Carlisle [Penna.]: From the Press of A. Louden (Whitehall), 1805. First edition. 12mo (6.88 x 4.38 inches), contemporary calf, leather spine label, gilt lettering, 220 pages. Boards a bit bowed and rubbed; some light foxing and staining; a very good copy. Item #20480

“When she [Miss Oliver] was solicited to make a collection for publication, not being a ready writer herself, she dictated them to another person, who wrote them down.” Includes patriotic pieces on the death of Hamilton, an elegy on Dr. Witherspoon of Princeton, and a lengthy piece on slavery: “America! wipe out this dire disgrace, / Which stains the brightest glories of thy face.” Includes a substantial subscription list, suggesting the fatherless Miss Oliver was well-regarded both as local poet and as a neighbor. Penciled ownership signatures to the front blank of Mariah Nevius (dated 1819) and then with additional surnames below that. Closed tear to one subscription leaf, with no loss. Stoddard & Whitesell 792; Wegelin 1072.

Price: $250.00