Memoirs of the Principal Transactions of the Last War between the English and French in North America
The Library of Ernest E. Keet Sold on behalf of the Cloudsplitter Foundation
Memoirs of the Principal Transactions of the Last War between the English and French in North America

William Shirley, 1757

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Memoirs of the Principal Transactions of the Last War between the English and French in North America
William Shirley, 1757
[SHIRLEY, William (1694-1771).] Memoirs of the Principal Transactions of the Last War between the English and French in North America. From the Commencement of it in 1744, to the Conclusion of the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle. Containing in Particular An Account of the Importance of Nova Scotia or Acadie and the Island of Cape Breton to both Nations. London: R. & J. Dodsley; sold by M. Cooper, 1757.

First edition, an account of the principal events of King George's War, 1744-1748. The conduct of the British commander (and former Massachusetts governor) William Shirley is defended here. He had briefly been held responsible for his failures during the Seven Years' War and this tract appeared in time to restore his reputation. It is an apology "demonstrating the superiority of colonial troops in colonial warfare, with an account of hostilities in Nova Scotia and the capture of Louisburg" (TPL). It is dedicated to the Duke of Newcastle. Howes ascribes authorship to Shirley's secretary, William Alexander. Another issue omits the price on the title-page; this copy has the price. Howes A-124; Lande 787; Sabin 80550; TPL 276 (note); Waldon, p.410.

Octavo (188 x 102mm). (Soiling to title-page.) Modern quarter calf, morocco spine label. Provenance: Ernest E. Keet (bookplate).

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