Souvenirs du mexique 1864-1867.
Bruxelles [i.e. Brussels].
J. Lebegue & Cie., [1892].
First edition.
8vo.
[4], 232pp. With three folding coloured maps. Contemporary brown morocco-backed marbled paper boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Lightly rubbed. Marbled endpapers, armorial bookplate to FEP, later bookplate of Joseph M. Gleason to recto of FFEP, short tear to one map at gutter.
The first edition of an autobiographical memoir covering the military exploits of Belgian general Alfred van der Smissen, second Baron van der Smissen (1823-1895), whilst stationed in Mexico. A staunch defender of the Belgian Emperor Maximillian, Van der Smissen was given command of the Belgian troops sent to Mexico in 1864, before suffering tremendous losses at the hands of the republican army. He would eventually recover territory for the Belgian troops, but the withdrawal of Napoleon's troops from the region in 1866, and subsequent disbanding of the Belgian forces, would mark the end of his turbulent leadership.
£ 150.00
Antiquates Ref: 31053