[WALTON, William] -- Benjamin GILBERT. A Narrative of the Captivity and Sufferings of Benjamin Gilbert and His Family; who were surprised by the Indians, and taken from their farms, on the frontiers of Pennsylvania, in the Spring, 1780.Philadelphia: Joseph Crukshank, 1784. 8vo (204 x 120 mm).. 96 pp. Stiched with only rear wrapper present, housed in a custom cloth case. Condition: text evenly browned, intermittent light spotting, upper margin of title-page torn away, 1 inch tear into text of p. 21/22 not affecting legibility, short margin tears to right margin of first leaves, light edgewear with some corners folded. Provenance: Joseph Buckley (early inscription to verso of title); Eunice Robbins (early inscription to title); Geo. Mure Smith, Rocky Hill, 1861" (early inscription to title). first edition, first printing stitched as issued. The Gilberts were a well-known Quaker family whose 1780 capture by Seneca Indians created great excitement. Held in captivity until late in 1782, this work was written by William Walton after the narrative had been conveyed directly to him upon the return of Benjamin Gilbert and his family. scarce. ABPC reports only one copy at auction in the last 20 years (Siebert copy, Sotheby's New York, 21 May 1999). Ayer 301; Church 1203; Evans 18497; Field 607; Howes W 80; Sabin 27348; Vail 718.