The Succession of Colonels to All His Majesties Land Forces from their Rise to 1742. Precedency of Each Regiment, with Dates of Promotions, Removes, Deaths &c. The Same of ye Regiments Broke in the Two Last Reigns. To which is Added a List of ye Royal Navy; when Built, Rebuilt, Number of Men and Guns, Tonnage, Dimensions &c, Pay, Subsistance, Half-Pay, Pensions &c of ye Army, Navy and Garrisons at Home & Abroad.

MILLAN, John.

Published by London: J. Millan, 1742

About this Item

First edition. Millan's work remains a standard reference for the history of the British army and was one of the first sources to use regimental numbers in print. In this copy, the list of living officers at the beginning has been supplemented with additional names and dates in a contemporary hand. Millan (1701-1782) was a well-known printer and bookseller operating out of Charing Cross. His publication of Succession of Colonels in 1742 followed the first official printed army list in 1740 and contained information on not just the land forces but also the navy. It was then successively republished under various titles. The work begins with a roster of officers and their dates of promotion through each rank. It then lists the succession of leadership in each regiment, including those formed in colonies such as the Leeward Islands and North America. Where appropriate, it also notes the campaign for which a regiment was formed or dissolved. A large table records the names of the ships of the Royal Navy, when they were built, their tonnage, crew complements, and number of guns. Further tables record the pay of officers and enlisted in the navy and army, including those stationed in Ireland, Minorca, and on plantations. ESTC T96196. Tall octavo (196 x 90 mm), pp. [ii], [4], 1-24, [VII], VIII-XII, 37-40. Engraved title page by Fourdrinier, 4 leaves of general and field officers, 12 tables of succession of colonels printed across 20 leaves, 4 index leaves, all engraved, mounted on stubs, and folding. Contemporary mottled calf, red spine label lettered in gilt, raised bands tooled in gilt, compartments decorated with acorns, curls, and flower buds in gilt, gilt double fillet on boards, board edges tooled in blind. Ownership inscription of the military historian and author Anthony D. Darling dated 5 June 1960; late 19th-century signature of "Longbotham" on rear pastedown. A little rubbed, front joint starting but stable, fold tears as usual, a few repaired with Japanese tissue: a very good copy.

Seller Inventory # 162946

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Succession of Colonels to All His Majesties Land Forces from their Rise to 1742. Precedency of Each Regiment, with Dates of Promotions, Removes, Deaths &c. The Same of ye Regiments Broke in the Two Last Reigns. To which is Added a List of ye Royal Navy; when Built, Rebuilt, Number of Men and Guns, Tonnage, Dimensions &c, Pay, Subsistance, Half-Pay, Pensions &c of ye Army, Navy and Garrisons at Home & Abroad.
• Publisher: London: J. Millan, 1742
• Edition: 1st Edition