The Diary of Simeon Perkins, 1780-1812
first edition
1958 · Toronto
by Perkins, Simeon
Toronto: The Champlain Society, 1958 4 volumes [1958; 1961; 1967; 1978]. First editions. Volumes XXXVI, XXXIX, XLIII, and L of the Champlain Society. Printed in a limited edition for subscribers. Edited with an Introduction by Dr. D. C. Harvey. Notes by Dr. C. Bruce Fergusson. Pp. lviii, 531 + xliv, 477 + lxxii, 550 + liii, 520. 5 illustrations, 3 maps. Three spines slightly faded, two frontis leaves in the second volume with tape stains at gutter, repaired, else a fine set. Scarce. Lacking the first part of the diary, published in 1948 and covering 1766-1780. Limited to 600, 650, 775 and 1400 copies, respectively. During the period covered by these volumes, Perkins, as merchant, magistrate or member of the Legislative Assembly, recorded the daily community life and interests of Liverpool in Nova Scotia, Canada. These important volumes cover the maritime war with the Thirteen Colonies, the impact of Nova Scotia of the war with Revolutionary France, etc., etc. Nova Scotia was the base of operations for British privateers during the American Revolution and War of 1812. Perkins' diary provides an invaluable source of economic, social and political history of the area during this critical time in American history.. (Inventory #: 7856)