James Thacher (1754-1844). A Military Journal During the American Revolutionary War, From 1775 to 1783. Boston: Richardson and Lord, 1823. 

8vo. Contemporary calf, smooth spine in 6 compartments with burgundy morocco spine label gilt-lettered. FIRST EDITION. Howes T-149. 

Provenance: Norton Library (bookplate numbered 2601 to interior front board). 

A handsome first edition copy of the reminiscences of Dr. James Thacher, who served as a surgeon in the Massachusetts 16th Regiment during the American Revolution. beginning p. 256 

Notably, in 1780, he was stationed at West Point when British spy Major John André (1750-2 October 1780) was captured and executed. The head of British intelligence operations during the Revolution, and importantly, Benedict Arnold's point of contact. André was captured by American scouts with the plans to West Point after receiving them in a meeting with the turncoat Arnold. His capture led directly to the revelation of Arnold's true intent. Thacher provides a detailed account of the affair, as well as his own opinions of both André and Arnold. 

An excellent Revolutionary War memoir.

[Books, Biography, Biographies, Ephemera, Pamphlets, Publications, Booklets, Memoirs] [American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, Colonial America, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe]