WAR In DISGUISE; or, The Frauds of the Neutral Flags.
London: Printed for J. Hatchard and J. Butterworth, 1807. 5th edition (Howes S-937; Sabin 91246). [2], xxiv, 1 - 124, 129 - 224, 221 - 252 pp. Untrimmed. 8vo: 1 [A]^4 a - b^4 B - Q^4 R^2 S - 2K^4. 9" x 5-5/8". Period blue paper wrappers, with modern rebacking to style. Modern printed paper title label to spine. Usual smattering of foxing to preliminary & terminal leaves. PO bookplates of T. A. Walker & Melville, this latter who has signed his name at the top of the half-title page. A VG copy with a nice association of one who came to be at the heart of the maritime issues between the United States & Britain. Item #32797
The work a defense of Britain's early 19th C. practice of searching US ships and impressment of US sailors, despite the young nation's assertion of neutrality, the accumulated aggravation of which eventually, at least in part, led to the War of 1812.
Formerly owned by Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty [1812 - 1827]. "A diligent administrator ably balancing the pressures on him, he was regarded by the navy as a thoroughly reliable representative of its interests, and by his political colleagues as a man who could be ruthless when necessary." [ONB].
Price: $750.00