THE ELIZABETH ISLANDS
1815 · [np
by Elizabeth Islands
[np, 1815. Neat ink manuscript. Pages [2], 1-28, with several blank interleaves. Contemporary marbled wrappers [spine wear], stitched. Very Good.
An early manuscript account, nearly identical with the description printed in Volume III of the Second Series [Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society], of the geography, topography, resources, and history of the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of small islands, mostly privately owned, extending about 16 miles from the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. The largest island, Naushon, was a British naval base during the War of 1812.
Having delineated meticulously the locations of each island, the author observes that "The Elizabeth Islands are stony," and that "Cows are kept on all the islands; but they are most noted for their sheep, which are larger, better fed, and more effectually sheltered, than those on Martha's Vineyard. Their fleeces are much finer, and more abundant." Moreover, lobsters, "which are not in plenty at Martha's Vineyard, are caught in great abundance at all the Elizabeth Islands." Currently "thinly peopled," without schools, grist mill, or church, the islands are "capable of supporting a great number of inhabitants. (Inventory #: 22815)
An early manuscript account, nearly identical with the description printed in Volume III of the Second Series [Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society], of the geography, topography, resources, and history of the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of small islands, mostly privately owned, extending about 16 miles from the southwestern tip of Cape Cod, between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. The largest island, Naushon, was a British naval base during the War of 1812.
Having delineated meticulously the locations of each island, the author observes that "The Elizabeth Islands are stony," and that "Cows are kept on all the islands; but they are most noted for their sheep, which are larger, better fed, and more effectually sheltered, than those on Martha's Vineyard. Their fleeces are much finer, and more abundant." Moreover, lobsters, "which are not in plenty at Martha's Vineyard, are caught in great abundance at all the Elizabeth Islands." Currently "thinly peopled," without schools, grist mill, or church, the islands are "capable of supporting a great number of inhabitants. (Inventory #: 22815)