A Narrative of the Operations of a Small British Force under the command of Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, employed in the Reduction of Monte Video,

on the River Plate, A.D. 1807. [Bound with]The Chronicle of Fife; being the Diary of John Lamont of Newton, from 1649 to 1672 (Edinburgh, 1810).First edition. Engraved plan of Monte Video as frontispiece. 4to. Contemporary half calf, marbled boards, with red morocco labels to spine. 60, 5ads.pp. London,

A very scarce account of the second of three expeditions mounted by the British on the River Plate in 1806 & 1807.

It is interesting to note that although this anonymous account has been attributed to the Assistant Q.M.G. Major John Goulston Price Tucker, Mr. Thomas Auchmuty (a distant cousin of the expedition leader and previous owner of this volume) has noted on the title page that the author was: "John James Brusse Tucker / Lt. Colonel". He has also made various neat notes with regard to the book and his relationship with Sir Samuel Auchmuty: "I was introduced to Sir Samuel Auchmuty at Kirkhams Hotel in Brook St. London by his own cousin in October 1807 on his return from Monte Video... his manners & address are good - but not gracious..."

With a fine armorial bookplate to the front pastedown: Auchmuty, being "Dum Spiro Spero" (while I breath, I hope), as well as an ownership inscription on the upper margin of the title of The Chronicle of Fife: "Thomas Auchmuty of Bricktown late of 3rd Regiment of Dragoons and a Major of Brigade to the forces in Ireland with Brigadier General Lord Viscount Lorton". Sabin, 51819.

Stock Code: 199111