SIMES, Thomas (fl. 1757-1780). The Military Guide for Young Officers. Philadelphia: J. Humphreys, R. Bell and R. Aitken, 1776. [Bound with:] DALRYMPLE, Campbell. Extracts from a Military Essay, Containing: Reflections on the Raising, Arming, Cloathing and Discipline of the British Infantry and Cavalry. Philadelphia: Humphreys, Bell and Aitken, 1776. [Bound with:] HARVEY, Edward. The Manual Exercise, as Ordered by His Majesty, in the Year 1764. Philadelphia: J. Humphreys, 1776.

First edition of the essential manual for the British officer corps, bound with two other 1776 first editions. Simes' Military Guide was intended to be a vade mecum for British officers. Volume I contains model forms for all manner of military papers and reports; regulations regarding reviews, camps, hospitals, tactics, etc.; and charts and orders relative to uniforms in the British service. Volume II is a military dictionary. The Extracts ... of the British Infantry and Cavalry was probably published concurrently with the Declaration of Independence. Evans 15083 & 1426; Sabin 81142 & 18345; Spaulding & Karpinski 325 & 322.

Two volumes, octavo (198 x 117mm). Frontispiece in volume 2 (short tear and stain at bottom) and 2 folding tables. (Lower margins of vol. 2 stained, dampstain, some occasional spotting.) Additional works bound at end of vol. 2 are with 8 engraved plates, two folding (some water staining at bottom); and 2 engraved folding plans, respectively. Contemporary calf, red morocco lettering pieces (joints rubbed, upper cover of vol. 2 water damaged at foot). Provenance: Richard Hatfield (signatures on flyleaves; his? 2-page manuscript list of place names laid-in) – Jay Snider (bookplate; his sale, Christie's New York, 21 June 2005, lot 67).