Books

105, [1 blank] pp. Disbound, stitching still present. Light scattered foxing, mild toning. Good+. Contemporary ownership signature on title page of William Hull, the unfortunate American General who surrendered Detroit in the War of 1812. Paine's pamphlet first issued from London earlier in 1791. This first American edition includes the dedication to George Washington and the prefatory remarks of the "Secretary of State" [Thomas Jefferson]. "Hull joined the American army during the Revolutionary War, serving in campaigns in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. Both before and after the war he practiced law, and in 1805 President Thomas Jefferson named him governor of Michigan Territory. In 1812, at the outset of the war with Great Britain, he accepted a commission as brigadier general, in command of an army intended to defend Michigan and attack Canada. His invasion of Canada was clumsy and poorly planned; he retreated to Detroit and eventually, on Aug. 16, 1812, without a fight, surrendered his army and forts to the British. A court-martial later convicted him of cowardice and neglect of duty and sentenced him to death. President James Madison approved the findings but remitted the sentence" [Britannica online]. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION. Evans 23664. Howes P31. ESTC W36410.

Originally published in 1791, 'Rights of Man' is a book by Thomas Paine that defends the French Revolution against its critics and advocates for individual rights.