1847 · Boston
by Shaw, Major Samuel and Josiah Quincy.
Boston: Wm. Crosby and H.P. Nichols, 1847. "With a life of the author by Josiah Quincy." Shaw was born into a prosperous Boston merchant family. He served during the Revolution at the siege of Boston, then at Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Valley Forge. He was secretary of the committee of officers that formed the Society of the Cincinnati. On retiring from the army he became supercargo on the "Empress of China", the first American vessel ever to land at Canton. In 1786 he was named our first consul to China. In all he made three trips to China and played a part in the beginnings of our commercial operations there. As well as being a valuable source of information about the Revolutionary War, this is a key China trade book, with about half the contents being devoted to Shaw's life and adventures at Canton. Not in Howes. Sabin 79959. DAB. Smith, "American Travelers" S 68. Bound as issued in publisher's cloth. Backstrip faded and chipped at spine ends. Bookplate of Dedham Historical Society marked "withdrawn" and no other library markings. This copy is inscribed by author Josiah Quincy, 13 July, 1847.. 23 cm. xiii, 360 pp. b/w frontispiece (Inventory #: 46674)