(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--1776.) Clairac and Nicola. L'Ingenieur de Campagne; or, Field Engineer. 37 (of 39) plates. [6], 256, [2] pages. 8vo, modern mottled calf, original spine label tipped to rear pastedown; moderate dampstaining and wear, tasteful reinforcement and repairs to several leaves including title, lacking plates 11 and 24, light staining at head of title page. Philadelphia: Robert Aitken, 1776
First American edition, and the first book printed in America on military fortifications. First published in 1749 by Louis André de La Mamie de Clairac as "L'Ingenieur de Campagne ou Traité de la Fortification Passagere," it first appeared in English in a 1760 London translation by John Muller. This new translation was prepared for American use by Major Lewis Nicola of the Continental Army, best known for later proposing in the "Newburgh Letter" that George Washington become the new nation's king. The printer Robert Aitken of Philadelphia is best known for issuing the first American Bible in 1782. Evans 14678; Riley 126; Sabin 13199. We trace no other examples at auction since a Swann sale, 21 April 1983, lot 65.
