CLINTON, Sir Henry in folio

Observations on Earl Cornwallis' Answer. [To Sir Henry Clinton's Narrative]. (Campaign in 1771).

Philadelphia. John Campbell. 1866. 1st Edition. Soft cover. 4to. 30.5cm, [iv],113,[2]p., First American edition, folding table, limited to 75 copies, in quarto of a total edition of 250 copies, printed wraps, title printed in black and red, wraps chipped on the edges and loose, spine cap wanting, text block is clean and sound. (mt) Howes C-499. Sabin 13751. The finger pointing after the withdrawal of British forces from the American colonies was exemplified by the war of words between Clinton and Cornwallis. Clinton had been head of His Majesty's forces in 1781, and was based in New York; Cornwallis was his second, in command of the southern forces. Clinton had ordered Cornwallis to not leave Georgia, but contradictory orders and circumstances encouraged Cornwallis to take his forces north, where he and Clinton were to combine armies. Delaying actions by the Americans including Cowpens and Guilford Court House forced Cornwallis to encamp at Yorktown, where Clinton's forces were to arrive, coming down the Chesapeake from Head of Elk; the recent arrival of French troop ships which anchored at the southern end of the Bay prevented Clinton from sailing directly. The British forces were thus divided and unable to connect or communicate, and an American siege at Yorktown forced Cornwallis to capitulate, ending the conflict. Clinton defended his conduct in print in early 1783, Cornwallis replied, Clinton returned the favor (present title), and the war of words and honor was on. Clinton came from a military family, while Cornwallis had the advantage of peerage, a distinction never lost on Clinton, who had heard the rumors and felt he had to protect whatever honor he had left. Regardless of who was at greater fault, Clinton's military and political career after 1781 was negligible, while within a few years Cornwallis was appointed governor-general of India. Good. Item #40127

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