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c. 1783 Revolutionary War / Yorktown, Narrative of Lieut-Gen. Sir Henry Clinton

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 USD
c. 1783 Revolutionary War / Yorktown, Narrative of Lieut-Gen. Sir Henry Clinton
American Revolution
First Edition Book “Narrative of Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton... which respects the unfortunate Issue of the Campaign in 1781.” Being “Yorktown Campaign” Related
c. 1783 American Revolutionary War Period, Yorktown Campaign Related, First Edition Book fully titled: “Narrative of Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton, K. B., relative to his conduct during part of his command of the King's Troops in North America; Particularly to that which respects the unfortunate Issue of the Campaign in 1781.”, Stated third edition, London: by J. Debrett, Very Fine.
One of the most significant accounts of the fateful Revolutionary War Battle of Yorktown, authored by General Sir Henry Clinton. This example hardbound in later morocco backed boards, measuring 8” x 5” (20 x 12.5 cm); with 115 pages, with errata to verso of final leaf, bound without half-title or ads, overall clean and well printed, gold gilt lettered spine with title, “Narrative of Sir Henry Clinton”.

Lieutenant-General Henry Clinton's famous indictment of Lord Cornwallis and the British failure at Yorktown, bound together with Cornwallis' indignant defense of the same. This is the first Edition, second impression of Clinton's NARRATIVE, of six total editions printed in 1783, with the third edition's titlepage, but errata on the verso of the end page 115.

After distinguishing himself several times in action, particularly at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Henry Clinton was appointed in 1776 to act as Second-in-command to General Howe. He played a major part in the battle of Long Island, and in the capture of New York on September 15th of that year. When Howe returned to England in May 1778, Clinton became Commander-in-Chief of the forces in North America, with Lord Cornwallis as his second in command. Following the capitulation of Yorktown and the final loss of the American Colonies, he resigned his command and returned to England, publishing this NARRATIVE in 1783. This resulted in an acrimonious quarrel with, and several rejoinders from, Cornwallis. Clinton was appointed Governor of Gibraltar in July 1794 and died there in December of the following year.

This historic edition is of Sir Henry Clinton's defense of his actions in 1781 as it relates to British General Earl Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown. The two figures engaged in a pamphlet war and this narrative ran to several editions before 1785. A nice clean pleasing copy. Sabin 13751; ESTC N9961; Howes C496; Adams, American Controversy, 83-21d.