The Annual Register, or a View of the History, Politics, and Literature, For the Year 1777
London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1778. Leather_bound. Original full calf, hubbed spine and leather spine labels lettered in gilt. iv+ 303 + 249 pp + (10;Contents). General wear to the binding, corners rounded, shallow loss at head and foot of spine, some chipping to the labels. Small owbership signature top corner of the title page, corresponding to a vintage bookplate that was presumably accidentally affixed upside down to the rear pastedown. The twentieth volume of these annual registers, this being one of the more important isues due to the signifcant content regarding the American colonies and the Revolutionary War.The book is divided up into distinctly titled parts: The History of Europe, Chronicles, State Papers, Characters, Projects, etc. The opening chapter of the first segment is "Retrospective view of American affairs in the year 1776' and includes, among other subjects, commentary on preparations in Canada for the armament of Lake Champlain, the state of American forces, Benedict Arnold's retreat from Quebec, Ticonderoga, Carlton's actions in upper New York and his return to Canada, the capture of General Lee , matters relating to the actions of the American Congress, the retiring of Congress form Philadelphia to Baltimore, "Surprize at Trenton", Cornwallis' return to the Jerseys, Washington's attack on Colonel Mawhood "near Princetown", actions by the Creek and Cherokee Indians, the original articles of confederation adopted by Congress. The "State Papers" section includes a speech amde by the Speaker of The House of Commons regarding raising revenues to defray the "extra expenses of the American war.." as well as other mentions of the American conflict in other of the papers reported upon, a lengthy "Circular Letter of Lord Howe, to the Governors of the American Provinces" composed aboard the flagship "Eagle" anchored off the coast of Massachusetts Bay; publication of the Resolution in Congress of October 21, 1776 requiring an Oath of Allegiance form American military officers; a proclamation by George Washington; a paper relating to Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga along with communications relating to same between major Genera;l Gtes and Gen. Burgoyne. Among the pieces in the "Characters" section is an "Account of the Savage Tribes of America". the "projects section contains "Useful Hints for learning to Swim by Benjamin Franklin, LL. D. Roberson's "The History of America" is reviewed in the "An Account of Books for 1777" section. Good. Item #E24831
Price: $495.00