Trial by Anon, Signed (1 results)

New York: Printed by George F. Hopkins, at Washington's Head, No. 118, Pearl Street, 1803. Octavo, signed in fours. [13], 456, [2]pp. Heavily foxed, removed from a nonce volume; a good sound copy. First American edition and reasonably scarce to commerce. Born into a military family in Queen's County, Ireland, Edward Marcus Despard (17511803) joined the British Army as an ensign in 1766 and quickly rose through the ranks, distinguishing himself as a military engineer and gaining recognition for his efforts during the capture of Fort San Juan from Spain in 1779. (ODNB) Despard's career took a controversial turn when he became involved in revolutionary activities upon his return to Britain. He became affiliated with radical groups such as the London Corresponding Society and the United Irishmen, ultimately leading to his arrest in November 1802 for allegedly plotting a coup against the government. At his trial in February 1803, Despard was found guilty of treason despite efforts to paint him as a victim of government conspiracy. He was executed on 21 February 1803, leaving behind a legacy marked by both his military service and his radical political ambitions. (ibid) Shaw & Shoemaker; 4076.