Compilation of the General Orders, &c., issued in 1842-47, by...

Governor of Scinde, to the Army under his Command. Lightish browning throughout, lacks front free endpaper, title page somewhat brittle at the margins and with a number of short splits, but no loss, about very good in contemporary Indian ochre sheep binding, slightly worn, but sound. xvi, 142pp. viii index. Printed at the "Times" Press by James Chesson, Bombay,

Scarce, COPAC locates the BL and NLS copies only - not noted on NSTC, no copies on OCLC or RLIN.

James was Napier's Assistant Adjutant General from April 1843 until he left Sindh in 1847 and remarks of the Orders that,

"They are the productions of one who, has deeply studied human nature - of one whom habit and education have made a Soldier, and who, being in early life habituated to command, was then taught the Art of War, under the immortal Moore, and the Great Duke of Wellington. They were written by one of the kindest-hearted of men, by a stern Soldier, who understood not disobedience of orders, and who, knowing what a Soldier could do, required of him no more. Acquainted with the minutiæ of duty, nothing escaped his eagle eye; and while punishing, with a strong-hand, insubordination and disobedience, he has ever the kind heart to overlook indiscretions, when not accompanied by vice."

Napier is described in ODNB as "a man to inspire strong affection or the reverse" we can safely assume from the above that James was of the former camp. This copy with a number of ownership inscriptions to the title page and prefatory matter, one contemporary owner was Thomas H. Rees, 16th Bombay Native Infantry who has signed on the title page and dedication leaf.

Stock Code: 87599