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(CLINTON–CORNWALLIS CONTROVERSY)
The Narrative of Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton…
Fifth Edition. [bound together with:] An Answer to that Part of the Narrative of Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton, which relates to the Conduct of Lieutenant-General Earl Cornwallis… [&] Observations on some Parts of the Answer of Earl Cornwallis to Sir Henry Clinton's Narrative… [&] A Parting Word; or, a Summary Review of the Controversy between Sir Henry Clinton and Earl Cornwallis…
Publisher: the first three J. Debrett, the last, R. Faulder and J. Bew, 1783
Stock code: 59375
Price: £1,850 Currency Conversion
First editions, except the first-named, which is the fifth edition. An excellent group of pamphlets from the Clinton–Cornwallis controversy, three of the major documents of the debate together with an extremely uncommon, anonymous contribution. "Clinton's reputation rests almost entirely on his service in the American War of Independence. His performance was sometimes energetic and inspired, usually sound, and almost always marred by his inability, by what historians have come to see as a disordered personality, to work well with other generals and admirals and to carry out his own plans. He clearly understood the war as a whole… Yet he was so unsure of himself, so hesitant in exercising authority, that he could not translate his insights into British victory. Nor could he avoid being blamed for Lord Cornwallis's climactic defeat at Yorktown" (ODNB). The final pamphlet - firmly on Cornwallis's side - not in BL, or on COPAC, and just two copies on OCLC, Harvard and Clements Library.
Octavo (213 × 219 mm), four items bound as one. Contemporary half calf on marbled boards, red morocco label, raised bands, gilt rules. Folding tables to the second- and third-named, that of the former double-sided. A little rubbed, joints just starting at the tail, but overall very good.
