A JUST AND MODEST VINDICATION OF THE SCOTS DESIGN, FOR THE HAVING ESTABLISHED A COLONY AT DARIEN. WITH A BRIEF DISPLAY, HOW MUCH IT IS IN THEIR INTEREST, TO APPLY THEMSELVES TO TRADE, AND PARTICULARLY TO THAT WHICH IS FOREIGN.

First edition of an important work relating to the famous Darien scheme to establish a Scottish colony on the Isthmus of Darien (now Panama). Led by William Paterson, founder of the Bank of England, the scheme was the first attempt to turn that area into an "emporium" for world commerce. The first settlers left Scotland in June 1698, but within a year they had encountered so many problems that the original group returned in defeat. The VINDICATION. was written when the colony was about to be abandoned. The author defends its purposes and commercial interests by attacking those who favor abdicating it. He hopes that if the company fails altogether, another Scottish trading company will replace it somewhere else. ESTC R21931. WING F742. GOLDSMITHS' 3583. SABIN 32340. KRESS 2116. EUROPEAN AMERICANA 699/77. 19th-century three-quarter calf and marbled boards, spine gilt, leather label. Extremities lightly worn. Contemporary bookplate on front pastedown. Minor toning and scattered foxing. Very good. …