Little Known Americanum

(QUAKERS.). ASHBRIDGE, ELIZABETH. Some Account of the Early Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge, Who Died, in the Truth's Service...Written by Herself. Philadelphia: Printed for Benjamin and Thomas Kite, 1807. First American Edition. 12mo. 60 pp. Contemp. calf backed marbled boards. $450.00

S & S 12001. Upon her arrival in America, after disclosing to the ship's captain a plot by Irish passengers to mutiny, the author was indentured against her will and sold. Initially repelled by Friend's practice of allowing women to preach, Ashbridge herself becomes a Friend and suffers greatly at the hands of her husband who forbids her to attend meetings. "...as a dutiful wife, I was ready to obey all his lawful commands; but, when they imposed upon my conscience, I could not obey him." Travels with her husband, a school-teacher, through Boston, Rhode Island, Long Island and Pennsylvania. The narrative describes her marital trials as they impinge upon her Quaker faith, when she is forbidden to attend Meetings, denied adequate shoes for walking, or a horse for long trips, is abused, etc., etc. Not in Sabin or Howes. A valuable account.