Description
The first edition of Serving the Republic, the memoirs of Lt. General Nelson A. Miles, inscribed to Admiral George W. Baird.
Octavo, [x], 340pp. Blue cloth, title stamped in gilt. No additional printings noted. Solid text block. Complete with frontispiece and 15 illustrated plates. Top edge gilt. Photograph of the funeral of Nelson Niles affixed to front pastedown, where Baird was a pallbearer.
Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “Admiral George W. Baird / United States Navy / Who’s exalted character, skill as an able commander, and scientific _, is only excelled by his _, profound patriotism. With highest esteem from his friend / Nelson A. Miles / Lieut-General, U.S. Army / Washington, D.C. / February 22nd, 1917.”
The recipient of this copy, Rear Admiral George Washington Baird (1843-1930) was a U.S. Navy engineer known for his innovations in naval engineering and shipboard systems. Serving from the early Civil War through the 20th century, he developed key technologies including a shipboard distiller, automatic throttle, and ventilation system. He installed the first incandescent lighting on a government ship and helped design the deep-sea vessel USS Albatross. Baird was also responsible for the installation of electric lights at the White House in 1891. In 1898, he was appointed chief engineer of the Washington Navy Yard.
