Griffiths Captain Anselm John (2 results)

First edition. xii, 290pp. Handsomely bound in contemporary green roan, tooled in gilt and blind, marbled paper boards. Lightly rubbed, spine a trifle sunned. Early inked ownership inscription to FEP, occasional light spotting. A successful provincially printed guide to Naval life and practice by Captain Anselm John Griffiths (c.1769-1842) with an extensive subscribers list including leading admirals, such as Admiral Sir James Saumarez, who purchased 25 copies. The volume was printed at the Hadley owned Cheltenham 'Minerva Press', which despite the name has no obvious connection to William Lane's earlier London operation, and was largely concerned with the printing of local guide books. Designed for officers of all ages, the author comments that even 'after thirty years at sea, I found I had something to learn as stated under the head "Riding out a Gale," so it is possible even the older officer may pick up an idea or two'. Subjects as various as 'Grog', 'Conduct to Officers', 'Women, admitting them on Board', 'Hurricane, preparing for', 'Bullocks, getting off', 'Fog Guns, of firing' and 'Prizes, sending away' are included, with reference to the personal experiences of the author - a seasoned officer who fought at Cape St. Vincent whilst serving as first lieutenant of HMS Culloden, saw action at Toulon, the reduction of Santa Maura (1810) and the defence of Soylla - and those of leading notables such as Lord Nelson (under 'Action - of a General One'). Size: 8vo.…

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Printed for the author by J.J.Hadley, Cheltenham, vii,+ii, 262pp+erata housed in a modern hardback binding. "Since I came on shore, having no residence, I have passed the half of each year in wandering nearly sixteen thousand miles, have visited almost all the sea ports of England and Scotland, and held familiar coversation with the Seamen, without either begging the question, or permitting them to know who I was, or the object in view." Published in 1826 the authors investigation must have taken some years. After the cessation of hostilities with France and the down sizing of the fleet after 1815 the need for impressment became less 'pressing' and was abandoned informally. However the last law passed in 1835 re-affirmed the power to Impress and Impressment remained legal until 1900. These laws have never been repealed. A scarce item in the original.…