Description
Revolutionary War soldier’s personal copy of The Military Guide for Young Officers by Thomas Simes, published in 1776. This is Volume I of II.
Octavo, [1], [lacking title page], [6], 384 (misprinted 284). Lacking the folded leaves. In period calf, raised bands on spine. Toning and scattered foxing throughout. This copy is lacking the title page and second volume. (Sabin 81142) (Evans 15083) This book was used by at least one Revolutionary War soldier, starting with Lieutenant Joseph Banks of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment, dated 1779. The other signatures found in the volume, Jas. D. Dickison (dated 1777) and Joseph Frisbie, Junior (dated 1794), may also belong to military personnel of the time. A truly rare piece of Americana, being used in service during the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Banks served in the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment, rising to ensign on February 24, 1777. He was commissioned regimental quartermaster on December 4th, 1777 and received his lieutenant’s commission on June 3, 1778. Banks retired on January 1, 1781.
