18th Century Text of Instructions on the Formation and Movements of the British Cavalry, 1797

Instructions and Regulations for the Formations and Movements of the Cavalry. Sir William Fawcett. Printed for the War Office: London, 1797. First edition. Octavo. 342 pages with 16 folding engraved plates. Original gray boards. One of the most knowledgeable and professional soldiers and tacticians of his age, Sir William Fawcett was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1782, entering the most important phase of his career. He was responsible for stabilizing the army's system of training and drill, badly disrupted by war, and during the years he was one of the principal figures tasked with preparing, testing and regulating heavy infantry. He went on to do (truncated) the same for cavalry, as described in this text. Upper cover detached and spine chipped at head and tail. Textblock uncut. Scarce with just four copies located in North America. Overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 18396)