The Appalachian Indian Frontier: Edmond Atkin Report and Plan of 1755

"In 1754 the British Board of Trade, belatedly awakening to the need of winning the allegiance of the southern Indians on the eve of the Seven Years' War, sought out Edmond Atkin for advice. Atkin, then in England, was a prosperous Charleston merchant who had familiarized himself with the Indian problem as a member of the South Carolina Council. He responded by submitting to the board a lengthy Report and a still more elaborate Plan. This volume reproduces both the Report and the Plan, which have been copied from the originals in the Henry E. Huntington Library and edited by Dr. Wilbur R. Jacbos. The editor has provided not only explanatory footnotes, but also, in a compact Introduction, the best biographical sketch of Atkin now in print. The book will interest historians of the southern frontier as well as anthropologists, who will find in Atkin's report an excellent description of the southern tribesmen of the period."—United States Quarterly Book Review

"Colonial historians will find the Atkin report of exceptional value for both research and classroom use. Professor Jacobs has done a concise, authoritative job of editing the manuscript and describing its importance."—John A. Schutz, American Historical Review

"An excellent introduction by the editor sets the stage for the report and interprets details. The book is made very usable by a long and detailed index."—John M. Goggin, American Anthropologist