Lawson, who characterized himself as "Surveyer-General of North Carolina" explored the interior of colonial North Carolina, South Carolina and George. He was guided by American Indians and made careful note of vegetation, wildlife and many Indian tribes he encountered. His book, which underwent several editions and translations, attracted many immigrants to the region.

"In September 1711, Lawson and his associate Christopher von Graffenried were captured by Tuscarora Indians while ascending the Neuse River. The Tuscarora released von Graffenried, but they subjected Lawson to ritual torture, typical of warriors, and killed him.^[1] Shortly thereafter, tensions between the Tuscarora and their allies and settlers erupted into a bloody conflict known as the Tuscarora War, lasting until the defeat of the Tuscarora in 1715. The colonists gathered their own American Indian allies, especially from among the Yamasee and Cherokee, traditional enemies and competitors of the Tuscarora" (Wikipedia article on John Lawson (explorer) accessed 4-2020).

Digital facsimile from the Internet Archive at this link.