(War of 1812) A rare hand-colored print, 6 x 13 1/4 in. on a 13 3/4 x 8 1/4” sheet entitled: “A View of Col. Johnson’s Engagement with the Savages (commanded by Tecumseh) near the Moravian Town, October 5th, 1812 [sic, 1813]” [Engraved by A. Bowen], hand colored in green, blue, yellow and red watercolor. Undated, but the print is known to have been prepared for the 1832 edition Henry Trumbull’s History of the Discovery of America.

Captioned in eight parts describing the scene: “1 Col. Johnson heroically defending himself against the attack of an Indian Chief. 2 The American Infantry firing upon a body of the enemy on the left. 3 A dismounted Dragoon personally engaged with one of the enemy. 4 The cavalry pursing the retreating savages across the hills. 5 Tecumseh rallying his men, and encouraging them to return to the attack.” A savage in the act of scalping a wounded drummer of the American Infantry. 7 The savages, pursued by the cavalry, retreating to a swamp on the left. 8 The enemy (rallied by their commander Tecumseh) returning to the attack.” It is generally believed that Tecumseh died at the hands of Col. Richard Mentor Johnson during the battle. Johnson, who was wounded several times during the battle, became a prominent Kentucky politician. Johnson’s reputation earned him a spot on the 1836 Democratic ticket with MartinVan Buren.

Backed by another sheet of paper, some marginal tears and vertical creases, else very good.

(EXA 3975) $600