Recollections of Life in Van Diemen's Land | William Gates (one of the Canadian Patriots) | George Mackaness (Ed.) | 1961 | Numbered 127/135 | Signed [USED – SC – Parts 1 & 2]

One of the most unusual primary sources in Van Diemen's Land history — the first-hand account of William Gates, an American from New York who was transported to Hobart as a political prisoner in 1840. Gates was one of the "Canadian Patriots" — a group of Americans and Canadians who invaded Upper Canada in 1838 in sympathy with the Canadian Rebellions of 1837, supporting those seeking independence from British rule.

Ninety-three Americans and fifty-eight French-Canadian Patriots were convicted in Montreal and transported to Van Diemen's Land on HMS Buffalo, arriving in Hobart in February 1840. Gates was among them. Of the Americans transported, six wrote accounts of their experiences — Gates's recollections are among the most detailed. His account covers his capture, trial, the voyage on HMS Buffalo, and his years in Van Diemen's Land as a political exile — an experience shared by transported Irish patriots, Chartists and other political prisoners of the era, but told here from an American republican perspective.

This two-part edition was edited by George Mackaness with an introduction, notes and commentary, and published by D.S. Ford Printers in 1961. It was produced in a strictly limited edition of only 135 numbered copies — this is number 127, signed by Mackaness.

BOOK DETAIL

At 135 copies this is one of the scarcest items in the literature of political transportation to Van Diemen's Land.

CONDITION

• Used, generally good condition.
• Covers a bit scuffed, marked and worn at the edges.
• Pages good.

BOOK DETAILS

• Two softcover booklets: Part 1 (56 pages) and Part 2 (76 pages).
• Black and white illustrations throughout.
• Numbered 127 of 135 copies. Signed by editor George Mackaness.
• Published 1961 by D.S. Ford Printers. 

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