Evolutions of the Line, as Practiced by the Austrian Infantry, and Adopted in 1853
New York: Van Nostrand, 1860. First edition in English, a translation of the Austrian Army's "Manovrir-Reglement fur die Kaiserlich-Konigiche Infanterie" (Wien, 1853). Small 8vo. 132. Illustrated, three large folding sheets, printing 11 plates, each with multiple representations (several short tears into the diagrams). Wilcox (1824-1890), serving in the 7th Regiment, U.S. Infantry at the time this book was published, was a native of Wayne County, North Carolina, an 1846 graduate of West Point, and a hero of the Mexican War. He joined the Confederate army in 1861, being quickly promoted to command a brigade; he served competently as a division commander after Gettysburg, saving Lee's army temporarily as it evacuated Petersburg in April, 1865. OCLC locates 15 copies, but apparently lacking in most southern institutional libraries. Original gilt-stamped red cloth (stained at base of spine). Poor quality paper browned, but a very good copy of a scarce book. (2450). Item #56050
Price: $1,250.00