A Hand Book for Infantry, containing the First Principles of Military Discipline, founded on Rational Method: intended to explain in a Familiar and Practical Manner, for the Use of the Military Force of the United States, the Modern Improvements in the Discipline and Movement of Armies
Philadelphia, Printed for The Author, 1813 (fourth edition)/ 1812.
Octavo, viii (last blank), 112 pages with numerous in-text figures (concerning marching and attack formations) plus 11 pages of plates (some of formations, others of loading and firing techniques, presentation of arms, that sort of thing - far more eye-catching).
Original flush-cut quarter-contrasting plain papered boards; covers foxed and a little marked, with minor loss to the joints and spine; moderate foxing scattered throughout; trifling irregularities to the width of some uncut margins (as issued); minor signs of handling (principally creases to some corners); contemporary ownership signature on the first leaf; 'Essex Institute' plate (with release stamp) on the front pastedown; overall a very good copy.
William Duane (1760-1835) was an American journalist and editor of the 'Aurora', the pro-Jeffersonian journal. 'Duane fought successfully against the infamous Alien and Sedition acts that were in force between 1798 and 1801. The controversial Irish-American was cited by Thomas Jefferson (and Jefferson's political enemies) as a major factor in elevating Jefferson to the presidency in 1801. Of all the early American Republic's "transatlantic radicals" - intellectuals and political activists forced to flee to the US from Ireland, Scotland and England during the 1790s - William Duane was probably the most influential.... Duane also served as Adjutant General in the defense of Philadelphia during the War of 1812 (during which time James Wilson, Woodrow Wilson's grandfather, edited the "Aurora" with the help of Duane's eldest son, William John). Duane authored and published several books on military tactics for the US armed forces. His "A Handbook for Riflemen" (1812) was required reading at US military academies for over a century' (US National Park Service website). The current item apparently went through nine editions in three years.
Item #109304
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