Beschreibung:

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. (4to) 26.4x20.5 cm (10¼x8"), 19th/early 20th century calf & marbled boards, spine gilt, morocco lettering pieces. 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. Heald notes: “The beautifully engraved maps (the largest of which is approximately 20 x 30 inches) are the finest collection of plans assembled by an eyewitness. They depict the sieges of Savannah and Charlestown, plus the battles of Saratoga, Camden, Guilford, Hobkirk's Hill, and Yorktown. Stedman was a native of Philadelphia, a Loyalist who served as an officer under Howe, Clinton, and Cornwallis, and later became an examiner of Loyalist claims for the British government. He had first hand knowledge of many of the campaigns and persons involved in the effort. He is critical of Howe, and describes all the major theatres of war, as well as individual battles from Bunker Hill to Yorktown.” Some foxing and offset to the maps, a few with ill-creases, one with old paper repair on verso. Each volume with the engraved bookplate of R.T.H. & H.E. Halsey. R.T.H. Halsey was the driving force behind the creation of The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and was an avid collector.