Indian Depredations In Texas

J. W. WILBARGER

Publication: Hutchings Printing House, 1889, Austin

First Edition. Brown Cloth, with Title & Pictorial imprint in gilt and black on front cover, and Title & Author in gilt on spine. xii., 672pp. Frontis Portrait of Author and 36 other woodcut Illustrations. Preface. Index. A compilation of many narratives, accounts, and stories about conflicts between settlers and various Native American groups in Texas, including raids, massacres, fights, and frontier experiences. Wilbarger includes biographical sketches of many frontiersmen and Indian fighters in Texas. Basic Texas Books 218: "This volume is the most thorough compilation of accounts of Indian warfare in Texas in the 19th century. J. Frank Dobie says it 'stands unique among pioneer chronicles,' and that its narratives 'have for generations been a household heritage among Texas families who fought for their land.'...Wilbarger states: 'During some twenty years I have carefully obtained from the lips of those who knew most of the facts stated in this volume. For their general correctness I can vouch, for I knew personally most of the early settlers of Texas, and have relied on those only whom I believed to be trustworthy.'" Of additional significance is the fact that though many of the great woodcut illustrations identify the engraver as T. J. Owen, they were actually produced by William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry. Dated signatures of 2 previous owners on front free-endpaper (1890 & 1893). Some very light, scattered foxing to endpapers, else an exceptionally fine, bright, tight copy of this rare first edition. Protected in a handsome clamshell box, with title, author, and year of publication in gilt on leather spine with raised bands.