Anderson, John, 1726-1796 A short account of the Field Pieces presented by Mr Anderson Professor of Natural Philosophy, to Mr La Fayette, and the first National Assembly of France; together with two Extracts referred to in the Memorial to General Washington dated August 20th 1793

Originally included as an insert for a memorial to George Washington (GLC02437.10273 & .10274) advertising Anderson's inventions to improve field artillery. Writes he separated the French artillery into three classes, heavy, light, and the Volantes, "or those without wheels ... " States that "none of them [were] above Eight Pounders, and none under Four; because, in the opinion of the inventor, One, Two, and Three Pounders are unfit for throwing Grape Shot, and for wining field defence." Details Anderson's presentation of his Volantes. Describes military tactics in advancing troops, particularly infantry and cavalry in relation to field artillery. States that his wheel-less field pieces proved to be superior to previous wheeled artillery for when "the Field Pieces sans la litiere were carried to rough, or soft ground, which was impracticable for Guns with wheels, and where consequently cavalry could not attack them." As a result of these pieces, "they pelted the finest Prussian Cavalry with impunity, and with complete success. This was not all. Upon the sides of hills where Common Field Pieces could not possibly be carried, or wrought, they beat some of the best disciplined troops ... " Includes a translation of an extract of a letter the Marquis de Lafayette wrote to the National Assembly dated 11 June 1792. Includes another extract "of part of a long letter from M. Chauvelin, who had a command under Marshal Rochambeau in the first engagement between the French and Austrians." Dated 10 July 1792. Extract is an account of this fight in the original French and English translation. Noted as "N. 5." Watermarked "T F."