[MILITARIA]. King's ordinance, to regulate infantry drill. January 1, 1766. Paris : imprimerie royale, 1766. - In-folio, marbled calf, "RGMT. DE VERMANDOIS" in gilt capital letters on the front cover, spine with ornate nerves, red edges (period binding). First edition of this important ordinance, illustrated with 37 fold-out plates, including one of costume. Copy of Ambroise-Eulalie de Maurès de Malartic (1737-1796), with his autograph signature on the title, page 99 and plate 23, as well as the mention of the Vermandois regiment in gilded capital letters on the front cover. He joined the regiment at the age of 18, on November 1, 1755, as a lieutenant. After taking part in the Minorca campaign and the assault on Fort Saint-Philippe de Mahon, he was promoted to captain at the age of 22 on January 24, 1759, and sent with his regiment to the Iles-sous-le-vent, where he served as major. He became mayor of La Rochelle from 1783 to 1787. The copy includes several corrections and additions, certainly in Malartic's hand. Tears to the lower corner of folio F1, without affecting the text. Light staining to last four plates.