1809 Proceedings of a General Court Martial Held at the Horse-Guards, on the 24th and 27th of March, 1792, for the trial of Capt. Richard Powell, Lieutenant Christopher Seton, and Lieutenant John Hall of the 54th Regiment of Foot: on several charges preferred against them respectively by William Cobbett

Description

Early Edition, Rebound

One of two editions published this year, the other published by Samuel Tipper.

Prior to his career as a political reformer though his Weekly Political Register and his pamphlets, William Cobbett was a soldier. While stationed in New Brunswick in Canada from 1784 to 1791 he found that several officers were stealing provisions. He collected evidence against these officers, and presented this to the Secretary of War.

A court martial was launched, and this work presents the proceedings of that court martial and the letters exchanged between Cobbett and the Judge.

Cobbett's accusations were found to be 'destitute of foundation, and wilfully and maliciously set on foot'; the defendants were acquitted as Cobbett failed to attend the court.

This work was published decades after the events, without Cobbett's consent, with the aim of damaging his reputation.

With twenty-five blank leaves to the rear.