by J. C. B. Prepared by Pennsylvania Historical Survey (Frontier Forts and Trails Survey) Division of Community Service Projects, Work Projects Administration. Edited by Sylvester K. Stevens, Donald H. Kent and Emma Edith Woods.
Place of Publication
Harrisburg
Publisher
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dept. of Public Instruction, The Pennsylvania Historical Commission,
Date of Publication
1941.
Physical Description
xiv, 167 p. front., illus., plates (incl. map) 24 cm.
Notes
Maps on lining papers.
"The present translation is based on Casgrain's edition."--p. vi.
Summary
"A French soldier set down his memories of life and adventure in western Pennsylvania and other parts of North America during the thrilling events of the French and Indian War, and called the book 'Voyage au Canada dans le nord de l' Amerique Septentrionale, fait depuis l'an 1751 A 1761'...The author is known only by his initials, J.C.B...These reminiscences of life and events in the wilderness, in the towns of New France, and as a prisoner in New York City, give vivid pictures of the experiences of an ordinary man in an age which was full of significance for the future of America. [from the foreword]
vii p., 1 ø., 11-322 p. incl. front. (facsim.) plates, fold. map. 20 cm.
Notes
Bibliography: p. 240-263.
Summary
"A study of Cresap's life (1694-1790) is far more than a study of the man; it involves an examination of such subjects as Indian problems, frontier defense, French activities in the Ohio Valley, the French and Indian War, fur trade, colonial land speculation, the Ohio Company of Virginia, the conflict known as the Conojacular War (between Maryland and Pennsylvania), Pennsylvania-Virginia disputes, and the opening of Nemacolin's road. In each of these activities, Thomas Cresap was a factor; in most, a leading figure. As a matter of fact, wherever on the frontier excitement, danger and trouble were to be found, there was Cresap. Indeed, he was often the cause of outbreaks of violence. Whether he was noble, brave, industrious, patriotic, and a valuable citizen, or as some of his contemporaries alleged, "a murderer", "thief ", "vile fellow", and "monster", he still remains a remarkable individual in the history of the colonial frontier." [from the preface]
