Manual of Bayonet Exercise: Prepared for the Use of the Army of the United States
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1862. 24 drawn plates. Hardcover. Duodecimo. 118 pages plus 24 plates.
Originally published in 1852 when McClellan was a young cavalry officer fresh out of West Point, this edition was published during the narrow window when he was Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
McClellan's manual was adapted from M. Gomard's French treatise on fencing and bayonet techniques, aiming to standardize close-combat instruction across the U. S. Army which lacked a unified bayonet curriculum.
The manual consists of twelve progressive lessons illustrated by 24 plates at the end of the volume.
McClellan was made Commander-in-Chief of the Army in November of 1861 and was demoted by Lincoln in mid-March 1862, and thus this edition of McClellan's Manual is the only one to appear during his brief national command, and he makes sure it's noted on the title page.
Bound in original brown cloth over boards with spine title in gilt, which is now somewhat dulled. Some light spotting to binding, mild extremity bumps, light rubs. Light scattered foxing inside. Contemporaneous prior ownership inscription of one Lt. P. L. Rowe on preliminary blank leaf.
Item #2134
Price: $350