Military Reminiscences; Extracted From a Journal of Nearly Forty Years' Active Service in the East Indies.
London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1830. First Edition. Hardcovers. 8vo. 2 volumes. xiv + 354pp & viii + 347pp. Original red cloth boards decorated in blind, professionally rebacked with new matching red leather spine, gilt titled spine labels, 34 uncoloured aquatints (some folding), woodcut illustrations of maps, plans, fortresses etc; Welsh (1775-1861) served fifty-eight years in the army of the East India Company beginning in 1790, entering the army as ensign. As a lieutenant in the 24th Native Infantry Welsh took part in the siege of Pondicherry in July / August 1793, transferring to the 9th native infantry and serving at the capture of Colombo in 1796. In 1799 he was promoted to captain, and appointed adjutant and quartermaster of the 3rd native infantry, and was present at the assault on the great hill fort at Ahmednagar, which was captured on 12 August 1803. He took part in numerous other campaigns throughout the subcontinent, and was appointed Colonel in 1829, at which time he went on furlough to Britain, where he published these extensive memoires. Cloth of boards a bit darkened and rubbed, corners bumped and well chafed, edges bumped and and chafed. Uneven browning to first and last leaves of both volumes, some foxing and browning throughout., including quite substantial - but pale - foxing to a number of the plates and plans. Otherwise a tight, unmarked near VG set. Item #40584
Price: $500.00