STEDMAN, Charles (1753-1812). The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War. London: For the author and sold by J. Murray, J. Debrett, & J. Kerby, 1794.

2 volumes, 4to (269 x 209 mm). Half-titles, 15 maps and plans (11 folding, one with overlay in vol. I). (A few short tears to folds of maps occasionally repaired, some offsetting of maps and charts, some light spotting.) Contemporary sprinkled calf, red and brown morocco lettering-pieces gilt (rebacked preserving original spines and recornered with a few other repairs, some light wear); slipcase. Provenance: Edward Monckton (1744-1832), British Whig politician (bookplate, signatures); R.F.B. Monckton, gifted to; Library of the Royal Empire Society London (presentation bookplates, withdrawn stamps).  
FIRST EDITION of Stedman's work, "generally considered the best contemporary account ... written from the British side" of the American Revolutionary War (Sabin). Born in Philadelphia, Stedman was a loyalist who served the British during the war. He participated in major battles and was seriously wounded twice. He was captured and set to be hanged as a rebel two times but escaped each time. The present account covers all major military engagements of the war as well as many individual battles accompanied by accurate maps and plans, which are "the finest collection of plans assembled by an eyewitness" (Revolutionary Hundred 89). Howes S-914; Sabin 91057.