Description
Second edition of Seventeen Years’ History of the Life and Sufferings of James M’Lean, describing his time as an American under forced conscription in the British Navy.
Small octavo, 27pp, [18]. Three-quarter sheepskin, title in gilt on spine. Marbled paper over boards, with matching marbled endpapers. Stated “Second Edition” on title page. Solid text block, some soiling to covers, foxing to leaves with text printed. (Howes M153) (Sabin 43513)
M’Lean was born in Windsor, Connecticut. In 1798, while sailing in the West Indies, he was impressed into the British Navy. He saw action at the Battle of the Nile, escaped in 1799, and was again impressed and served until 1805 when he again escaped. Serving on a French letter-of-marque he was taken by the British and served in India, the Persian Gulf and in China. He escaped for the final time in 1813 and made his way back to Newport, Rhode Island.
Full title: Seventeen Years’ History of the Life and Sufferings of James M’Lean. An Impressed American Citizen & Seaman. Embracing But A Summary of What He Endured, While Detained In The British Service, During that Long and Painful Period, Written by Himself.
