ANDRE: A TRAGEDY, IN FIVE ACTS: AS NOW PERFORMING AT THE THEATRE IN NEW YORK. TO WHICH IS ADDED, THE COW-CHACE: A SATIRICAL POEM. BY MAJOR ANDRE: WITH THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT MARTIAL; AND AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS CONCERNING HIM.
London: Printed for David Ogilvy and Son, 1799. viii, [9]-110 pp. Disbound, lacking the final advertisement leaf, and torn at the corner of leaf 37-38 [several words and letters affected]. Otherwise, Good+.
The book first issued from New York in 1798. This is the only other 18th century edition. "Dunlap became manager of the Park Theatre in New York, where early in the season this play was successfully produced. Interest is added to the work because of the documents printed at the end. It was reprinted in London the following year" [Church]. Andre was hanged as a British spy for his role in Benedict Arnold's treason. But his noble demeanor won the admiration of everyone who encountered him.
Dunlap says that the play's "principal incident is the sad catastrophe which his misconduct, in submitting to be an instrument in a transaction of treachery and deceit, justly brought upon him." The Play precedes "The Cow-Chace: A Satirical Poem. By Major Andre." There follow "The Trial of Major Andre," with extracts of Letters from General Washington to the President of Congress in 1780; the Proceedings of the military trial, with correspondence from Benedict Arnold. An Appendix prints a "Copy of a Letter from Major Andre, Adjutant -General, to Sir Henry Clinton," dated September 29, 1780, and other correspondence; and extracts from Alexander Hamilton's published letter praising Andre's dignity and bravery.
ESTC T88944. New York printings: Church 1279. BAL 4980. Hill, American Plays 72. Item #35751
Price: $500.00