[UNITED STATES NAVY]. COOPER, James Fenimore. The History of the Navy of the United States of America...Continued to 1856. From the Author’s Manuscripts, and Other Authentic Sources. New York: G.P. Putnam & Co., 321 Broadway, 1856. 3 vols in one. Vol. I: [i-v] vi-xi [1], [13] 14-276 pp., frontispiece, plate, map; Vol. II: [i-iii] iv-vi, [7] 8-248 pp., map; Vol. III: [4], [7] 8-106 pp. 8vo (24 x 15.5 cm), contemporary three-quarter tan sheep over marbled boards, raised bands, spine extra gilt. Spine chipped and split at lower extremity, joints open (but holding), corners rubbed. Moderate to light foxing throughout. Inscribed on front flyleaf to Henry P. Coon from Charles K. McHaig, October 1, 1856.

Sixth edition (first edition, 1839; this is the first edition to be extended to 1856 and not to be confused with the extremely abridged edition of 508 pp. published the same year). BAL 3948n.

The war is covered in Vol III, chapters 5-6. The text concentrates on the conquest of California and actions on the east Mexican coast, particularly the capture of Veracruz. An extended passage concerns the Navy’s participation in the siege after guns and sailors were landed from the ships and set up in firing positions. The weapons landed for the Navy’s use were large, consisting of three eight-inch Paixhans guns and three 32-pounders (pp. 88-89).