About this Item
London: Printed for the Author; and sold by J. Murray, J. Debrett and J. Kerby, 1794. Two volumes, First edition. Quarto (10 1/ 2 x 8 , 268mm x 205 mm). Bound in Modern half calf over marbled boards. On the spine, 5 raised bands with gilt to second and fourth panels. With 15 engraved maps (11 folding), that of Bunker Hill with original overslip mis-bound separately, one additional map from another work bound in as frontispiece to vol. 1 (J. Savage, The River Scheldt, 1832). The maps are backed with linen repairing old tears and small losses, titles in both volumes cut round and inlaid, with some foxing, browning and staining, intermittent repairs. Bound in at the end of the second volume is: Lt. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton s, Observations on Mr. Stedman's History of the American War. London: J. Debrett, 1794. Quarto 34 pages.The maps accompanying this work illustrate actions at Bunker Hill, Long Island, New Jersey, Saratoga, Charleston, Camden, Guilford Court House, Yorktown, and other sites. They count among the finest collection of plans depicting important military engagements in the War of Indepence assembled by an eyewitness. Charles Stedman (1753-1812) was a British loyalist, born in Philadelphia. His knowledge of German, likely learned from colonists in Pennsylvania, was helpful in dealing with the Hessian auxiliary soldiers and leading German troops. He served as an officer under Generals William Howe, Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis. Stedman was twice taken prisoner and once sentenced to hanging as a rebel, but escaped each time. He was also seriously wounded twice. At the end of the war in 1783, he retired to England, where he reported to Lord Rawdon, Earl of Moira, and settled loyalist claims for the British Government. Stedman's History is considered the best contemporary account told from the British point of view, establishing the cornerstone of Revolutionary War literature. His first-hand knowledge of major campaigns from Savannah to Yorktown, as well as the people involved, makes this an indespensible account of the War of American Independence.There are manuscripts of Major Thorley, 96th Regiment, 1 August 1804 (on titles and first text leaves) and Major F.P. Robinson (on title-page of Clinton's Observations). The Colchester Public Library (inkstamps on titles verso, and some internal leaves, including on linen backing of maps). From the Library of Michael Jay Haft. Howes S914; Sabin 91057. Seller Inventory # AMB0268
Contact seller
Report this item
