Observations on a Machine for the Speedy Conveyance of Troops;

and Report of an Experiment for that Purpose, begun on Friday, the 1st of June 1804, & continued for the Five succeeding Days, under the Sanction of the Earl of Moira, &c. &c. With a Description and Plates of the Machine... Four engraved plates. Some light foxing, otherwise very good in the original turquoise glazed paper-backed marbled boards, slightly rubbed, joints cracked but holding, paper label to the upper board. [iv], 40pp. Edinburgh,

NSTC lists three copies only, BL, Bodleian and NLS, NUC cites a copy at Yale. Crichton, Lt.-Col. in the First Battalion, Second Regiment, Royal Edinburgh Volunteers, designed a frame "...which could be easily attached to the Carriage (i.e. the springs and lower part) of a Coach or Post-Chaise" to carry twelve men "...with great ease, sixty-five miles in eight hours... and that the men so carried were afterwards fit for the ordinary day's march or duties of a soldier." A series of experiments was carried out under the aegis of the Earl of Moira proving the worth of the device in the conveyance of both infantry and field artillery. This copy inscribed, "To His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch with Lieut. Colonel Crichton's most respectful Compliments" on the front free endpaper and the presentation noted on the label, Buccleuch's ownership inscription to the front pastedown. Henry Scott, Third Duke of Buccleuch, "Duke Henry" was well-educated and generous, Adam Smith served as his tutor and travelling companion on the Grand Tour and his close friend Sir Walter Scott said of him "...his name was never mentioned without praises by the rich and benedictions by the poor." In 1778 he had raised a company of fencibles, which, under his personal command, "...were of conspicuous service in the "no popery riots" in Edinburgh the following year." [DNB]

Stock Code: 80519