Unattributed. [The gruesome attack of the Indians on the English, in Carolina . . .]

Unattributed. [The gruesome attack of the Indians on the English, in Carolina . . .]. [South Carolina].

Title in Dutch and Latin. Amsterdam: Peter Schenk, ca. 1720. 5 1/4 x 7 1/8 (image). Engraving. Narrow but sufficient margins. Very good condition. Very rare. 

This small engraving is the earliest image of the Pocotaligo massacre of April 15, 1715 in South Carolina. This massacre was the catalyst of the Yamasee War (1715-16) when Yamasee Indians killed 90 white traders and families due to conflicts over land encroachment and fur trading. Neighboring Indian tribes with the exception of the Cherokee and Creek tribes joined the rebellion and continued to raid trading posts and farms. The Indian revolt was eventually put down with additional military help and supplies from neighboring colonies. The surviving Yamasee fled to Florida along with other tribes which eventually form the Seminole tribe.

The engraver of this print was Peter Schenk the Younger (1693-1775) who is best known for engraving maps and city views. This print is one of nine scenes issued on one sheet depicting important current events of that time.