“A POCKET VOLUME, TO BE CONSULTED ON ANY EMERGENCY”: STEVENSON’S MILITARY INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICERS, 1775 FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, WITH 12 FOLDING ENGRAVED PLATES

STEVENSON, Roger. Military Instructions for Officers Detached in the Field. Philadelphia: R. Aitken, 1775. 12mo, contemporary full brown sheep rebacked with original spine laid down, raised bands, later tan morocco spine label. $22,000.

First American edition of this important Revolutionary War-era military manual, illustrated with 12 engraved plates (seven folding) of diagrams and maneuvers. The first book dedicated to George Washington. From the family of Persifor Frazer, a colonel during the American Revolution and an associate of both Washington and "Mad Anthony" Wayne.

A most important early military manual printed in America, preceding the celebrated works of Baron Von Steuben. Stevenson's work is aimed at officers of lesser rank in charge of smaller detachments, and gives practical instruction in fortifying buildings and villages, conducting reconnaissance, secret marches, surprise attacks, ambushes and retreats—in other words, how to conduct guerilla warfare, "petite guerre." "That [the Militia] may long remain unpracticed in war is my fervent wish, but as we cannot foresee the events of future wars, it may be no misfortune to have advice, how to improve the advantage which their knowledge of the country gives them, if they should at any time have occasion to step forth in defense of their property, and all they hold dear" (v). Stevenson's guerilla tactics and their own superior knowledge of local terrain gave the Continental Army a significant advantage over the regimented fighting style of British Army—at the time, the best-equipped and best-trained fighting force in the world. Preceded by the first and second London editions of 1770 and 1774. Sabin 91607. Evans 14475. With owner signatures from the family of Persifor Frazer, a lieutenant colonel during the American Revolution who was a close associate of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne. Wayne and Frazer were friends and neighbors in Chester county, Pennsylvania from before the war. Frazer was captured at the Battle of the Brandywine, and there exists correspondence between George Washington and Frazer arranging for the exchange of prisoners with the British. The ownership signatures are all for "Persifor Frazer," but they are from his descendants, including one on the title page dated 1823 (likely his grandson, as colonel Frazer died in 1792).

Scattered foxing and dampstaining to text and plates, paper repair to preliminary blank. Contemporary calf boards handsome.