Heading:
Author: Stedman, Charles
Title: The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War
Place Published: London
Publisher:Printed for the author, and sold by J. Murray, et al.
Date Published: 1794
Description:

2 volumes. xv, [1], 399; xv, [1], 449, [1], [13 pp. With 15 engraved maps & plans, all but 4 of them folding, 1 with an overlay which is mis-bound in separately; 1 additional map from another work bound in. (4to) 26.5x20 cm (10½x8"), modern half calf & boards, spines lettered in gilt, raised bands. First Edition.

First edition of what is generally considered the "best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side," as noted by Sabin. Charles Stedman, a Philadelphia-born loyalist, was an officer under Lord Percy at Lexington and Concord; under General Howe in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania campaigns; and with Cornwallis in the south. Thus many of his descriptions of battles are derived from first-hand observation. Stedman also oversaw the production of the excellent, finely engraved maps and battle plans. Bound in at the end of the second volume of the present copy is Lt. Gen. Sir Henry Clinton's Observations on Mr. Stedman's History of the American War, [2], ii, 34 pp., London: J. Debrett, 1794. Howes S914; Sabin 91057. Ownership signatures of Major Thorley(?), 96 Regt. Aug. 1804, to title-pages of the main work, and that of Major F.P. Robinson to the title-page of Clinton's Observations.

Scuffs to the front board of the second volume; some foxing, soiling and marginal staining within, unobtrusive rubberstamps of the Colchester Public Library, the folding maps are mounted on linen backing, the title pages remargined; overall very good, a significant history of the American Revolution.