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SHIPP, John.
Memoirs of the Extraordinary Military Career of John Shipp,
Late a Lieutenant in His Majesty's 87th Regiment.
First American edition. John Shipp was a remarkable soldier, who began his military career as a drummer boy at the age of ten. He rose through the ranks to become a Lieutenant in the 87th Regiment in India. He sold his first commission to pay off debts. After a miserable time in London, Shipp once again enlisted in the service in India, where he again attained the rank of Lieutenant. During his commission, Shipp was somehow inveigled into a series of disastrous bets on horse racing, and was then foolish enough to reflect (in writing) upon the behaviour of a superior officer in regard to these transactions, and was swiftly discharged from the service by a court-martial in July 1823. In reviewing the third edition of Shipp's memoir in 1890, 'The Times' newspaper stated that "for a man of little more than 30 to have twice won his commission from the ranks was an achievement unique in the annals of the British army". Shipp's memoirs tell his life story from his youth, through his entire military career, and include extensive reflection as well as narrative. The volumes were reprinted several times over the succeeding century.
2 volumes, duodecimo (201 × 116 mm) Original paper boards, cloth spine with printed paper labels. Boards slightly rubbed and worn with some loss at top and tail of spines, end papers mildly stained and foxed, contents lightly toned throughout. Later bookseller's tickets to the rear pastedowns.
