1.230 Ergebnisse
1787Best.-Nr. 21085.99"We the People of the United States…" This rare complete printing of the Constitution appeared on the first day it was publicly available Wednesday September 19 1787. That same morning the Constitution was published by four other papers the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser Pennsylvania Journal Pennsylvania Gazette and Freeman's Journal. The Independent Gazetteeris unique in that it is the only one of the five first-day printings whose type was evidently not used to print another stand-alone edition. U.S. CONSTITUTION.Newspaper. The Independent Gazetteer or the Chronicle of Freedom. Philadelphia: Eleazer Oswald September 19 1787. 4 pp. Historical Background This issue of The Independent Gazetteer and Chronicle of Freedom a daily Anti-Federalist newspaper prints the "Plan of the New Federal Government" in full followed by the Federal Convention's resolution submitting the Constitution to Congress and the accompanying transmittal letter. All three are signed in type by George Washington as president of the Convention. The Constitution was approved by the Convention on Monday September 17. The text of the official version was set that evening and a very limited number were printed for the use of the delegates. After being drafted in complete secrecy the Constitution was first made public on the morning of Tuesday September 18 when it was read before the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The next morning Wednesday September 19 the five newspapers mentioned above all published the Constitution. It is often assumed that the Pennsylvania Packet was the first public printing as the publishers Dunlap and Claypoole were the official printers to the Constitutional Convention. In fact there is no evidence that the Packet actually was published first or appeared on the streets of Philadelphia that day any earlier than its four rivals. All five are considered first editions with surviving copies of the Packet the most common. The dissemination of the Constitution in newspapers is of considerable interest and importance as it was through this medium that most Americans became familiar with the new form of government proposed by the Convention. One careful researcher Leonard Rapport of the National Archives has identified four Philadelphia newspapers which also carried the text of the Constitution on the same day this was after all news of the highest importance and one the Philadelphia Evening Chronicle which may hypothetically have carried the text in an issue dated 18 September "Printing the Constitution" pp. 69-90. But to date no copy of the Evening Chronicle of that date is known to be extant see Rapport's other article "Newspaper Printings of the Constitution". The Pennsylvania Packet printing has been accorded primacy for two principal reasons. First the Packetwas printed by John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole official printers to the Convention itself. Together as partners or separately Claypoole may originally have been a junior partner they had printed nearly everything issued by Congress since 1775 including the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Second with the exception of the Constitution's six-line preamble "We the people…" the text is entirely printed from the same setting of type used for the official Congressional printing.As Rapport notes the 5000 words of the Constitution represented "nearly one man-day of composition time" for the printer so sensibly to make use of the wider margins of the Packet's larger sheets they reset the preamble in large type with a large capital "W" below the masthead and simply reimposed the rest of their standing type to fit onto the paper's four larger-size pages. The case might be summed up by emphasizing that the present Pennsylvania Packet text of the Constitution was struck from the identical setting of lead type that had printed the sheets of the official Congressional printings sheets that Jacob Shallus calligrapher used when he copied onto parchment the engrossed document to which the delegates signed their names. "By October 6 only twenty days after the Federal Convention at least fifty-five of the approximately eighty newspapers of the period had printed the.Constitution." Rapport "Printing the Constitution" p.89. With the text of the Constitution before the people thanks to a free press the great debate on its ratification would begin a debate which continued until ratification by the original thirteen states was completed in 1790 and culminated in 1791 by the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Despite the tremendous changes since 1787 in the nation and the people governed by the Constitution Bernstein meaningfully notes "the evolution of American politics and society continues to be shaped by the Constitution and by the principles and doctrines built into it by the men who drafted it. That the Constitution has worked as well as it has is a tribute to its flexibility and to the foresight of those who created it. That it may still be defective or capable of improvement is a challenge to us to equal the courage imagination and versatility of the Revolutionary generation of Americans" Are We To Be A Nation p.272. Eleazer Oswald books
1799Best.-Nr. 39795Knoxville 1799. 7 works bound together octavo. 7 3/8 x 4 5/8 inches. First work lacks titlepage contemporary ownership inscription on first leaf present. Light foxing A few leaves trimmed closely at bottom edge affecting text. Contemporary calf spine gilt with red morocco label skillful repair to joints and corners. Housed within a black modern full morocco box. Provenance: J. Hamilton two signatures Possibly the greatest single volume of early Tennessee material with the second known complete copy of the First Tennessee Constitution in fine original condition. Seven works from the earliest pioneer press of Tennessee including the first printing of the National Constitution printed in the state as well as the first State Constitution here in the second known complete copy. Such imprints have not appeared on the market since World War II. In February 1790 North Carolina ceded its western land holdings to the United States. A few months later the area became the newly created Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio. William Blount was appointed territorial governor by President Washington and in 1795 he called a meeting of the territorial legislature to request a referendum for statehood. Thus the state of Tennessee was born on June 1 1796. George Roulstone the first printer in Tennessee began a newspaper in Knoxville in late 1791. The earliest Tennessee imprint noted by McMurtrie is a set of acts passed by the territorial government printed after March 25th 1793. Since then two earlier items have come to light; a broadside owned by Thomas W. Streeter dated Jan. 28 1793 and a broadside dated March 13 1793. The earliest dateable book present here was issued in 1794. The Tennessee State Constitution here in the first of three editions; it was to be revisited in 1835 and 1869 was created by Congress at the time Tennessee was admitted as a state and became effective on June 1 1796 when Tennessee entered the Union. It was not universally well received although Thomas Jefferson described it as the "least imperfect and most republican of the state constitutions." The first leaf and one title have the early ownership inscription of J. Hamilton possibly James Hamilton Jr. congressman and governor of South Carolina who read law in Charleston and was admitted to the bar in 1810. The individual titles are as follows: 1 Acts Passed at the First Session of the General Assembly of the Territory of the United States of America South of the River Ohio. Began and Held at Knoxville on Monday the Twenty Fifth day of August MDCCXCIV. Knoxville: George Roulstone 1794. 3-101pp. Lacks titlepage and preliminary viii pp. containing "Acts and ordinances of the governor and judges.as issued by William Blount." Evans accords this item its own number however so it is possible that it wasn't issued as a part of this copy. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at Harvard Law the Huntington Library of Congress State Library of Tennessee and University of Tennessee. Allen 7; ESTC W9956; Evans 27724; McMurtrie 5. 2 Acts Passed at the Second Session of the First General Assembly of the Territory of the United States of America South of the River Ohio. Begun and Held at Knoxville on Monday the Twenty Ninth day of June 1795. Knoxville: George Roulstone 1795. 31pp. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at Harvard Law the Huntington Library of Congress and University of Tennessee. Allen 15; ESTC W5409; Evans 29551; McMurtrie 8. 3 The Constitution of the United States of America. to which is Prefixed the Constitution of the State of Tennessee. Knoxville: Roulstone & Parrington 1799. 30pp. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at State Library of Tennessee and University of Tennessee lacking titlepage.Allen 45; ESTC W30527; Evans 36404; McMurtrie 30. 4 Acts Passed at the Second Session of the Second General Assembly of the State of Tennessee. Knoxville: Roulstone & Parrington 1798. 70pp. The Table of Contents comprising the last ten pages and present here not present in two of the four recorded copies which may have been issued without it. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at Library of Congress Harvard Law New York Public Library State Library of Tennessee and University of Tennessee. Allen 38; ESTC W23338; Evans 36403; McMurtrie 27. 5 Acts Passed at the First General Assembly of the State of Tennessee. Knoxville: George Roulstone 1796. 78pp. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at Library of Congress Knoxville Public Library and University of Tennessee. Allen 21; ESTC W23331; Evans 31277; McMurtrie 21 6 Acts Passed at the Second Session of the First General Assembly of the State of Tennessee. Knoxville: George Roulstone 1796. 13pp. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at Harvard Law University of Tennessee and Centre College of Kentucky. Allen 22; Bristol B9722; ESTC W23332; McMurtrie 22; Shipton & Mooney 47935. 7 Acts Passed at the First Session of the Second General Assembly of the State of Tennessee. Knoxville: George Roulstone 1797. 120pp. Copies noted by ESTC and Allen at American Antiquarian Society Library of Congress Harvard Law Knoxville Public Library and State Library of Tennessee. Allen 33; ESTC W9891; Evans 32913; McMurtrie 24. These works are essentially unprocurable and this volume provides a rare opportunity to acquire seven significant imprints from the first press in Tennessee. All are of the utmost rarity in any condition. Check List of Tennessee Imprints 5 8 30 27 21 22 24. unknown books
1787Best.-Nr. 26098"WE the People of the United States in order to form a more perfect union establish justice insure domestic tranquility provide for the common Defence promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish this constitution of the United States of America." CONSTITUTION.Newspaper. The New-Haven Gazette and The Connecticut Magazine. September 27 1787. M.DCC.LXXXVII No 32. Printed and Published by Josiah Meigs. Signed in type by George Washington and the other 38 delegates who signed the Constitution. 8 pp. Quarto 8.625 x 10.125 inches. 249-256 though what should be page 255 is mis-numbered 247 as is the case with the other copies we have seen of this edition. Accompanied by title and index leaves printed slightly later for binding after end of year. Historical Background Having just been approved by the Constitutional Convention on September 17th the complete text of the Constitution was published in the New-Haven Gazettejust ten days later along with the transmitting documents conveying the Convention's request that it be laid before Congress and afterwards submitted to "a convention of Delegates chosen in each state by the People thereof." Resolved that if nine States ratify electors should be chosen for a presidential election and that the machinery of the new government be set in place. The Articles of Association Congress in New York debated for two days and a day after this printing officially sent the Constitution to the states for ratification. State ratification conventions would soon pit Federalist against Anti-Federalist in impassioned debates over the implications of the Constitution and its extension of national government power and influence. This is the earliest available Connecticut printing of the Constitution. The Connecticut Journal printed it one day earlier but we can find no copies in market sales records of the last 30 years. The text of the Constitution is preceded here by George Washington's letter to Congress and followed by the Resolution for ratification. Evans 20563; Lomazow 18b. Condition Gathering of four leaves paginated 249-252 and two loose leaves. Mild yellowing with a hint of discoloration and spot or two of foxing; soft crease each vertically and horizontally bisecting all leaves; small handful of faint dampstains at margins of first and final leaf; barely perceptible inked signature at lower corner of recto of first leaf; hint of residue discoloration along center fold where newspaper was removed from bound volume. Title and index leaves softly browned and a bit brittle with edges roughened where removed from bound volume; both bisected by soft horizontal crease; faint staining to leaves particularly recto of title; some mild chipping to edges of title-leaf particularly fore-edge with fold starting to split at either end about two inches in from either direction; previous owner inking at recto of both leaves; corners of index leaf creased. Newspaper in fine condition remarkably clean and bright with very good title and index leaves. Housed in custom red leather case cover stamped in gilt. books
Best.-Nr. 55421Mexico: Imprenta a cargo de Martin Rivera 1823. First Mexican Printing of the U.S. Constitution This is the first Mexican printing of the United States Constitution accompanied by two important addresses by George Washington. This work was produced in anticipation of Mexican independence from Spain and the U.S. Constitution in particular provided inspiration to the drafters of the constitution of newly-independent Mexico. Written in 1824 it was the first constitution of Mexico as a sovereign state and the constitution under which the colonization of Texas by Americans would take place. It is ample evidence of the transnational influence on the United States Constitution on emerging democracies in this case America's neighbor to the south. All seven articles of the United States Constitution are printed in full in Spanish in a section that is headed by a Federal garland ornament. The names of all the signers are given at the conclusion of the main text. This is followed by a section printing the first twelve amendments titled here as "Correcciones" an interesting interpretation of the role of constitutional amendments. The final page contains the text of an amendment passed by the House and Senate and signed in print by Senate President pro tem John Gaillard and House Speaker J.B. Varnum prohibiting any American citizen from accepting a title of nobility or honor from a foreign government under threat of losing one's American citizenship and holding any further elective office. This "Titles of Nobility" amendment was passed by Congress in 1810 and came close to ratification by two-thirds of the states in the 1810s but has to this day never been ratified. The inclusion of this amendment is an interesting commentary on the priorities and concerns of Mexican lawmakers. The U.S. Constitution is preceded by two chapters printing addresses by George Washington whose actions following the American Revolution and his two terms as President were influential well beyond the borders of the United States. The first chapter prints Washington's 1796 Farewell Address to the United States "Discurso de Despedida de Washington al Pueblo de los Estados-Unidos". Designed by Washington and his principal advisors in drafting it—James Madison and Alexander Hamilton—as both a valedictory and advice to succeeding generations the address served as a guidepost to Americans from the point of its publication. The Farewell Address would have been of particular interest to the Mexican Constitutional framers. The second section prints Washington's Address to the Continental Army in 1783 "Carta Circular del General Washington a los Gobernadores de los Estados fecha en el Cuartel General de Newburgh 18 de Junio de 1783". In this circular letter General Washington announces his intention to resign his command of the Continental Army and retire into private life. He also expounds in detail on the serious issues facing the nascent United States government. Both of Washington's addresses are printed fully in Spanish as is the Constitution. OCLC records just ten holding institutions over three records. This is the first copy that we can find in the market in over a century and the first copy we have handled of this first Mexican printing of the United States Constitution. Small octavo. Contemporary mottled Mexican sheep spine gilt. Minor edge wear light scuffing to boards short worm track on front board. Small ownership mark reading "JNB" branded on front and rear pastedowns ink ownership signature of "De Francisco Gonzalez de Cossio" on front flyleaf. Internally clean. Very good. OCLC 24072481 503926127 1097838706. SABIN 16060. PALAU 59641 374086. hardcover
Best.-Nr. WRCAM55421Mexico: Imprenta a cargo de Martin Rivera 1823. 466pp. Small octavo. Contemporary mottled Mexican sheep spine gilt. Minor edge wear light scuffing to boards short wormtrack on front board. Small ownership mark reading "JNB" branded on front and rear pastedowns ink ownership signature of "De Francisco Gonzalez de Cossio" on front flyleaf. Internally clean. Very good. This is the first Mexican printing of the United States Constitution accompanied by two important addresses by George Washington. This work was produced in anticipation of Mexican independence from Spain and the U.S. Constitution in particular provided inspiration to the drafters of the constitution of newly-independent Mexico. Written in 1824 it was the first constitution of Mexico as a sovereign state and the constitution under which the colonization of Texas by Americans would take place. It is ample evidence of the transnational influence on the United States Constitution on emerging democracies in this case America's neighbor to the south. All seven articles of the United States Constitution are printed in full in Spanish in a section that is headed by a Federal garland ornament. The names of all the signers are given at the conclusion of the main text. This is followed by a section printing the first twelve amendments entitled here as "Correcciones" an interesting interpretation of the role of constitutional amendments. The final page contains the text of an amendment passed by the House and Senate and signed in print by Senate President pro tem John Gaillard and House Speaker J.B. Varnum prohibiting any American citizen from accepting a title of nobility or honor from a foreign government under threat of losing ones American citizenship and holding any further elective office. This "Titles of Nobility" amendment was passed by Congress in 1810 and came close to ratification by two-thirds of the states in the 1810s but has to this day never been ratified. The inclusion of this amendment is an interesting commentary on the priorities and concerns of Mexican lawmakers. The U.S. Constitution is preceded by two chapters printing addresses by George Washington whose actions following the American Revolution and his two terms as President were influential well beyond the borders of the United States. The first chapter prints Washington's 1796 Farewell Address to the United States "Discurso de Despedida de Washington al Pueblo de los Estados-Unidos". Designed by Washington and his principal advisors in drafting it - James Madison and Alexander Hamilton - as both a valedictory and advice to succeeding generations the address served as a guidepost to Americans from the point of its publication. The Farewell Address would have been of particular interest to the Mexican Constitutional framers. The second section prints Washington's Address to the Continental Army in 1783 "Carta Circular del General Washington a los Gobernadores de los Estados fecha en el Cuartel General de Newburgh 18 de Junio de 1783". In this circular letter General Washington announces his intention to resign his command of the Continental Army and retire into private life. He also expounds in detail on the serious issues facing the nascent United States government. Both of Washington's addresses are printed fully in Spanish as is the constitution. OCLC records just eight actual copies over three records. This is the first copy that we can find in the market in over a century and the first copy we have handled of this first Mexican printing of the United States Constitution. OCLC 24072481 503926127 1097838706. SABIN 16060. PALAU 59641 374086. Imprenta a cargo de Martin Rivera hardcover books
1561Best.-Nr. 63610México. March 15 - November 6 1813. Rare Mexican Printings of Twenty-One Decrees from Spain's First Constitutional Government A substantial and significant collection of twenty-one rare Mexican printings of Spanish decrees issued by the short-lived but deeply influential constitutional government established in 1812. Each of these decrees was promulgated in Mexico by the Viceroy of New Spain Félix María Calleja del Rey y de la Gándara primer conde de Calderón in 1813. Drafted and ratified in the absence of any monarch Joseph Bonaparte had been rejected by the Spanish and the ousted Ferdinand VII had yet to return the constitution of 1812 followed a period of great political upheaval and married the liberal ideals of the French Revolution with an abiding fear of its outcome resulting in Spain's first ever constitutional monarchy. While the constitution left some power in the hands of the King his absence at the time of its implementation meant that Spain was effectively ruled by a constituent congress and regency council which notably included for the first time representatives from all of Spain's overseas dominions as well as the provinces on the Iberian Peninsula. The considerable majority of the proclamations in this group deal with the repercussions of this dramatically new form of government including clarifying details of the constitution publicly printing some of its laws and regulations and organizing programs meant to protect its legitimacy and longevity. While changes in home government and the Napoleonic Wars were certainly relevant to colonies in the New World a handful of these decrees also relate more materially to the Western Hemisphere including some related to colonial trade and the ongoing war for independence in Venezuela. All of the present documents were promulgated in Mexico City and are signed in type and most of them rubricked in manuscript by the Viceroy Félix María Calleja. Calleja was a general sent to New Spain in 1810 to put down the early rumblings of Mexican independence which he did with ruthless efficiency. He was Viceroy from 1813 to 1816 when he was replaced for fear that his merciless stamping of the insurrection would only further stoke the fires of anti-Spanish sentiment. The full list of decrees in this group ordered by the date they were promulgated by Calleja and accompanied by brief notes on their contents is as follows: All twenty-one documents share the same caption title: Don Felix Maria Calleja del Rey Bruder Losada Flores Campeño Montero de Espinosa Mariscal de Campo de los Exércitos Nacionales Virey Gobernador y Capitan General de Esta N.E. Presidente de Su Audiencia Superintendente General Subdelegado de la Hacienda Pública Minas Azogues y Ramo del Tabaco Juez Conservador de Éste Presidente de Su Junta y Subdelegado General de Correos en el Mismo Reyno. 1 El Orden de las Cortes Generales y Extraordinarias Comunicada…Que en los Papeles de Oficio Usen Siempre el Gobierno y Todas las Autoridades del Mismo Lenguage Que Usa la Constitucion.first lines of main text. March 15. Decrees that all official government papers should follow the language of the new constitution. 2 La Regencia del Reyno Se Ha Servido Levantar el Riguroso Bloqueo en Que Se Hallaba Puerto Cabello en la Provincia de Caracas. March 31. Lifts the Spanish blockade of Caracas now that a peace arrangement had been made with the insurgents in Venezuela. While the Royalists took back the province and the "First Republic of Venezuela" was officially ended in late 1812 it would only be a few months before Simon Bolívar returned and Caracas changed hands once again in the ongoing war for independence. 3 El Consejo de Estado y el Supremo Tribunal de Justicia Que Con Arreglo à la Constitution Política de la Monarquía Española Se Sirvieron Crear las Córtes Generales. March 31. Announcing that the Córtes Generales created by the new constitution and which was effectively the new governing body of the empire is officially in effect and performing duties as described in that document. 4 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Convencidas de la Necesidad y Utilidad de Que los Expedientes Sobre Infraccion de la Constitucion Sean Determinados Con la Mayor Prontitude Decretan. April 27. Declares that courts will prioritize cases regarding constitutional infractions above all others—one of many decrees particularly concerned with maintaining loyalty to the constitution. 5 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Queriendo Fixar Por Todos los Medios Posibles en la Memoria de los Españoles la Feliz Época de la Promulgacion de la Constitucion. May 22. In celebration of "the joyous event of the promulgation of the constitutional monarchy" this decree renames the public plaza in which the document was promulgated in every city in the empire to the "Plaza de Constitucion" and orders that a stone marker or monument be built to commemorate the event. When Ferdinand VII was reinstated as absolute monarch in 1814 monarchists tore down many of these monuments in celebration. Others remain to the present day including one in St. Augustine Florida which was still in Spanish hands in 1813. 6 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Con el Justo Fin de Redimir los Montes y Plantíos de Dominio Particular. May 25. 17 × 12 inches. A notable law removing all regulations on the use of private lands. Land owners would now be allowed to farm collect lumber hunt fish or otherwise profit from their land however they choose. The body of the decree begins our translation: "All laws and ordinances of forests and plantations are repealed and annulled in all their parts insofar as they concern those of private ownership and as a consequence the owners are left in full and absolute freedom to do with them what best suits them without subjection." 7 Las Córtes Decretan Que Ecsen los Individuos Que Actualmente Coponen la Regencia del Reyno y Que Se Encarguen de Ella Provisionalmente los Tres Consejeros de Estado Mas Antiguos Que en el Dia Se Hallan en Deicho Consejo Que Son. July 2. 17 × 12 inches. Appointing a new provisional regency to replace the regency which preceded the constitution to consist of Pedro Agar Gabriel Ciscar and the Archbishop of Toledo. 8 Atendiendo las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias à la Importancia y Necesidad de Que No Solo los Individuos del Supremo Tribunal de Justicia Sino Tambien los Demas Magistrados y Jueces de Qualquiera Otro Tribunal. July 8. Establishes qualifications for judges and magistrates at all levels. In an attempt to reduce nepotism and ensure the proper enforcement of the new constitution all employees of the judiciary "must enjoy a positive public reputation be accredited in their field possessed of selflessness and good morals dedicated to the Constitution and to have proven themselves in reality to be friends of independence and the political freedom of the nation" our translation. 9 S.M. C D. Fernando VII Rey de España y de las Indias y S.M. el Emperador de Todas las Rusias Igualmente Animados del Deseo de Restablecer y Fortificar las Antiguas Relaciones de Amistad Que Han Subsistido Entre Sus Monariquías. July 13. 16 × 12 inches. The Mexican printing of this treaty between Spain and the Russian Emperor Nicolas I. It is a treaty of amity and commerce as well as a formal military alliance "with the express intention of waging a vigorous war with the Emperor of France their common enemy." 10 La Clase de Guerra Que el Enemigo Comun de los Pueblos de Europa Ha Heco y Hace a Esta Heroycion: Los Exquisitos Pero Siempre Pérfidos Medios Que Ha Puesto en Practica Para Dominarla. August 5. 17 × 12 inches. A solemn and dramatic public warning about the perfidious effects of disloyalty and internal division. Other governmental decrees are referenced including specific reference to numbers four and eight described above. 11 Deseando S.A. Dar un Testimonio Indudable de Su Religiosa Puntualidad en el Cumplimiento de Quanto Prescribe la Constitucion Politíca de la Monarquía. August 11. States that the secretary of state does not have the authority to pardon deserters who present themselves for trial. They will be sent to their respective companies to be judged by them in accordance with the severity of their crime notwithstanding special cases where an individual might be pardoned by the Regency. 12 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Decretan: El Supremo Tribunal de Justicia Debe Conocer de los Recursos de Nulidad Que Se Interpongan de las Sentencias Dadas en Última Instancia. August 21. Decrees that the supreme court will hear appeals from the previous session's special courts. 13 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Considerando Que la Reduccion de los Terrenos Communes á Dominio Particular Es Una de las Providencias Que Mas Imperiosamente Reclaman el Bien de los Pueblos. August 23. 21½ × 16¾ inches printed in two columns. A monumentally important law decreeing that all publicly owned lands in Spain the outlying islands and all of her colonies in the New World would be converted to private property. The broadside prints the full text of the law and begins: "The Córtes Generales.considering that the reduction of common lands to private ownership is one of the provisions that most imperiously demand the good of the people and the promotion of agriculture and industry and wanting at the same time to provide with this type of land an aid to public needs a reward for worthy defenders of the country and relief for non-proprietary citizens." Despite the lofty language realistically this law formed part of an ongoing program of confiscation of lands in order to defray mounting debts from the internal and external conflicts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The law divided the confiscated property into two even portions: one would be sold at auction and the proceeds contributed directly to the national debt the other would be divided into lots and apportioned to veterans or sold for a fee to landless citizens. 14 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias…Se Propusieron Abrir la Carrera del Honor y Da la Gloria á los Hijos de las Familias Honradas de la Monarquía. September 2. 17 × 12 inches. In order to sustain the "positive feelings and equality" won by the war the government decrees that college university and military admissions cannot take into account whether or not someone is nobility even if that information is offered voluntarily. Along the same lines they also are not allowed to "permit expressions or distinctions which contribute to the fomentation in their ranks of the perfidious ideals of legal inequality or class rivalry." 15 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Considerando Que el Aniversario del Diez y Nueve de Marzo en Que Se Publicó la Constitucion. September 7. With Calleja's manuscript rubric but not signed. Outlines ceremonies for the upcoming first anniversary of the constitution. Every church is to sing a solemn Te Deum and an artillery salvo is to be fired in the public square of each city. 16 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Decretan: 1. La Regencia Actual de las Españas Compuesto Del. September 8. Decrees that the provisional regency is no longer provisional but actual and appoints the Archbishop of Toledo as its president. 17 Debiendo las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Fixar los Términos en Que la Regencia del Reyno Ha de Exercer Su Autoridad. September 10. 22¾ × 16 inches printed in two columns. Prints the rules and regulations related to the now official Regency council its composition and the extents of its power. The Regency's chief mission is described as to "Uphold the Constitution and its laws protect the individual liberty of the citizens and to elevate these over both the conservation of public order within and the security of the nation without." 18 Habiendo Ocurrido á la Regencia del Reyno el Diputado en Córtes Por Maracaybo D. José Domingo Rús. September 28. No rubric or signature. Responding to a petition by a citizen of Venezuela the Regency grants free import and export of all tools machines and artifacts for agriculture and industry to the province of Maracaybo. 19 Hemos Dado Cuenta á las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias de la Consulta. September 30. No rubric or signature. Decrees that all persons involved in cases regarding a constitutional infraction should be suspended from employment and duties for the duration. 20 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Enteradas de Que Quasi en Todos los Puertos de la Península Se Cobraba Por Cuenta de la Inquisicion. October 20. No rubric or signature. Repeals certain duties levied by the Inquisition which was abolished by the new constitution. The text begins our translation: "The General Courts aware that in almost all the ports of the Peninsula vessels were charged on behalf of the Inquisition upon entering them and when they were foreigners or coming from foreign ports a right known as the Right of Inquisition and tax on on boxes of books assortments of prints handkerchiefs and printed fabrics boxes of tobacco and other effects." 21 Las Córtes Generales y Extraordinarias Decretan Por Punto General: Que la Facultad Que Segun la Pragmática de Matrimonios. November 6. In an unusual move for the generally liberal new government this text states that the Real Pragmática Sanción de Matrimonios continues in effect. The Pragmática required all males under the age of twenty-five and all females under the age of twenty-five of any class or race to secure formal consent from their fathers in order to marry and applied to Spain as well as all of its overseas possessions. As of 1803 the father was not required to supply any reason whatsoever for denying a marriage proposal and the law was generally seen as a tool to maintain strict class divisions. These broadside decrees printed in Mexico at an important moment in Spanish constitutional history are rare in the market and institutionally. We locate only a few copies of each in OCLC. A remarkably thorough and continuous set of rare Mexican printings of Spanish decrees from this time of great political and military turmoil and clearly demonstrating the direct influence of affairs in Europe on colonies in the Western Hemisphere. Old folds. Varying degrees of edge wear. Scattered tanning and staining. Very good. unknown
Signed and inscribed by author upon front free endpaper to Swedish journalist Arvid Fredborg, dated 1982 in Berlin. 570 pages. A National Review Panel ranked this work as the ninth best non-fiction book of the twentieth century. "A positive statement of the principles of society that in scope and breadth is more like a new Wealth of Nations... A thorough exposition of a social philosophy which ranges from ethics and anthropology through jurisprudence and the history of ideas to the economics of the modern welfare state." - Publisher. Moderate wear to clean and unmarked book. Binding sound. Dust jacket in poor condition with numerous defects.. Book
1787Best.-Nr. WRCAM55477Philadelphia: Printed for Seddon Spotswood Cist and Trenchard 1787. pp.615-674 plus two plates one folding and a folding table of Meteorological Observations. Antique-style calf gilt ornamental border on boards gilt leather label. Moderate foxing and toning. Extensive annotations in light pencil. Very good overall. The first periodical printing of the United States Constitution probably issued within a week of its release as a broadside. The Constitutional Convention ratified its final draft on Monday Sept. 17 1787. The following day Sept. 18 the broadside version issued for members of the Convention was printed by Dunlap and Claypoole the official printers. On Sept. 19 the same printers issued the first public printing of the Constitution in their newspaper THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET. The present magazine was probably printed late in the week and the final signature containing the Constitution and recent news was probably printed on Saturday Sept. 22. This is the last internal date on the last page and actually refers to an event that took place on the 17th as "Monday last." From a survey of Mott's HISTORY OF AMERICAN MAGAZINES in the period it seems that it was common practice to issue monthly publications by the last week of every month. This issue would seem to have been out and in general circulation by Monday the 24th one week after the end of the Convention. Its version of the Constitution was executed most likely on the 22nd four days after the official broadside and three days after the first public newspaper appearance. This issue also contains the text of John Quincy Adams's Harvard commencement address he finished second in a class of fifty-one which was given in Cambridge on July 18 1787. It is his first published writing. THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE was a distinguished publication of the period. Mott calls it one of the best 18th-century American magazines. It began in September 1786 and was well established with Mathew Carey's AMERICAN MUSEUM as one of the two major periodicals then being issued in Philadelphia or for that matter the country at the time. Since the magazine probably had wider circulation than the newspapers issued in Philadelphia it is likely that this printing was one of the chief means of disseminating the Constitution immediately after its first publication. An exceptionally early and important printing of the Constitution. MOTT HISTORY OF AMERICAN MAGAZINES I pp.94-9. EVANS 20280. Wilbur T. Roberts "They Printed the Declaration and the Constitution" in THE MENTOR July 1928 pp.52-54. Leonard A. Rapport "Printing the Constitution" in PROLOGUE: THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Fall 1970 pp.69-89. Printed for Seddon, Spotswood, Cist, and Trenchard hardcover books
1787Best.-Nr. WRCAM55477APhiladelphia: Printed for Seddon Spotswood Cist and Trenchard 1787. 2615-674pp. plus one plate of two. Lacks folding table. Engraved and letterpress titlepages. Later blue wrappers with facsimile of printed volume titlepage mounted on front wrapper. Moderate soiling to wrappers. Minor toning and foxing to text closed marginal repair to one leaf. About very good. The first periodical printing of the United States Constitution probably issued within a week of its release as a broadside. The Constitutional Convention ratified its final draft on Monday Sept. 17 1787. The following day the broadside version issued for members of the Convention was printed by Dunlap and Claypoole the official printers. On September 19 the same printers issued the first public printing of the Constitution in their newspaper THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET. The present magazine was probably printed late in the week and the final signature containing the Constitution and recent news was probably printed on Saturday September 22. This is the latest internal date on the last page and actually refers to an event that took place on the 17th as "Monday last." From a survey of Mott's HISTORY OF AMERICAN MAGAZINES in the period it seems that it was common practice to issue monthly publications by the last week of every month. This issue would seem to have been out and in general circulation by Monday the 24th one week after the end of the Convention. Its version of the Constitution was executed most likely on the 22nd four days after the official broadside and three days after the first public newspaper appearance. This issue also contains the text of John Quincy Adams's Harvard commencement address he finished second in a class of fifty-one which was given in Cambridge on July 18 1787. It is his first published writing. This copy contains one of the two plates published in this issue lacking the folding plate of the Natural Bridge in Virginia and the folding table of meteorological observations. THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE was a distinguished publication of the period. Mott calls it one of the best 18th-century American magazines. It began in September 1786 and was well established with Mathew Carey's AMERICAN MUSEUM as one of the two major periodicals then being issued in Philadelphia or for that matter the country at the time. Since the magazine probably had wider circulation than the newspapers issued in Philadelphia it is likely that this printing was one of the chief means of disseminating the Constitution immediately after its first publication. An exceptionally early and important printing of the Constitution. MOTT HISTORY OF AMERICAN MAGAZINES I pp.94-9. EVANS 20280. Wilbur T. Roberts "They Printed the Declaration and the Constitution" in THE MENTOR July 1928 pp.52-54. Leonard A. Rapport "Printing the Constitution" in PROLOGUE: THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Fall 1970 pp.69-89. Printed for Seddon, Spotswood, Cist, and Trenchard unknown books
1788Best.-Nr. 69689Boston: Adams and Nourse 1788. UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION. First edition of the proceedings leading to the Massachusetts Compromise being the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the sixth of the needed nine States. Octavo in fours 7 1/8 x 4 1/2 inches; 180 x 115 mm. 219 1 blank pp. An early printing of the proposed Constitution appears on pages 3-19. Contemporary full speckled sheep. Boards scuffed and worn. Front outer hinge is cracked but holding firm. Without front free endpaper. Leaf U2 with one-inch closed tear no loss. Leaves are foxed and toned as usual for American paper of this time. Still overall a very good copy. Housed in a custom brown quarter calf clamshell. "Getting approval for the new Constitution was no small feat. Anti-federalists feared that the Constitution would over-centralize government and restrict individual liberties. They demanded changes and a Bill of Rights to guarantee personal freedoms. Federalists on the other hand argued that states should accept the proposed Constitution without further changes. When these opposing views clashed in Massachusetts an agreement- known as the Massachusetts Compromise- was brokered by two famous local statesmen John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Under it Massachusetts ratified the Constitution becoming the sixth U.S. state while also proposing future amendments including a Bill of Rights. The Massachusetts Compromise was used as a model by other states to reach similar agreements. Without it the U.S. Constitution may never have been ratified at all." from Bridgewater State University "Although the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia finished their work in September 1787 a ratification process of many months remained ahead before the Constitution could become the system of government for the new country. For this to happen at least 9 of the 13 states had to approve the document and Massachusetts was at the crux of that lineup. In January 1788 the Massachusetts convention met in the Old State House to address the matter; at that time Delaware Pennsylvania New Jersey Georgia and Connecticut had already ratified the Constitution. The remaining states watched the proceedings in Boston closely anticipating a close vote that could fall either way. Massachusetts had the largest convention of any state and a fundamental disagreement divided the 364 delegates: Federalists supported a strong central government and the Constitution as written; Anti-Federalists held that a centralized government would concentrate power in the hands of the elite and lead to the dissolution of the democratic ideals espoused during the Revolution. The turning point in the debate in Boston came when Gov. John Hancock proposed that Massachusetts recommend several amendments to the Constitution including a Bill of Rights. This proposal effectively gave voice to many of the Anti-Federalist concerns and after Revolutionary leader Samuel Adams spoke in favor of Hancock's "conciliatory proposition" a sufficient number of delegates shifted their positions to approve ratification. Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution on February 6 1788 by a vote of 187 to 168. In June when New Hampshire came on board as the ninth state to ratify adoption of the Constitution was guaranteed. Its formal enactment on April 30 1789 coincided with George Washington's inauguration as the first president of the United States." Massachusetts Historical Society "In Massachusetts anti-federalist opposition to the Constitution was significant. In order to mollify their concerns convention delegate Theophilus Parsons added nine amendments which were presented by John Hancock. The Constitution was ratified by Massachusetts with the amendments added as a recommendation to "remove the fears and quiet the apprehensions of many of the good people of this Commonwealth and more effectually guard against an undue administration of the federal government." Three of these recommendations would become the Fifth Seventh and Tenth Amendments of the Constitution. The sixth state to ratify the Constitution Massachusetts was the first to suggest amendments which in turn led directly to the passage of the Bill of Rights." Freemans Evans 21242. Sabin 45702. HBS 69689. $5000. Adams and Nourse unknown
1787Best.-Nr. 24135U.S. CONSTITUTION.Newspaper. The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser. October 1 1787 No. 2700 Philadelphia: John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole including the September 28 resolution of the Confederation Congress to send to the states for ratification the recently completed U. S. Constitution. 4 pp. 12 x 18¾ in. "The United States in Congress Assembled. Friday September 28 1787. CONGRESS having received the Report of the CONVENTION lately assembled in Philadelphia Resolved unanimously THAT the said report with the resolutions and letter accompanying the same be transmitted to the several legislatures in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates chose in each state by the people thereof in conformity to the resolves of the convention made and provided in that case. CHARLES THOMSON Secretary." p2/c3 The convention called to revise the Articles of Confederation met in the Pennsylvania's State House in Philadelphia starting on May 25 1787. After many delegates agreed that the Articles could not be sufficiently improved they started to draft an entirely new structure. Maintaining their pledge of secrecy after months of private deliberations over trade defense taxation representation separation of powers the election of a president the slave trade international relations and many other issues the proposed United States Constitution was signed by thirty-nine of the fifty-five delegates on September 17. Two days later the Constitution was first published by the Pennsylvania Packetand four other Philadelphia newspapers. The cover letter sent by George Washington president of what came to be called the Constitutional Convention submitting the plan to Arthur St. Clair the President of the Congress of the Confederation in New York was also printed then. Congress received and read the proposed Constitution on September 20th. As a sampling of their deliberations William Grayson of Virginia thought it was too weak while Richard Henry Lee of Virginia and Nathan Dane of Massachusetts thought it was too strong. On September 27 Virginia's Richard Henry Lee proposed that the Constitution be sent to the executives of each of the states. A Delaware representative quickly added "in order to be by them submitted to conventions of delegates to be chosen agreeably to the said resolutions of the convention." Ten of the twelve states then represented in Congress voted in favor. Before Congress adjourned for the day the majority of Virginia's representatives and a minority of New York's representatives also indicated their support. On September 28 Federalists holding out for a unanimous vote found a way to compromise with anti-Federalists: Congress unanimously resolved to send the Constitution to the states but without any recommendation or approval. Arider from New York City arrived in Philadelphia with the resolution that same day. George Clymer presented his own resolution to the Pennsylvania Assembly noting that "the late Federal Convention has digested a plan of government for the United States and recommended that it should be referred to the consideration of State Conventions…" After a "very long and animated debate" Clymer's resolution passed by a vote of 43 to 19 and adjourned until 4:00 p.m. But only 44 members returned falling two shy of the necessary quorum. The Assembly's sergeant-at-arms was sent to show the resolution to absent members. Two who still refused to attend were seized by the public dragged through the streets and thrust into the assembly room. The involuntarily completed quorum voted that "it is the sense of great numbers of the grand people of this state already signified in petitions & declarations to this house that the earliest steps should be taken to assemble a convention within the state for the purpose of deliberating and determining on the said constitution." They called for the election of deputies who would assemble for that purpose "on the third Tuesday of November at the State-house in the city of Philadelphia…" p2/c3-4 Other articles of interest in this issue include news from Europe and a brief piece against Indians "from the western country who still continue their depredations on the whites…" p2/c3 The Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser1771-1839 was founded by John Dunlap in late 1771 as a weekly newspaper in Philadelphia though it relocated to Lancaster during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777-1778. On May 30 1783 Benjamin Towne turned the Pennsylvania Evening Post into the first daily newspaper in the United States. However with Towne branded a traitor and forced to hawk his own papers on the street the newspaper collapsed the following year. John Dunlap and David Claypoole then made their Pennsylvania Packet the first successful daily on September 21 1784. It underwent numerous name changes in the 1790s until sold in 1800 and renamed Poulson's American Daily Advertiser. John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole
1784Best.-Nr. 22886Philadelphia Pa. 1784. No binding. Good. Broadside. An Alarm. To the Freemen and Electors of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Pa. October 1 1784. 1 p. 16 1/2 x 21 in. Excerpt:Please note that the traditional ""long-style s"" has been standardized.""Friends and countrymen The day is now approaching on which you are to determine whether Pennsylvania shall enjoy a free and just government or be ruled by the arbitrary wills of a few men who have lately composed the majority of the Council of Censors. I shall say nothing to you of their having refused to call a Convention to alter and amend the Constitution. It is well known that most of them disapprove of it; but they have sacrificed their judge-ments to their party resentments. Nor shall I dwell long upon the vast sum of money they have cost the state. Their wages and contingent expences amount to nearly TEN THOUSAND POUNDS. The whole expences of the government for the current year will not fall short of FIFTY THOUSAND POUNDS. One half of this sum might be saved by a few alterations in the Constitution: The remaining half in a few years would open roads to every part of the state and remove the principal obstructions in the navigation of the Schuylkill and Susquehannah. I shall briefly point out in the first place what the late majority of the Censors have done and secondly what they have not done.""Docketed on verso in unknown hand: ""Alarm by the Minority of Anson. October 1 1784.""Historical BackgroundPennsylvania's 1776 Constitution contained an unusual feature: it required a 24-member Council of Censors to be chosen every seven years and tasked with revising the state Constitution. This broadside harangues the current censors who ""refused to call a convention to alter and amend the Constitution"" while showing favoritism and fiscal irresponsibility. ""One of Minority of the Censors"" further chastises his brethren as ""the enemies of liberty and the violators of their own Constitution"" and urges the citizens of Pennsylvania to resist.Among the grievances were ""those settlers at Wioming who have encroached upon your territory and who claim one half the state after the Court of Congress at Trenton had declared their encroachments to be illegal"" and who had ""insulted the dignity of the legislature"" as well as ""refusing to recommend the repeal of the law which robbed the Trustees of the College of Philadelphia of their charter"" and ""refused to recommend the a revision of the test law which is not only contrary to the letter and spirit of the constitution but impolitic unjust inhuman and dangerous to the freedom of every individual in the state.""The Assembly finally called a constitutional convention in 1789 and revised in the Constitution in 1790. The new Constitution created a bicameral legislature elected by a general election of citizens a governor elected for a three-year term a judiciary appointed by the governor and removable through impeachment and protection of rights.Evans 18321; Hildeburn 4418.Condition Unrestored: light dampstaining in margins central vertical tear edges chipped in several places.Sources""Pennsylvania Bar Association Constitutional Review Committee""http://www.pabarcrc.org/history.asp books
1787Best.-Nr. 24135U.S. CONSTITUTION.Newspaper. The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser. October 1 1787 No. 2700 Philadelphia: John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole including the September 28 resolution of the Confederation Congress to send to the states for ratification the recently completed U. S. Constitution. 4 pp. 12 x 18¾ in. "The United States in Congress Assembled. Friday September 28 1787. CONGRESS having received the Report of the CONVENTION lately assembled in Philadelphia Resolved unanimously THAT the said report with the resolutions and letter accompanying the same be transmitted to the several legislatures in order to be submitted to a convention of delegates chose in each state by the people thereof in conformity to the resolves of the convention made and provided in that case. CHARLES THOMSON Secretary." p2/c3 The convention called to revise the Articles of Confederation met in the Pennsylvania's State House in Philadelphia starting on May 25 1787. After many delegates agreed that the Articles could not be sufficiently improved they started to draft an entirely new structure. Maintaining their pledge of secrecy after months of private deliberations over trade defense taxation representation separation of powers the election of a president the slave trade international relations and many other issues the proposed United States Constitution was signed by thirty-nine of the fifty-five delegates on September 17. Two days later the Constitution was first published by the Pennsylvania Packetand four other Philadelphia newspapers. The cover letter sent by George Washington president of what came to be called the Constitutional Convention submitting the plan to Arthur St. Clair the President of the Congress of the Confederation in New York was also printed then. Congress received and read the proposed Constitution on September 20th. As a sampling of their deliberations William Grayson of Virginia thought it was too weak while Richard Henry Lee of Virginia and Nathan Dane of Massachusetts thought it was too strong. On September 27 Virginia's Richard Henry Lee proposed that the Constitution be sent to the executives of each of the states. A Delaware representative quickly added "in order to be by them submitted to conventions of delegates to be chosen agreeably to the said resolutions of the convention." Ten of the twelve states then represented in Congress voted in favor. Before Congress adjourned for the day the majority of Virginia's representatives and a minority of New York's representatives also indicated their support. On September 28 Federalists holding out for a unanimous vote found a way to compromise with anti-Federalists: Congress unanimously resolved to send the Constitution to the states but without any recommendation or approval. Arider from New York City arrived in Philadelphia with the resolution that same day. George Clymer presented his own resolution to the Pennsylvania Assembly noting that "the late Federal Convention has digested a plan of government for the United States and recommended that it should be referred to the consideration of State Conventions…" After a "very long and animated debate" Clymer's resolution passed by a vote of 43 to 19 and adjourned until 4:00 p.m. But only 44 members returned falling two shy of the necessary quorum. The Assembly's sergeant-at-arms was sent to show the resolution to absent members. Two who still refused to attend were seized by the public dragged through the streets and thrust into the assembly room. The involuntarily completed quorum voted that "it is the sense of great numbers of the grand people of this state already signified in petitions & declarations to this house that the earliest steps should be taken to assemble a convention within the state for the purpose of deliberating and determining on the said constitution." They called for the election of deputies who would assemble for that purpose "on the third Tuesday of November at the State-house in the city of Philadelphia…" p2/c3-4 Other articles of interest in this issue include news from Europe and a brief piece against Indians "from the western country who still continue their depredations on the whites…" p2/c3 The Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser1771-1839 was founded by John Dunlap in late 1771 as a weekly newspaper in Philadelphia though it relocated to Lancaster during the British occupation of Philadelphia in 1777-1778. On May 30 1783 Benjamin Towne turned the Pennsylvania Evening Post into the first daily newspaper in the United States. However with Towne branded a traitor and forced to hawk his own papers on the street the newspaper collapsed the following year. John Dunlap and David Claypoole then made their Pennsylvania Packet the first successful daily on September 21 1784. It underwent numerous name changes in the 1790s until sold in 1800 and renamed Poulson's American Daily Advertiser. John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole books
1865Best.-Nr. 1260191865. First Edition. CONSTITUTION. Journal of the House of Delegates of the State of Virginia. for the Session of 18645. Alexandria: D. Turner 1865. Octavo original front printed wrapper respined renewed rear wrapper original string stitching; pp. 1-3 4-83 1. Housed in a custom chemise and clamshell box. $4500.First edition one of 500 copies of the momentous Journal featuring its February 9 1865 entry on the Alexandria Virginia government's passage of the 13th Amendment mere days after the U.S. Congress the first of the four Unionist southern states to pass the Amendment also featuring the governor's Message noting: ""though we have in inherited from our fathers of the revolution the blessings of a great nation yet they also left to us an inheritance of African slavery which has proved a bitter dreg in our cup of freedom"" a vital record of forces for constitutional change near the end of the Civil War.Soon after the 1860 election amidst southern secession ""the great questions of union or disunion war or peace hung in the balance. Probably the crucial weight on the scale was Virginia as long as the federal government did not seek to coerce the states Virginia secessionists were unable to achieve a majority. When Lincoln responded with force to the attack on Fort Sumter however the vote in Virginia went in favor of secession."" Subsequently a Virginia convention ""met in Wheeling on May 13 1861 it elected as Governor Francis Pierpont a western Virginian and ardent Unionist and arranged for the creation of a legislature to replace the body sitting in Richmond in July 1861 the new legislature met at the 'Restored Virginia' capital of Wheeling in a special session called by Pierpont."" Against its ""claim to represent a majority of Virginians"" a new state of West Virginia was created in 1863 and Pierpont's government moved to Alexandria to govern areas of Virginia under Union occupation Harrison Lawfulness of the Reconstruction Amendments 380-83.Scholars observe that the 13th Amendment its fellow amendments and Reconstruction as ""both a political process made possible by military successes and constitutional thought grew from wartime as well as post-Appomattox developments"" Hyman and Wiecek Equal Justice 247. This rare first edition of Journal of the House of Delegates substantiates that in documenting passage of the 13th Amendment by Pierpont's Virginia government mere days after the U.S. Congress passed the Amendment on January 31 1865. With that Virginia became the first of the four Unionist southern states that ratified the 13th Amendment. Of those Louisiana followed on February 17 with Arkansas and Tennessee that April. The 13th Amendment is the focus of the Journal's entry for February 9 1865 which states: ""Mr. Brownley called up Senate bill No. 12 entitled 'An Act to ratify the joint resolution of Congress passed January 31 1865 proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States.' The bill was read the first and second time and the rules were suspended and the bill read the third time and the bill passed."" Also notable herein is the complete printing of Governor Pierpont's opening Message where he notes: ""though we inherited from our fathers of the revolution the blessings of a great nation yet they also left to us an inheritance of African slavery which has proved a bitter dreg in our cup of freedom."" He speaks at length of the rights due people of color and the abolition of laws such as those that prohibit ""negro testimony"" or proscribe a ""different punishment for persons of African dissent"" from that of ""white persons.""""The legislature met for its second session on December 5 1864 The governor's message was a long and important document and indicated the changes of opinion that the war was bringing about. Pierpont gave his views upon the all-important negro question. He congratulated the constitutional convention which had met in the spring on the abolition of slavery in Virginia and advocated sweeping changes in the laws concerning negroes. The act prescribing different punishments for blacks should he said be altered in accordance with the amended constitution as well as the law for apprenticing them. The law prohibiting the education of negroes should be abolished His language was on the whole very moderate. He advised the legalizing of the marital relations of negroes and most important the establishment of public schools Notwithstanding the governor's advice no acts of great importance passed the legislature On February 9 1865 the assembly ratified the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. It adjourned on March 7"" Eckenrode Political History of Virginia During the Reconstruction. Faint ""U.N.C. Duplicate"" stamp to front wrapper.Text fine; just a bit of faint soiling and a tide line to fragile front wrapper. An excellent copy of this elusive item. unknown
1791Best.-Nr. 262411Paris: Baudoin 1791. hardcover. near fine. 2 37 4 4 151 82 pages. 12mo handsomely bound in full contemporary mottled calf chipped at top of spine; gilt-stamped spine with leather spine labels; marbled end-papers. Paris: Baudouin Imprimeur de L'Assemblee Nationale 1791. First written constitution of France. Many different printings appeared within days of the original folio edition this is likely the first 12mo edition. Included in this volume with separate paginations are: Message du Roi a l'Assemblee 13 Set. 1791; Discours et Serment du Roi. 14 Sept 1791; La Declaration des Droits de L'Homme et du Citoyen Includes comparison of the laws of many peoples ancient and modern and particularly the declarations of different American states Paris l'an troisieme de la liberte. Also Bound-in is another copy of the Declaration des Droits de l"Homme Paris: Chez Baudoin 1790. Baudoin unknown
1791Best.-Nr. 262411Paris: Baudoin 1791. hardcover. near fine. 2 37 4 4 151 82 pages. 12mo handsomely bound in full contemporary mottled calf chipped at top of spine; gilt-stamped spine with leather spine labels; marbled end-papers. Paris: Baudouin Imprimeur de L'Assemblee Nationale 1791. First written constitution of France. Many different printings appeared within days of the original folio edition this is likely the first 12mo edition. Included in this volume with separate paginations are: Message du Roi a l'Assemblee 13 Set. 1791; Discours et Serment du Roi. 14 Sept 1791; La Declaration des Droits de L'Homme et du Citoyen Includes comparison of the laws of many peoples ancient and modern and particularly the declarations of different American states Paris l'an troisieme de la liberte. Also Bound-in is another copy of the Declaration des Droits de l"Homme Paris: Chez Baudoin 1790. Baudoin unknown books
1788Best.-Nr. 24836Boston MA 1788. No binding. Condition: Fine. Massachusetts Centinel illustrator. Newspaper. Massachusetts Centinel February 13 1788 Volume VIII pp. 171-174. Boston: Benjamin Russell. 4 pp. 9 5/8 x 14 7/8 in. This newspaper is replete with Constitution-related content including minutes from the debates of Massachusetts' State Ratifying Convention - everything from discourse on standing armies to Fisher Ames' hearkening back to 1775 with "WE MUST UNITE OR DIE"; a poem to Washington on his birthday; a fictional dialogue The Federal Anti-Federalist Returned to His Neighbours; a rare example of one of Benjamin Russell's famed 'Pillars' illustration series; and a great deal of reporting on the popular reception of the news of ratification expressed in particular by an enormous parade and surrounding celebrations. The Massachusetts Centinel employed the Federal Pillars political imagery to announce the ratification of the Constitution by successive states. In this issue the Centinel announces the pending ratification by New Hampshire. "This day the Convention of the State of New Hampshire meet at Exeter for the purpose of erecting another PILLAR to support the great Federal Superstructure; by ratifying the proposed Constitution." On February 6 1788 Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution by a vote of 187 to 168 the sixth and largest state to do so. Two days later the people of Boston engaged in a grand procession led by the "Mechanicks" and Tradesmen of Boston "to express their approbation of the conduct of the Gentlemen who represented this town in the late Convention" p3/c2. A sampling of the groups of marchers most of whom carried implements and tools of their professions festooned for the occasion as detailed here p4c1-2: 73 Blacksmiths; 43 Shipwrights; 75 Rope-makers with part of a rope-walk on a sled and martial music; 30 Mast-makers; 36 Sail-makers; 34 Ship-joiners; 30 Block-makers pulley makers; 6 Mathematical Instrument Makers makers of navigation equipment etc.; 53 Coopers; 20 Boat-builders; 6 Pewterers; 40 Bakers 50 Shoe-makers; 56 Taylors; 26 Hatters; 20 Ship-builders; 136 Carpenters; 70 Masons; 30 Wheelwrights; 15 Printers; as well as a dozen other tradegroups such Bookbinders; Goldsmiths and Jewelers Saddlers Tobacconists Tanners Curriers Leather-dressers Cabinetmakers Carvers Painters Tinsmiths Coppersmiths and 250 of the "principal merchants in the town." Toward the middle of this assemblage thirteen horses pulled the ship "FEDERAL CONSTITUTION" manned by a crew of thirteen. A subtext of much of this was an emphasis on domestic manufactures as well as a celebration of Boston's power and potential in maritime trade.At this event "WE THE PEOPLE" of Boston "in GRAND PROCESSION MOVING" passed an ordinance to rename Long Lane as Federal Street in commemoration of the site where the convention had sat. The ordinance concluded "GIVEN under our auspices.the FIRST YEAR of OUR real political federal existence.GOD SPEED THE CONSTITUTION!" p1/c1. That night a long boat called "the Old Confederation" which had been exhibited during the parade was drawn to the Common and condemned "as unfit for any further service." The boat was immediately burned "in presence of an applauding concourse of citizens" p3/c2. On February 12 the twelve delegates who represented Boston in the ratifying convention including John Hancock and Samuel Adams responded to the procession in a letter to "the Committee of Tradesmen of the Town of Boston." Excerpt: "We endeavoured that our conduct in the late Convention should be governed by the magnitude of our subject:-And after the most mature deliberation we severally decided according to the best light of our understandings and the dictates of our consciences." "We are happy to find that our decisions have so fully corresponded with the sentiments and wishes of our constituents."
1788Best.-Nr. 24836Boston MA 1788. No binding. Condition: Fine. Massachusetts Centinel illustrator. Newspaper. Massachusetts Centinel February 13 1788 Volume VIII pp. 171-174. Boston: Benjamin Russell. 4 pp. 9 5/8 x 14 7/8 in. This newspaper is replete with Constitution-related content including minutes from the debates of Massachusetts' State Ratifying Convention - everything from discourse on standing armies to Fisher Ames' hearkening back to 1775 with "WE MUST UNITE OR DIE"; a poem to Washington on his birthday; a fictional dialogue The Federal Anti-Federalist Returned to His Neighbours; a rare example of one of Benjamin Russell's famed 'Pillars' illustration series; and a great deal of reporting on the popular reception of the news of ratification expressed in particular by an enormous parade and surrounding celebrations. The Massachusetts Centinel employed the Federal Pillars political imagery to announce the ratification of the Constitution by successive states. In this issue the Centinel announces the pending ratification by New Hampshire. "This day the Convention of the State of New Hampshire meet at Exeter for the purpose of erecting another PILLAR to support the great Federal Superstructure; by ratifying the proposed Constitution." On February 6 1788 Massachusetts ratified the United States Constitution by a vote of 187 to 168 the sixth and largest state to do so. Two days later the people of Boston engaged in a grand procession led by the "Mechanicks" and Tradesmen of Boston "to express their approbation of the conduct of the Gentlemen who represented this town in the late Convention" p3/c2. A sampling of the groups of marchers most of whom carried implements and tools of their professions festooned for the occasion as detailed here p4c1-2: 73 Blacksmiths; 43 Shipwrights; 75 Rope-makers with part of a rope-walk on a sled and martial music; 30 Mast-makers; 36 Sail-makers; 34 Ship-joiners; 30 Block-makers pulley makers; 6 Mathematical Instrument Makers makers of navigation equipment etc.; 53 Coopers; 20 Boat-builders; 6 Pewterers; 40 Bakers 50 Shoe-makers; 56 Taylors; 26 Hatters; 20 Ship-builders; 136 Carpenters; 70 Masons; 30 Wheelwrights; 15 Printers; as well as a dozen other tradegroups such Bookbinders; Goldsmiths and Jewelers Saddlers Tobacconists Tanners Curriers Leather-dressers Cabinetmakers Carvers Painters Tinsmiths Coppersmiths and 250 of the "principal merchants in the town." Toward the middle of this assemblage thirteen horses pulled the ship "FEDERAL CONSTITUTION" manned by a crew of thirteen. A subtext of much of this was an emphasis on domestic manufactures as well as a celebration of Boston's power and potential in maritime trade.At this event "WE THE PEOPLE" of Boston "in GRAND PROCESSION MOVING" passed an ordinance to rename Long Lane as Federal Street in commemoration of the site where the convention had sat. The ordinance concluded "GIVEN under our auspices.the FIRST YEAR of OUR real political federal existence.GOD SPEED THE CONSTITUTION!" p1/c1. That night a long boat called "the Old Confederation" which had been exhibited during the parade was drawn to the Common and condemned "as unfit for any further service." The boat was immediately burned "in presence of an applauding concourse of citizens" p3/c2. On February 12 the twelve delegates who represented Boston in the ratifying convention including John Hancock and Samuel Adams responded to the procession in a letter to "the Committee of Tradesmen of the Town of Boston." Excerpt: "We endeavoured that our conduct in the late Convention should be governed by the magnitude of our subject:-And after the most mature deliberation we severally decided according to the best light of our understandings and the dictates of our consciences." "We are happy to find that our decisions have so fully corresponded with the sentiments and wishes of our constituents." books
1682Best.-Nr. 1206631682. CONSTITUTION SOMERS John. The Security of English-Mens Lives Or the Trust Power and Duty of the Grand Jurys of England. London: Printed for Benj. Alsop 1682. Small octavo 4 by 6-1/2 inches 18th-century brown morocco raised bands marbled endpapers all edges gilt; pp. 1-2 3-168. $3400.1682 edition of Somers' profoundly influential work on the power of the grand jury the second of only two 17th-century editions issued the year after the first""one of the fundamental foundations of the common law in the American colonies""prompting revolution with Somers' invoking the grand jury and its protection of secrecy as key in opposing ""corrupt Ministers of State"" and those who ""abuse or oppress the People in the form and course of Justice"" seminal in the creation of the Constitution's Fifth Amendment with Jefferson calling grand juries ""the true tribunal of the people.""British statesman Baron John Somers' most famous and influential work is Grand Jurys. ""Of the legal scholars writing about the grand jury in the late 17th century Somers is not only representative but eminent having been read in both England and the colonies"" Kadish Behind the Locked Door 5-10. Grand Jurys is considered a seminal influence on Locke and America's Founding Fathers and it is ""likely that Locke knew Somers by the early 1680s The opposition of absolute monarchy to the security provided by 'impartial law' was structurally central to Locke's Second Treatise 1689 which attacked the threat to life liberty and property posed by a loss of 'impartial justice' Locke's arguments are a logical extension of the arguments that juries provided the only security of life"" Marshall John Locke 52. To Somers similarly the grand jury offers ""security"" from the ""Ill Designs of corrupt Minsters of State"" and those who ""dare to abuse or oppress the People."" Somers' Grand Jurys is ""a classic statement of political freedom. He works his way through a number of themes that will be frequently repeated by others."" Chief among these is his argument that ""the independent grand jury is the linchpin of the entire criminal justice system. It brings offenders to justice and protects the innocent from false accusation guaranteeing the traditional rights of Englishmen particularly their political rights in relation to the Crown and joins Parliament as a counterweight to the arbitrary power of the monarch and his judges"" Shapiro Beyond Reasonable Doubt 67. With its origins found deep within English legal history the grand jury was ""eulogized by Coke and Blackstone and crossed the Atlantic as one of the fundamental foundations of the common law in the American colonies"" Roots If It's Not a Runaway. ""Indeed there is an important sense in which the jury issue united not only America's revolutionary period and Founding era but also the 'settlement' years immediately following 1789"" Stimson Juries and American Revolutionary Jurisprudence 34-5.As American ""opposition to the British became more overt grand juries became more sympathetic to the colonists the famous case of John Peter Zenger is a prime example as two separate N.Y. grand juries refused to indict him for criminal libel. Further in 1765 a Boston grand jury refused to find an indictment against the leaders of the Stamp Act Riots"" Paule Perversion of the Historic Function 304. ""Perhaps the best known case of grand jury independence involved the twice-unsuccessful efforts to indict former Vice President Aaron Burr for attempting to involve the U.S. in a war with Spain Burr was finally indicted when a grand jury was convened in Virginia the stronghold of Burr's enemy Thomas Jefferson. Despite Jefferson's best efforts Burr was acquitted at trial in part because the judge gave such a narrow jury instruction and made evidentiary rulings so favorable to the defense that conviction was nearly impossible. The trial judge was John Marshall one of Jefferson's rivals"" Leopold Why Grand Juries 286.""The framers of the Constitution perceived the function of the grand jury as so essential to liberty that they specifically provided for it"" in the Fifth Amendment Paule 305. ""With its Grand Jury Clause insuring that 'no person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury' the Clause protected the people against arbitrary and overzealous government by protecting 'against hasty malicious and oppressive prosecution.' Secrecy in grand jury proceedings played a role in that protection."" For Somers in particular the secrecy requirement was absolute. In Grand Jurys he describes ""how grand jurors were sworn not to disclose the subjects of the inquiry the witnesses or any of the evidence. In addition grand jurors were sworn not to reveal their own personal knowledge the knowledge of their fellow jurors their investigative plans or their deliberations according to Somers secrecy made possible the discovery of truth and protected individuals from malicious or hateful prosecution. In sum neither the king the general public nor the individual accused could benefit by making public the proceedings of a grand jury. The Grand Jury Clause of the Fifth Amendment made grand jury secrecy an implicit part of American criminal procedure"" Kadish 5-16. ""In a petition to the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia Jefferson once termed the Anglo-Saxon tradition of trial by grand and petit jury 'the true tribunal of the people'"" Shannon Grand Jury 141. Jefferson owned and held two other works by Somers in his library. Preceded only by the 1681 first edition. Anonymously issued with Wing identifying Somers as author. Precedes the 1773 American edition. Pages 156-167 containing Latin and English text printed on opposite pages; final text page with ""Finis."" ESTC R10363. Wing S4643. Sweet & Maxwell I:378 34. See Sowerby 2015 2712. Early owner signature above title page.Text very fresh expert restoration to handsome binding. A very good copy. hardcover
1850Best.-Nr. 1229871850. First Edition. CONSTITUTION SPOONER Lysander. A Defence for Fugitive Slaves Against the Acts of Congress of February 12 1793 and September 18 1850. Boston: Bela Marsh 1850. Octavo original wrappers; pp. 1-2 3-4. i-iv 5 6-72. $3200.First edition of the rogue abolitionist's provocative call for ""vigorous"" public resistance to a pattern in the 1793 and 1850 Acts and court decisions such as Prigg v. Pennsylvania that demonstrated the government's refusal ""to champion liberty or justice"" especially elusive in original wrappers.The 1850 Fugitive Slave Act ""exposed the futility of antislavery constitutionalism grounded in a commitment to the 'proper rules of interpretation'"" Knowles Seeing the Light 544. It ""evinced a clear congressional policy favoring harsh and summary enforcement of the rendition policy over any solicitude for procedural or substantive rights of alleged fugitives"" Cover Justice Accused 121. Spooner crafted his answer to this in a ""devastating critique"" of both the 1793 and 1850 laws Smith Lysander Spooner. Defence one of his most elusive and provocative works offers ""significant evidence of the ways in which the passage of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act shook his faith in the ability of the nation's courts to interpret the constitution in a manner consistent with the dictates of natural justice"" Knowles 546. Closely analyzing ""reasons why the 1793 and 1850 laws were unconstitutional he made it very clear why the passage of the 1850 law pushed him away from the 'quiet argument' of the courtroom to 'more vigorous'"" public action. In Defence while he continued to argue the importance of ""procedural objections to the laws Spooner spent far greater time 1 explaining why the courts would not actually strike down either of the laws and 2 outlining 'The Right of Resistance': ways in which 'The People' could respond to what he now recognized as the 'ugly reality' of proslavery constitutionalism."" He notably pointed to ""the 1842 decision in Prigg v. Pennsylvania in which the Supreme Court held that under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act trumped Pennsylvania's personal liberty law which had made it far more difficult for slaveholders to recover individuals they alleged were fugitive slaves In the face of this judicial reality and to ensure the 'maintenance' of the Constitution Spooner encouraged popular resistance"" arguing the Second Amendment ""gave 'The People' an absolute and unqualified' Constitutional 'right' to do so."" By 1860 he would utterly lose ""faith in the ability or willingness of the government especially the courts to champion either liberty or justice"" Knowles 545 552. First edition: as issued with printing of 1793 Act of Congress and 1850 Fugitive Slave Act preceding title page; front and rear wrapper interior with publisher's advertisements. Sabin 89607. Work 335. Text very fresh a few minor stains to front wrapper expert repairs to wraps on the spine. Near-fine. paperback
1791Best.-Nr. 16684reliées en un volume in-24 (91x56mm), veau marbré, dos lisse à faux nerfs, décors et titre dorés, roulette décorative d'encadrement, roulette sur les coupes, tranches jaunes (reliure du tout début du XIXe) ; 1- La Constitution Française, décrétée par l'Assemblée Nationale Constituante, aux années 1789, 1790 et 1791 ; acceptée par le Roi le 14 septembre 1791. Paris, imprimerie de Didot Jeune, chez Garnery, 1791 ; 160 pp. (Précedée de la Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen ; en 17 articles). 2- Acte Constitutionnel, décrété par la Convention nationale de France, en 1793, et présenté à l'acceptation du Peuple Français ; précédé du Rapport fait sur ce sujet, par Hérault-Séchelles, membre du corps constituant. Paris, Lepetit, 1793 (imprimerie de Rochette) ; 96 pp. Contient le Rapport sur la Constitution du peuple français, la Déclaration des Droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen (en 35 articles), la Constitution Républicaine. 3- Constitution de la République Française. Paris, chez Et. Gidde, imp. de Crapelet, an IV (1795) ; 159 pp. 4- Constitution de la République Française, avec les lois organiques. Paris, imp. de Munier ; chez Lepetit, jeune, an VIII ; 63 pp.
1791Best.-Nr. 38025Paris Imprimerie de Migneret [septembre] 1791 in-8 demi-basane fauve marbrée, dos lisse orné de fleurons, roulettes et pointillés dorés, pièce de titre, coins en vélin vert [Rel. de l'époque], rest
Best.-Nr. 374Connecticut: State of Connecticut to Messrs. Meigs Bowen and Dana 1784. Original Pay Order. Very Good. Manuscript Document SIGNED by Roger Sherman bearing the title of "Assistant" meaning a member of the Upper House of Connecticut viz. in effect a State Senator of Connecticut; one page 12.25" x 7.25" a Pay Order for Messrs. Meigs Bowen and Dana to print "374 copies of a Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving."; for which authorization was given by Sherman for payment by John Lawrence Treasurer of Connecticut to said printers of "3 pounds 2 shillings & 4 pence." Roger Sherman April 19 1721 - July 23 1793 was not only a SIGNER of the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE July 1776; being a member of the Committee of Five assigned to draft that document; he was also the only man to sign all four of the great state papers of the evolving United States to include the Articles of Association; the Articles of Confederation; and the United States Constitution. Roger was the son of a poor Connecticut farmer who died thus leaving his 19-year old son with the heavy responsibility of caring for his widowed mother siblings and the farm. Apprenticed as a shoe-maker Roger briefly worked in that trade; then--after a few years--as a merchant with his elder brother while constantly teaching himself by independent study. Often he would read a carefully positioned book while cobbling shoes! He conducted his scholarly studies with such intellectual success that--after a few years--he was able to pass the Bar. Thereafter his rise in position and status was continuous: becoming a practicing attorney and soon judge for his County from 1759; becoming in the 1760's the treasurer of Yale University; thereafter sitting on the bench of the Superior Court of Connecticut 1776-1789;more or less concurrently Mayor of New Haven & a member of the Connecticut legislature; and from 1774 a distinguished state delegate to the new United States Continental Congress: serving in one or the other house until his death in 1793. "He always appeared exactly what he was--a man of sound common sense; strong natural powers of mind; of deep thought; of much reflection; of deliberate judgment; and a steady integrity--uniformly seeking to promote the cause of righteousness in the most upright manner" Dwight p.82. In 1783 his duties for Connecticut and the United States Congress tended to overlap. For both during this time of strife he sat on several important committees. For Connecticut in 1783 he and Judge Law were given the legislative task of revising the State Statutes. This Thanksgiving Proclamation appears to be an outgrowth of such efforts. By this relatively late period in American history the Pilgrim practice of consecrating a Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in the Fall had spread throughout the Colonies. Accordingly as the American Revolution and resistance to Great Britain expanded and led to great public anxiety "Congress issued eight separate national Thanksgiving Proclamations. Congress also issued seven separate proclamations for times of fasting and prayer for a total of 15 official prayer proclamations during the American Revolution." Wikipedia on "Roger Sherman". A recurrent legislative pattern was that significant state documents were used as templates for Congressional ducuments. While our researches have not found the formal text of this Connecticut Thanksgiving proclamation we note that Representative Roger Sherman was an active supporter--along with Elias Boudinot--of the Congressional effort to create a national Day of Thanksgiving shortly after the framing of the Bill of Rights according to the Congressional Record for September 25 1789. As a result a joint committee of both houses encouraged President George Washington to "recommend to the people of the United States a Day of Public Thanksgiving and prayer." "Mr. Roger Sherman justified the practice of thanksgiving on any single event not only as a laudable one in itself but also as warranted by a number of precedents in Holy Writ . . . . This example he thought worthy of a Christian imitation on the present occasion" Wiki op. cit. After the ccngressional resolution was given to President Washington he concurred enthusiastically and issued the first Federal Thanksgiving Proclamation which we quote in part: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God to obey His will to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor . . . Now therefore I do appoint Thursday the 26th day of November 1789 . . . that we may all unite to render unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection" Wiki op. cit. And so it was intermittently observed in November until Thanksgiving was further implemented and sanctified by President Abraham Lincoln who-- in 1863 shortly after the battle of Gettysburg--made Thanksgiving Day a permanent national holiday! Condition: Overall this important document SIGNED by ROGER SHERMAN is in Very Good condition. It has light age-toning or browning with slight wear mild soiling & staining and a few small nicks and abraisions mainly to its edges. Said manuscript has intersecting folds with partial separations and some archival reinforcements to its reverse/verso side. There is a countersignature written across a few letters of Sherman's last name. References: Lewis Henry Boutell The Life of Roger Sherman 2015 ISBN: 978-1505973761 Kindle format. N. Dwight The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence NY: A.S. Barnes & Co. 1852; pp.76-85; note on the meaning of "Assistant" on page 80. Mark David Hall Roger Sherman and the Creation of the American Republic Oxford Univ. Press 2015 ISBN: 978-0190218706 Kindle format. Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/28/thanksgiving-proclamation_n_4078958.html. This article briefly discusses the appearance of George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by him on October 3 1789 at a Christie's auction in 2013 where it was estimated to fetch somewhere around $8-$12 million dollars but failed to find a buyer in that range. Wikipedia on "Roger Sherman" accessed in November 2018. State of Connecticut to Messrs. Meigs, Bowen, and Dana unknown books
1848Best.-Nr. 59828Kiel, Schmers'sche Buchhandlung, 1848. 8vo. In the original blank blue wrappers. Provisional repair with tape to spine. Front-wrapper missing upper inner corner. Two stamps to half-title, title-page and verso of title-page. Upper outer corner of half-title missing, far from affecting text. Occassional brownspotting throughout. 34 pp. with a blank leaf inserted between every printed leaf (giving a total of 33 ff., including the blanks).
2006Best.-Nr. 76537Washington DC: U. S. Government Printing Office 2006. Presumed First Edition First printing. Wraps. Good. Serial No. 109-103. 4 volume set. Volume I v 1 1453 5 pages. Volume II v 1. 1455-2388 2. Volume III v 1 2389-4296. Volume IV v 1 4297-5711 3 pages. Footnotes. Illustrations. The Subcommittee will be holding its tenth hearing examining the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the temporary provisions that are to expire. They're set to expire in 2007 unless we reauthorize by Congress which I think most of us anticipate will occur. The Subcommittee examined each of the expiring provisions in great detail. This afternoon we examine the evidence of continued discrimination against racial and language minority citizens since 1982 that have been compiled by a number of non-governmental organizations who will be testifying. I'd thank these organizations for the time and effort that they have put into completing these reports and in making sure that this Committee and Congress has before it a complete and accurate record of discrimination over the last 25 years. In continuing to reauthorize the temporary provisions Congress on four separate occasions examined the extent to which discrimination continued to exist by analyzing information such as enforcement statistics minority voter registration rates minority voter turnout and litigation pursued to protect minority voting rights. Federal agencies such as the United States Commission on Civil Rights were instrumental in investigating analyzing and reporting back to Congress on the state of minority voting during each consideration. Each time Congress concluded based upon the evidence presented that the exceptional conditions which existed in 1966 continued to exist in 1970 1975 1982 and in 1992 when it was last reauthorized. This afternoon the Committee continues to examine whether the exceptional conditions warranting the extension of the temporary provisions continue to exist in 2006. U. S. Government Printing Office paperback
