8vo. [2], 18pp. With a half-title. Recent red half-calf, marbled paper boards, ruled and lettered in gilt to spine. Original publisher's buff paper wrappers bound in. Minor shelf-wear. Contemporary ink inscription to half-title: 'John May 1803 / from Mr. Wakefield / written by Mr. Patterson of Richmond'. Recently dispersed from the Cottlesloe Military Library 'probably the most extensive private collection of early printed books focused on military matters', with the bookplate of Thomas Francis Fremantle, 3rd Lord Cottesloe (1862-1965) to verso of upper wrapper.

An apparently unrecorded patriotic exhortation addressed to civilian volunteer troops raised in 1803 against the threat of French invasion. The Monthly Review (Vol. XLII, p.208) received the pamphlet favourably: 'The author of this well timed address endeavours to correct some of the evils to which the volunteer system is obnoxious. He exhorts the volunteers to become soldiers in earnest, and, with that view to submit to all the training and discipline which is necessary to constitute an effective military force. This short pamphlet, being entirely of a practical nature, ought to be generally perused.- We understand that the public are indebted for it to the Rev. Mr. Patteson. of Richmond. Surrey.'