November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
Clairac, Louis Andre de la Mamye de, and Lewis Nicola. “L'Ingenieur de campagne" or, Field engineer: Written in French by the Chevalier de Clairac, and translated by Major Lewis Nicola. To which is added, by way of appendix, a short treatise on sea batteries, shewing their defects, and an attempt to remedy them. Likewise, an explanation of all the technical terms used in the work. By the translator. Illustrated with a variety of copper-plates.” Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by R. Aitken, 1776. 1st (and only) edition, octavo, in half-sheets (8" x 4-7/8"). 37 (of 39) original folding, engraved plates; terminal ad and errata leaf; original, handsomely rebound in mottled calf, with raised bands, gilt trim and red morroco label on spine. Extremely rare (only 12 copies in Worldcat). Dedicated "To the Honourable the Delegates of the United States of America, in Congress Assembled... at this critical time.” The translator of this important French manual, Lewis Nicola (1717-1807) was the son of of British officer of Huegonot background and was born in Dublin, Ireland. Nicola served as a British officer through the Seven Years War, migrating to Philadelphia in 1766, where he was one of the founders of the American Philosophical Association. In July 1775, Nicola was hired by the Pennsylvania Council of Safety to inspect the local defenses in place along the banks of the Delaware River and the appendix to this work, is his original plan for constructing defensive fortifications, based on his work improving those protecting Philadelphia. He was appointed barrack master for the city and while serving in this capacity, published both this work and another original manual, “A Treatise for Military Exercise Calculated of the use of the Americans” in 1776. In 1777, Nicola proposed that the Continental Congress establish the Invalid Corps, which Congress approved and appointed him as its commander. The Corps was stationed at various Pennsylvania locations before moving to West Point, New York. In 1782, after the end of most hostilities but before the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Nicola wrote the Newburgh letter, which was received coldly by Washington. Despite his numerous and substantive contributions to the Patriot cause, Nicola is most remembered for authoring the Newburgh letter, which urged George Washington to assume a royal title. Evans 14678; Riley 126; Sabin 13199. CONDITION: Random dampstaining to some pages, not affecting text or plates; plates 11 and 24 missing; mended tear to one plate; remains of original spine label tipped to rear inside cover of volume. JLK