![NORTHWEST TERRITORY: ST. CLAIR’S DEFEAT – The Columbian Tragedy: Containing a Particular and Official Account of the Brave and Unfortunate Officers who were Slain and Wounded in the Ever-Memorable and Bloody Indian Battle. Perhaps the most shocking that has happened in America since its first Discovery. Boston: Printed by E. Russell for Thomas Bassett, [November or December 1791].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/NYR/2017_NYR_14376_0258_000(northwest_territory_st_clairs_defeat_the_columbian_tragedy_containing030602).jpg?w=1)
Details
NORTHWEST TERRITORY: ST. CLAIR’S DEFEAT – The Columbian Tragedy: Containing a Particular and Official Account of the Brave and Unfortunate Officers who were Slain and Wounded in the Ever-Memorable and Bloody Indian Battle. Perhaps the most shocking that has happened in America since its first Discovery. Boston: Printed by E. Russell for Thomas Bassett, [November or December 1791].
A striking, oversize broadside announcing the catastrophic defeat of General Arthur St. Clair at Miami Village. This news electrified the young nation and temporarily dashed hopes for the opening of the Ohio River Valley to new settlement. As noted by early commentator Benson Lossing, “this event was the theme for oratory, the pulpit, poetry, art, and song. I have before me a dirge-like poem, printed on a broadside, and embellished with rude wood-cuts entitled ‘The Columbian Tragedy’ … it was published ‘by the earnest request of the friends of the deceased worthies who died in defense of their country.’” (Lossing, Field Book of the War of 1812, ch 2, fn 42). Rare. Evans 23268; Ford 2612; Streeter 1314; Winslow 29.
Broadside (540 x 440mm). Mourning border, woodcuts of 39 coffins in two rows, two large rather crude woodcuts flanking title (“Maj. Gen. Richard Butler, Slain in the Battle…” and “Bloody Indian Battle Fought at Miami Village, Nov. 4, 1791”), 3 other woodcuts, funeral elegy printed in 4 columns. (Browned, some edge chips and small holes including one with loss of 3 letters, lined.) Matted and framed. Provenance: William Guthman (his sale, Sotheby’s New York, 1 December 2005, lot 248).
A striking, oversize broadside announcing the catastrophic defeat of General Arthur St. Clair at Miami Village. This news electrified the young nation and temporarily dashed hopes for the opening of the Ohio River Valley to new settlement. As noted by early commentator Benson Lossing, “this event was the theme for oratory, the pulpit, poetry, art, and song. I have before me a dirge-like poem, printed on a broadside, and embellished with rude wood-cuts entitled ‘The Columbian Tragedy’ … it was published ‘by the earnest request of the friends of the deceased worthies who died in defense of their country.’” (Lossing, Field Book of the War of 1812, ch 2, fn 42). Rare. Evans 23268; Ford 2612; Streeter 1314; Winslow 29.
Broadside (540 x 440mm). Mourning border, woodcuts of 39 coffins in two rows, two large rather crude woodcuts flanking title (“Maj. Gen. Richard Butler, Slain in the Battle…” and “Bloody Indian Battle Fought at Miami Village, Nov. 4, 1791”), 3 other woodcuts, funeral elegy printed in 4 columns. (Browned, some edge chips and small holes including one with loss of 3 letters, lined.) Matted and framed. Provenance: William Guthman (his sale, Sotheby’s New York, 1 December 2005, lot 248).