Proposal to Supply the Royal Navy – 1759 | Dedicated to William Pitt | Fine Binding

A Proposal Effectually to Supply the Royal Navy with Seamen, at All Times Without Pressing was printed in London by M. Lewis in 1759. Written anonymously by a “Young Gentleman,” this rare pamphlet addresses one of the most pressing issues of Britain’s maritime empire, the recruitment of sailors. This short pamphlet suggests practical alternatives to the practice of impressment with proposals such as structured pay for sailors, fixed numbers aboard ships, and immediate distribution of wages upon return to port.

This first, and only known edition, is dedicated to William Pitt the Elder who was guiding British policy during the Seven Years’ War. Few examples of this book survive, and this edition offers direct evidence of reform-minded thought in 18^th-century Britain.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Proposal Effectually to Supply the Royal Navy with Seamen, at All Times Without Pressing
• Author(s): Young Gentleman (anonymous)
• Publisher: London, Printed and sold by M. Lewis
• Edition: First edition, 1759.
• Format: (8vo), single volume
• Binding: Modern leather with marbled boards
• Size:  8.25 in x 5.25 in (21 cm x 13.5 cm)
• Collation: 35 pp
• Contents Include:
  • Dedication to William Pitt the Elder
  • Arguments against impressment
  • Suggestions for fair pay and fixed complements
  • Recommendations for prompt payment at port
• Provenance: signed, James’s Coffeehouse

Condition:

Modern leather binding with marbled boards, secure and well-executed. Text block tight, pages clean with light age toning. Overall Very Good.

Why Collect This?

• Rare 1759 pamphlet addressing naval recruitment.
• Dedicated to William Pitt the Elder.
• Reflects political debate during the Seven Years’ War

Item Number: # 29364