[10], ix, [2], 12-135 pp. Folding copper-engraved plate as frontispiece. 20.12.5 cm. (8x4¾"), bound along with two other works of the period in quarter leather and marbled boards, label of "Armée de Lyon... Bibliothéque es Officiers" on front cover. First Edition.
Signed by Hartmann on verso of the half title beneath statement certifying this as copies of the authorized edition. General Charles Lallemand, following Napoleon's final defeat, fled to America, and eventually made his way to the Texas coast and up the Trinity River to found Champ d'Asile, a colony for exiled Napoleonic veterans. In Basic Texas Books, Jenkins writes of this book that "the text consists of two diaries, the first by Hartmann and the second by Millard. The Hartmann section includes a list of the colonists and the text of Gen. C. F. A. Lallemand's Proclamation from Galveston, beginning: 'Brought together by a series of misfortunes which exiled us from our homes [in France] and scattered us abroad in various countries, we have no hostile intentions [but if we are attached] we have arms [...]." Raines writes "The authors give a full history of 'Camp Asylum, with a notice of everything that happened from the formation to the dissolution of that colony, the causes which brought it about, and the list of all the French colonists with information useful to their families, and the plan of the camp.' The organization was purely military, divided into two cohorts, commanded by Gens, Lallemand and Rigaud. Lallemand was one of the legatees of Napoleon. On the approach of the Spanish army, the French burned their buildings and fled to Galveston Island, thence to Louisiana. The exact site of the settlement has not yet been determined." Basic Texas Books 85; Howes H270; Raines, p. 109; Sabin 30706; Streeter 1069
Condition:
Binding well worn, top spine compartment missing, more recent library spine number taped to spine; Some foxing, soiling and fairly light, mostly marginal dampstaining, good condition.