Enemy debarked their troops, and sailed with their whole fleet up Penobscot river, where they burnt their shipping, and from thence marched to their respective homes and the loyal inhabitants, who were taken in the time of the siege, and cruelly treated on board

particular Remarks and Anecdotes which | have not yet transpired. | The whole being collected and written on the Spot. |

The Second Edition, | With Extracts from Three Letters lately received from | America; And all the Promotions in the Army and Marines since the said Battle. | By John Clarke, First Lieutenant of Marines.

London: Printed for the Author: And Sold by J. Millar, Whitehall; | J. Bew, in Pater-noster Row; and- Sewel, in Corn

"To give them a cool airing, as the enemy called it, once a day, the irons were knocked off their feet, and they were put into a boat, along-side the ship, where they remained about an hour, and had the filth of the ship poured upon their heads."

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