[AMERICAN REVOLUTION] [CHARLES LEE'S COPY] Journals of Congress Containing the Proceedings from Sept 5 1774 to Jan 1 1776 (Volume 1)

Philadelphia: Printed by R. Aitken; Published by Order of Congress, 1777. First Edition. Hardcover. Good. Octavo, 310pp., plus Index. uniformly tanned, clean copy bound in the original marbled boards, leather spine and corners. Chipped at the spine heads, part of the original leather label present, corners very worn. Front cover hanging by two cords, front fly leaf present/detached. A good copy, without any restoration whatsoever. General Charles Lee's (1731-1782) copy, with his ownership signature on the blank preceding the title page. Though Lee was acknowledged at the Second Continental Congress to be the most capable candidate for the command of the Continental Army (because of his years of battle in Europe and French and Indian War), the position was ultimately given to Washington--a native-born American. Lee was appointed Major-General and third in line after Artemis Ward, but succeeded to second after Ward's resignation due to ill health. The ambitious General never supported Washington, and was eventually suspended by Congress for insubordination to Washington at the Battle of Monmouth 28 June 1778. Despite noted wear, still a handsome, unrestored copy of a book usually found more abused or with significant restoration; this copy also with extremely appealing provenance. Evans 15683, Sabin 15545.    .