2 vols. Vol I: [i-vii] viii-xvi, [4], [21] 22-352, [16, ads], 16 plates; Vol. II: [i-v] vi-ix [5], [5] 6-333 [1], [1] 2-8 pp., 18 plates. (8vo), 20 x 13 cm (8x5¼"), original blind-stamped brown cloth, spine gilt-lettered with gilt vignettes of shields. First Edition.
An important study of the army immediately after the war and the first such one. With ink signatures of Jeffery Converse in both volumes, and pencil signatures of J.H. Converse and W.M. Brandy in vol. I.
Much of this book is devoted to the recent events of the Mexican war, especially Vol. II. Includes biographical information on important officers and engraved portraits of them, “the majority after daguerreotypes by Mr. Clark (late Anthony Edwards & Co.) of New York, and Mr. Root, of Philadelphia” (I:ix). The plates include Santa-Anna, Arista, Samuel Walker, John Wool, Frémont, and Samuel Ringgold. The author states that the first volume was already stereotyped when the Mexican-American War began, and he had to rewrite volume II extensively.
Condition:
Binding tattered, worn, and faded, spines chipped; vol. II shaken. Interior with scattered light to moderate foxing, plates are heavily browned and offset.