Unattributed. “Col. James Smith’s Encounter With The Indians.” [Bedford, PA] From "John Wimer’s Events in Indian History"

Unattributed. “Col. James Smith’s Encounter With The Indians.”  [Bedford, PA].  From John Wimer’s Events in Indian History. 

Lancaster, PA: G. Hills, 1841.  Lithograph by Sinclair Lithography of Philadelphia.  With folds as issued.  No margin at right, and with clipped bottom right corner, as issued professionally filled and in-painted. Overall, very good condition. 

During the nineteenth century, the image that white Americans held of the American Indian changed from admiration of the “noble natives” to hatred and fear of the “wild savages.”  This view is graphically represented in a series of primitive lithographs from John Wimer’s Events in Indian History, a history of the troubled relationship between the European and Indian cultures.  Wimer’s views show instances of peaceful encounters and of savagery by both parties.  This print shows James Smith’s capture by the Caughnewega Indians north of Bedford, Pennsylvania in 1755.  He was adopted by the tribe, and lived with them until 1759, when he escaped, eventually settling in Bourbon County, Kentucky.