St. Louis Mercantile Library

M-339: Abeel Indian Captivity Narrative

 

INTRODUCTION:

A three page account by John Abeel of an Indian raiding party into Montreal in 1742 and his captivity along with 14 others for three years in    Quebec during King George’s War. 

Dates: ca. 1746

Biographical Note:

John Abeel lived near Albany.  This is his account of a raiding party of “35 Indians and seven whites” into Montreal in 1742.  After burning some houses Abeel was taken prisoner.  His account of captivity is graphic and frank.  Abeel and 14 otheres (ten of them Indians) were “put in the dungeon and put in irons…”  Abeel’s imprisonment lasted three years, until an exchange was negotiated by New York Governor George Clinton. 

Collection Scope:

This collection consists of one 3 page autograph manuscript, with numerous corrections and revisions, written about 1746 by John Abeel detailing his captivity in Quebec during King George’s War. 

Access and Use:

A digital copy is available for download in .pdf format.

Abeel Indian Captivity Narrative (.pdf)

Use Restrictions: Portions of the collection may be photocopied, digitally scanned, or photographed, depending on condition and restrictions.

Access Restrictions: Access to portions of this collection may be restricted depending on condition.

Please direct any questions regarding this collection to the Reading Room at the St. Louis Mercantile Library by contacting 314.516.7247.

Citation: When citing material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. 

Direct questions or comments regarding this site to
The Saint Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis

Charles Brown
Reference Services,
St. Louis Subject Specialist
314.516.7243
cbrown@umsl.edu