[American Revolution] Tarleton, Sir (Banastre) A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Provinces of North America

London: Printed for T. Cadell, 1787. First edition. 4to. vii, (i), 518 pp.; publisher's two-page ad at rear wanting. Illustrated with one large engraved folding map with hand-colored outlining of the Southern United States, by William Faden (Nebenzahl's variant state of the map, dated "Feby. 3, 1787", as issued with the book), and four engraved plans with hand-colored outlining (two folding) showing military routes and positions; small repair on fold verso of large folding map, other scattered light wear along edges and folds of same. Three-quarter pebbled tan morocco over brown pebbled cloth-covered boards, stamped in gilt; speckled edges; patterned endpapers; residue on front free endpaper from now-removed label; scattered minor spotting and soiling to text; light offsetting from maps and plans. Church 1224; Howes T-37; Sabin 94397; Clark, Old South, 1:317; Nebenzahl, Battle Plans of the American Revolution, 60

A handsome first edition of this standard account of Britain's Southern Campaign during the American Revolution, of "great value, especially because it contains many documents that cannot be found elsewhere without great labor." (Church). Tarleton was a commander of a Tory cavalry unit who served in America for the majority of the conflict, from 1776-1781, and is remembered for his ruthlessness and brutal tactics in battle. This text is a detailed account of Britain's campaign through the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia, beginning with the French attack on Savannah and ending with the surrender of General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. Tarleton recounts his numerous exploits, including his assisting in the captures of Charleston and Camden, his defeat of Lafayette near Jamestown, Virginia. The volume also contains his defense for his loss at Cowpens, attributing his defeat to Cornwallis, and in general criticizing the British high command. The handsomely engraved plans illustrate the siege of Charleston, the battles of Camden and Guildford, and the siege of Yorktown, while the large folding map depicts Cornwallis's marches through the Carolinas and Virginia.

William Faden's map of The Marches of Lord Cornwallis was first published on August 3, 1785, and was reprinted here for inclusion in this work with Tarleton's route added.