76 résultats
1791109471791 20 vol. in-8 demi-basane, dos à nerfs, plats papier moucheté, tr. rouges. P. Baudouin imprimeur de l'Assemblée Nationale et se trouve à Avignon chez François Seguin. (1791).
1787382441787 Ensemble relié en 2 volumes in-4 (269 x 200 mm), plein veau porphyre de l'époque, dos à nerfs ornés de compartiments fleuronnés et cloisonnés, pièces de titre et de tomaison de veau vert bronze, triples filets d'encadrement sur les plats, filets sur les coupes, dentelle intérieure, dorés sur tranches.
17871312110036Annapolis: Frederick Green 1787-01-01. Hardcover. Acceptable. Folio. Contemporary leather rebacked and restored. Good binding and cover. Minor marginal loss to front end page and title page. Faint marginal dampstain.Laws passed from 1765 to 1784. Revises Maryland's laws in the wake of the American Revolution and the Articles of Confederation. One of 100 copies. Evans 35850. Evans 20483. Wheeler J.T. Maryland 435. Tower 129. Provenance: Colonel Joshua Gist's copy. With Gist's signature on the title page. "Col. Gist 1747-1839 was a strong supporter of the federal government and a Patriot during the American Revolution. He had been a colonel in the Soldier's Delight Battalion of Baltimore County a military unit that remained in the state to guard against a Tory uprising during that conflict. He was in command of the 20th Regiment of Maryland Militia at the time of the Whiskey Rebellion. His distinguished brother Gen. Mordecai Gist commanded Maryland troops during the Revolution." Jay Graybeal Annapolis: Frederick Green hardcover
1714230704052016ybvkGuernsey 1706 / 1714. 2 manuscripts in brown(ed) ink on vellum with orig. black wax(?)-seals with imprinted Royal Arms of England (three-lions) surrounded by engraved words, difficult to read. - I. ca. 14 x 38 cm; II. ca. 12 x 31 cm, formerly folded, framed above each other under glass around mid-20th century (ca. 42 x 52 cm).
17332306280030Printed for J. Roberts London 1733. 3rd. Hardcover. Good. Tobacco in Colonial Virginia Rebound in modern 3/4 leather over marbled boards. 64 pages. 3rd edition. Includes "A Vindication of the Said Representation" attributed to John Randolph. European Americana 733/46; Howes V117 "aa"; Sabin 99911. Printed for J. Roberts, London hardcover
17641509200002Printed by Hugh Gaine at his book-store and printing office at the Bible & Crown in Hanover-Square. M DCC 1764-01-01. First Edition. Hardcover. Good. Volume 1 only. Large folio. 38 cm. Vol. I. Bound in publisher's full sheep. Bound by Rob. McAlprine signed by him. Red morocco spine label. Scuffs/rubbing to cover. Creasing to title page. Engraving of Royal arms on title Reilly 862. iv 840 i.e. 838 2 p. Contains an Act for reversing the attainder of Jacob Leisler etc at appendix which Evans states if often absent. Printed by Hugh Gaine, at his book-store and printing office at the Bible & Crown, in Hanover-Square. M, DCC, hardcover
1791117509Didot jeune 1791 A Paris, De l'Imprimerie de Didot jeune, 1791, 1 volume in-quarto de 170x265 mm environ, VII, 118 pages. Reliure postérieure, demi chagrin vert bouteille, dos à cinq nerfs portant titres et tomaisons dorés, fers dorés, gardes marbrées. Menus frottements sur le dos, mors interne fendillé, coins frottés, des rousseurs, bon état général malgré les défauts signalés.
17916000066Tours: Auguste Vauquer Imprimeur du Département d'Indre & Loire 1791. Quarto 4 pp. woodblock ornament and drop title; fine and uncut preserved in modern marbled wrappers. <p><p>The National Assembly decree calling for the publication of all accounts and charts of the La Pérouse expedition. In this second of two La Pérouse decrees of 1791 the government commits to the publication of the maps and narrative for the official account of the voyage. The publication would be six years in the making first appearing in 1797 as Voyage de la Pérouse autour du Monde and would come to be regarded as one of the greatest narratives of maritime exploration ever published. This decree too is printed at the start of the official voyage account. The text of the decree makes special reference to La Pérouse's Australian landing and copious correspondence relayed to France throughout the voyage 'envoyées par M. la Peyrouse de la partie de son voyage jusqu'à Botanibay.'; famously La Pérouse's last report was forwarded by Governor Phillip from Port Jackson.</p> <p>Three different imprints have been recorded for publication of this decree-- Paris and Grenoble versions have been described as well as the present issue from Tours.</p> <p>The Paris issue is held by two Australian libraries State Library of New South Wales and the National Library and it is recorded by several bibliographers Allen's Check List p. 10; McLaren 134; Ferguson 107 and also appears in the exhibition catalogue Centenaire de la mort de Lapérouse Paris 1888; number 48. However the Tours and Grenoble imprints are both scarcer and have escaped notice by the bibliographers mentioned. This example has a manuscript certification dated 24 June 1791 for the district of Tours.</p> </p> . Auguste Vauquer, Imprimeur du Département d'Indre & Loire unknown
176437800New York: Hugh Gaine 1764. First edition. Original full sheep five raided bands red morocco spine label lettered in gilt. Boards very worn front board detached repaired owner's bookplate Historical Society stamp on title and a few leaves first two blanks and first three leaves browned and ragged at the edges two small holes from erasure of name on title leaf one just nicking the V in Votes old but expert repairs to edges of first dozen leaves worming to the margins of about a dozen middle leaves affecting a few words on one leaf only last leaf ragged with a few worm holes affecting a few letters last two blanks lacking portions of lower corner and ragged occasional light dampstaining mostly marginal otherwise leaves clean and impressions sharp. Good. iv 840 2. Signed in type by the editor Abraham Lott Junr. Signed in manuscript "Bound by Rob. McAlpine" at the conclusion of the preface. Contains the added leaf with the "Act of Parliament for reversing the Attainder of Jacob Leisler Jacob Milbourne and Abraham Governeur who were executed for not delivering the Fort at New York to Richard Ingoldsby 1690" Sabin. Evans states that this leaf is “often lacking.†Page numbers 665-666 omitted from pagination. Evans 9756. Sabin 53719. ESTC W6332. Marke p. 80. Larned 161. Hugh Gaine hardcover
176437800New York: Hugh Gaine 1764. First edition. Original full sheep five raided bands red morocco spine label lettered in gilt. Boards very worn front board detached repaired owner's bookplate Historical Society stamp on title and a few leaves first two blanks and first three leaves browned and ragged at the edges two small holes from erasure of name on title leaf one just nicking the V in Votes old but expert repairs to edges of first dozen leaves worming to the margins of about a dozen middle leaves affecting a few words on one leaf only last leaf ragged with a few worm holes affecting a few letters last two blanks lacking portions of lower corner and ragged occasional light dampstaining mostly marginal otherwise leaves clean and impressions sharp. Good. iv 840 2. Signed in type by the editor Abraham Lott Junr. Signed in manuscript "Bound by Rob. McAlpine" at the conclusion of the preface. Contains the added leaf with the "Act of Parliament for reversing the Attainder of Jacob Leisler Jacob Milbourne and Abraham Governeur who were executed for not delivering the Fort at New York to Richard Ingoldsby 1690" Sabin. Evans states that this leaf is "often lacking." Page numbers 665-666 omitted from pagination. Evans 9756. Sabin 53719. ESTC W6332. Marke p. 80. Larned 161. Hugh Gaine hardcover books
1790018292Paris: Chez Cuchet Libraire rue & hotel Serpente 1790. 1st Edition First Thus. Calf. Good/No Jacket. 16mo - over 5¾ - 6¾" tall. 1790 edition. Text is in French. Size 12mo 6.75" tall. Pagination; xxiv then parts 1 and 2 are 223 pages part 3 86 pages and part 4 104 pages. Brown calf binding with gilt compartment lines and vignettes to the spine with gilt titles on burgundy morocco label. Condition good minus the calf is rubbed and worn at the corners edges and hinges 1 inch of the backstrip is missing from the top of the spine and the calf is starting to come away for an inch at the bottom edge internally the pages are a little toned and dust darkened there are 2 previous owners' names one on the title page is M. B. D'angreville and is not dated. One on the verso of the title page is either Pelombardy or Delombardy and is dated 1847. Part 3 of the book contains a fold out chart with engravings of the Coats of Arms of the different Bataillons batallions for each district and the names of their Commandant commanding officer and Aide Major assistant major. The chart is a bit rubbed at the folds with 2 small tears without loss the page is a little browned at the edges otherwise clean the fine printing still sharp. Full title reads: Almanach National Pour L'Annee 1790 Contenant 1. Les epoques des Etats Generaux anciens; la liste des Membres de l'Assemblee nationale; le journal de ses travaux depius le 27 Mai; les arretes & decrets qui en font emanes. 2. Les nom des Membres des Departemens & des Municipalites des villes principales du Royaume; les arretes & reglemens relatifs a leur regime interieur & aux loclites. 3. L'Etat militaire de la Garde nationale de Paris & des Milices patriotiques etablies dans les diverses villes. 4. Les Societes de bienfaisance qui se sont formees dans la Capitale & ailleurs avec la liste de ceux qui les composent l'esprit de leurs reglemens & les resultats de leur operations. Full Title in English: Full title reads: National Almanac For the Year 1790 Containing 1. The periods of the ancient Estates General; the list of Members of the National Assembly; the diary of his work since May 27; the orders & decrees which emanate from it. 2. The names of the Members of the Departments & Municipalities of the main cities of the Kingdom; the decrees & regulations relating to their internal regime & localities. 3. The military state of the National Guard of Paris & the patriotic militias established in the various cities. 4. The Benevolent Societies which were formed in the Capital and elsewhere with the list of those who compose them the spirit of their regulations and the results of their operations. A very rare work. The true first printing of the Almanach with its new title of Almanach National predating the official first edition the first printed by Testu. Printed at the birth on the new French Republic. <br/> <br/> Chez Cuchet, Libraire, rue & hotel Serpente unknown
17911409020031Edenton: Hodge & Wills 1791-01-01. First Edition. Hardcover. Acceptable. Folio. Fine modern leather binding gilt ruled with black spine label. Dampstaining old mildew spots to first handful of pages. Toning and worming. Dampstaining and worming affecting text. Margin of subscriber page rebacked. Collated: 712; xxi 1 p. Lacking title page prelims and first 4 pages. Lacking final leaf of subscriber list pgs. 2-3. Evans 23641; McMurtrie 170; Tower 639; Sabin 55637. James Iredell 1751-1799 was a noted North Carolina patriot and jurist. The NC State Assembly requested that he compile and revise the laws of North Carolina in 1787. Washington appointed him to the Supreme Court in 1790. Contains a copy of the US Constitution from 1789 as ratified by the State of North Carolina does not include the admendments. An important early American legal document. Edenton: Hodge & Wills hardcover
1787030967Albany New York: J. Newlands P. Sim et al Printed By Charles R. Webster 1787. Published at Albany NY 1787. Rare. Plain gray softcover stitched binding 40 pages. Includes A Scheme of Prayer beginning at page 36. Covers worn creased and lightly chipped probably restitched long ago contents age-toned but clean with some minor edge chipping and minor dampstaining to upper edges of final few pages name Lucy Burn or Burk inside front cover. Evans 25030. Soft Cover. Fair. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. J. Newlands, P. Sim et al, Printed By Charles R. Webster Paperback
17698478Williamsburg VA: W. Rind A Purdie and J. Dixon 1769. Hard Cover. Good binding. Folio. 2 577 pp. First edition. Rebound in cloth. Serviceable binding with little shelfwear and soiling; early dampstaining throughout; some of the preliminary leaves including the title page are a bit worn at the fore-edge margin. This copy with early family library stamp to the preliminary blank as well as the contemporary owner name of George Hairston on the same leaf and title leaf. Hairston served as a Colonel in the Revolutionary War after which he represented Henry County in the Virginia House of Delegates. Two blanks at the rear with additional early notes and names including that of Peyton Hunter of Henry County VA. On the front pastedown of this copy is the bookplate of George Stovall Jun. <br /> <br /> A remarkable volume in its own right this is the third and final revision of the laws of Virginia during the colonial period C-T 359. Swem notes that only 1200 copies were ordered to be printed by the General Assembly. Clayton-Torrence 359; Evans 11511; Sabin 100391; Swem 22646. W. Rind, A Purdie, and J. Dixon unknown
1766363001New York: Printed by Hugh Gaine at his Book-Store and Printing Office at the Bible & Crown in Hanover-Square 1766. Hardcover. Good. First edition. Two volume set. Thick folios. Contemporary full calf. Binding is worn with the boards nearly detached small bookplate on the front pastedowns else a good sound set. Volume one prints the proceedings from April 1691–September 1743; volume two from November 1743–December 1765. This edition includes: "the act for reversing the attainder of Jacob Leisler and others" on the last leaf of volume one. An invaluable resource for the early political social and economic history of New York. ESTC W6332; Evans 9756 10418. Printed by Hugh Gaine, at his Book-Store and Printing Office, at the Bible & Crown, in Hanover-Square hardcover
178229845Philadelphia: Printed and sold by Francis Bailey 1782. Folio. 11 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches. 4 xxxi 1 527 1 viii pp. Expertly bound to style in half russia and period marbled paper covered board flat spine ruled and lettered in gilt<br/> <br/>The first collection of Pennsylvania laws to be published following the American Revolution.<br/> <br/>Edited by Pennsylvania Chief Justice and Signer of the Declaration Thomas McKean this collection of Pennsylvania laws from the Revolutionary period includes printings of the Declaration of Independence the Pennsylvania constitution and the Articles of Confederation.<br/> <br/>Evans 17656; Sabin 59821; NAIP W006513; Hildeburn 4179; Tower 774. Printed and sold by Francis Bailey unknown books
1791661Aix: Imprimerie de la Vauve d’André Adibert Imprimeur du Roi & du Départment vis-à-vis le College 1791. First edition. With a woodcut head piece. Published unbound. Numbered in ink on each recto. In fine condition. First edition. With a woodcut head piece. Published unbound. 3 1 p. <p><br /> Law by the National Assembly concerning the legislation at Saint-Domingue and the rights of the colonial assembly and the governor of the island.<br /> <p><p><br /> Scarce document. <br /> <p>. Imprimerie de la Vauve d’André Adibert, Imprimeur du Roi & du Départment, vis-à-vis le College unknown
1771WRCAM42530N.p. but likely New Haven 1771. 1p. plus integral docketing leaf. Folio. Backed with tissue. Faint old fold lines. A few small edge tears at folds repaired. Minor soiling. Very good. In a red half morocco and cloth clamshell case spine gilt. List of monies paid to twelve members of the House of Assistants of the Connecticut General Assembly signed by several of them including two future signers of the Declaration of Independence Roger Sherman and Oliver Wolcott. Sherman is notable as the only person to sign all four of the major foundational documents of United States: the Continental Association the Declaration of Independence the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. He also served on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence and later drafted the Connecticut Compromise for the U.S. Constitution which proposed a bicameral representative government and guaranteed equal representation in the Senate for every state no matter its size. Wolcott signed not only the Declaration but also the Articles of Confederation and later served as Connecticut's fourth governor. <br> <br> This document was likely written in New Haven which served as the joint capital of Connecticut with Hartford until 1776 hosting the October legislative sessions. In addition to Sherman and Wolcott it is signed by representatives William Pitkin Robert Walker Abraham Davenport William Samuel Johnson and Joseph Spencer. The remaining members are noted as having been "paid by receipt." It is docketed on the verso and signed by Joseph Trumbull deputy to the Assembly. For his time in the House of Assistants later the Connecticut Senate Sherman was paid £6/18/0; Wolcott £5/15/4. hardcover books
1768WRCAM37724Boston: Printed by William M'Alpine 1768. 33pp. Sewn into contemporary plain paper wrappers manuscript paper label. Contemporary ink inscriptions on titlepage the word "Catechism" beside title and verso of terminal leaf signatures of Eunice Barnard and Hepzibah Flagg. Wrappers worn. Titlepage creased and slightly chipped near gutter affecting a few words of text. Fore-edge of second leaf frayed with loss of several words on pp.3-4. Wear and mild foxing and soiling throughout. Good. In a half morocco and cloth box. A very rare Boston catechism this issue not in Evans Bristol or Shipton & Mooney. The so-called "Shorter Catechism" was codified in 1647 by the Westminster Assembly and remains to this day part of the doctrinal standards of many Presbyterian churches. It was first printed in America at Cambridge in 1665 and frequently reprinted though many of these are represented by a single surviving copy. The single other known copy is held by the American Antiquarian Society and has a damaged titlepage. The AAS copy of a variant of this issue Evans 11115 lacks pages 29- 34. ESTC W24488. EVANS 11115 variant. Printed by William M'Alpine hardcover books
176928883Williamsburg: W. Rind A. Purdie and J. Dixon 1769. Folio. 13 3/4 x 8 5/8 inches. 2 577 1 blank pp. Woodcut arms of Virginia on the title title within an ornamental border. Expertly bound to style in half eighteenth century russia over period marbled paper covered boards spine with raised bands in seven compartments red morocco lettering piece in the second the others with a repeat decoration in gilt<br/> <br/>The final compilation of Virginia laws published before the Revolution: a beautifully printed work from the Williamsburg press.<br/> <br/>Printed by William Rind this compilation of the laws passed by the General Assembly details the legal code of the colony beginning in 1661 and spanning over a century. The Acts of Assembly cover many issues pertinent to Virginians in this era most notably laws regarding slavery and tobacco farming. An Appendix containing the titles of all the private acts passed since 1748 is included in the rear pp.489-497 as is a comprehensive index by subject pp. 499-577. A beautifully printed work 1200 copies were ordered to be printed by the Assembly who interestingly chose Williamsburg printing rivals William Rind and Alexander Purdie to jointly publish the large work.<br/> <br/>Evans 11511; Sabin 100391; ESTC W14164; Tower 921; Swem III:22646; Clayton-Torrence 359. W. Rind, A. Purdie and J. Dixon unknown books
17903657Saint-Marc 1790. Manuscript on paper. 1 leaf written in a clear secretarial hand on both sides signed by Bacon La Chevalerie Hanus de Jumécourt Valentin de Cullion de Bourcel Vincendon Dutour and Guerin secretary. Light toning horizontal fold mark small crease at upper left corner. Otherwise clean and well preserved in fine condition. Manuscript on paper. 1 leaf written in a clear secretarial hand on both sides signed by Bacon La Chevalerie Hanus de Jumécourt Valentin de Cullion de Bourcel Vincendon Dutour and Guerin secretary. 2 pp. <p><br /> Signed manuscript document from the escalating confrontation between the colonial Assembly of Saint-Marc and the royal governor.<br /> <p><p><br /> The text records the resolution adopted by the Assemblée Générale de la Partie Française de Saint-Domingue during its session of 24 April 1790 following the reading of a letter sent two days earlier by Governor Louis Antoine de Thomassin comte de Peynier condemning the Assembly’s recent acts and asserting the supremacy of royal authority. The deputies declared the letter “the delirium of despotism and pride†while acknowledging Peynier’s personal virtues. Their decree invites him to appear before the Assembly “to make known his principles and his true opinion†appointing Caradeux et Caradeux de la Cayes to deliver this summons—members of the prominent planter family active in colonial politics cf. Généalogie et Histoire de la Caraïbe 2025 art. 63—and warning that his refusal might compel them to take “disagreeable measures.†Finally the Assembly resolves that the Governor-General shall occupy within it the same position as the King’s ministers in the National Assembly—an explicit limitation of his authority.<br /> <p><p><br /> Signed by several key figures of the early Saint-Domingue revolution: Bacon de La Chevalerie 1731–1821 president of the first provincial assembly of the northern part of the colony and later leader of the faction des Léopardins; Charles-Arnould-Ignace Hanus de Jumécourt 1749–1798 former artillery officer and mayor of La Croix-des-Bouquets; Valentin de Cullion 1734–1821 lawyer and planter later author of Examen de l’esclavage en général… Paris 1802; Louis-Nicolas-Antoine de Bourcel b. 1754 conseiller du roi and procureur général at the Conseil Supérieur du Port-au-Prince; and Étienne-Guillaume Vincendon-Dutour avocat at the Conseil Supérieur de Saint-Domingue and later president of the Western Provincial Committee who emigrated to the United States in 1798.<br /> <p><p><br /> The document reflects the mounting tension between the Assembly and the Governor in the spring of 1790—an assertion of colonial autonomy that foreshadowed Peynier’s decision to disperse the deputies by force during the night of 29–30 July 1790.<br /> <p>. unknown
1785018940Richmond VA: Printed by Thomas Nicolson and William Prentis 1785. Book. Very good condition. Hardcover. First Edition. Folio - over 12 - 15" tall. 235 pages of text. The original patterned paper boards are worn stained and soiled but remain intact. Folio: measures 12 7/8 x 8 inches. The text was resewn and the spine was expertly rebacked in new leather with a leather spine label. The front endpaper and the title page were light-bleached by a conservator. Generally a clean copy with minor foxing and minor browning with a few minor creases and one corner with a small piece lacking. PROVENANCE: old ink ownership notation on board: B.W. Leigh Virginia politician Benjamin Watkins Leigh 1781-1849. Previous owner's name on the title page and first page of text: Thomas Edmunds circa 1750-1791 served in various Virginia Militia and became an officer in the Revolutionary War. He represented Sussex County in the Virginia Federal Convention a.k.a Virginia Ratifying Convention. A bookplate and pencil owner's name from 1910 are on the front pastedown and endpaper. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Evans 19351; Sabin 100392; Swem 7461. Printed by Thomas Nicolson and William Prentis Hardcover
172628889New York: William Bradford 1726. Folio. 12 1/4 x 7 5/8 inches. 10 124 i.e. 128 121-252 261-319 1 blank pp. mispaginated as issued. Woodcut arms of King George I on the title. Head of title clipped without loss of text and expertly repaired. Expertly bound to style in half calf over period marbled paper covered boards spine with raised bands in six compartments ruled in gilt on either side of each band red morocco lettering piece<br/> <br/>Provenance: Richard Price early owner's signature on title and manuscript additions to the final page of the table<br/> <br/>An early New York imprint from the press of William Bradford the "pioneering printer of the English middle colonies" DAB and first printer of New York.<br/> <br/>Bradford 1663-1752 originally settled in Pennsylvania where he began operating a printing press in 1685 and a bookstore in 1688. Controversies within the Quaker community with Bradford supporting the dissident George Keith led to the temporary seizure of his type and paper in 1692 and in 1693 he moved to New York. The present acts of Assembly cover the legislation passed between 1691 and 1725. Laws here include acts "for quieting and settling the Disorders that have lately happened within this Province" 1691 "for restraining and punishing Privateers and Pyrates" 1693 and 1698 and "against Jesuites and Popish Priests" 1700 as well as numerous acts "for Regulating Slaves" and one for "Baptizing them" 1706. Other Acts include those relating to Queen Anne's War as well as the continuing conflicts with the French and Indians. A major early New York imprint from the press of its first printer.<br/> <br/>Evans 2785; Tower 613. William Bradford unknown books
1776287591Williamsburg: Printed by Alexander Purdie Printer to the Commonwealth 1776. First Edition. Quarter Leather. Very Good binding. First Edition of the Journal of the House of Delegates of Virginia. Anno Domini 1776. The first session of the Virginia House of Delegates after the Declaration of Independence in the midst of the American Revolution. An important document which includes among others an act guaranteeing religious liberty to citizens of Prince Edwards County the raising of Continental regiments and the confiscation of Lord Dunmore's property. John Murray 4th Earl of Dunmore was the last royal governor of Virginia who famously offered freedom to any slave to defect from the Patriots. Thomas Jefferson features heavily in the journal as do the other prominent Virginia statesmen of their day. Previous owner's name on the title page of Abraham Hite an important Virginia landowner and representative who served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1769 to 1774 in the State Convention of 1776 and a listed member of the Virginia boycott of British manufactures 1774. Three leaves are lacking R2; T1; Mm1 and facsimile pages are bound in. Else collates complete; 145 1 pp. The title page is original though has been "silked" for reinforcement. Modern rebinding. Quarter leather over marbled paper covered boards. Red leather label with gilt lettering on the spine. Ten institutional holdings listed on OCLC. ESTC W23645. Evans 15204. Bellet Some Prominent Virginia Families pp. 343-344 . Very Good binding. Printed by Alexander Purdie, Printer to the Commonwealth unknown books
178128962Philadelphia and Lancaster: John Dunlap and Francis Bailey 1781. 18 session laws in one small folio. 12 1/8 x 7 3/4 inches. 71 2 51-177 1 177-417 1 395-432 2 459-488pp. Early twentieth century black morocco spine with raised bands lettered in gilt<br/> <br/>The extraordinarily rare session laws from the Revolution including the flight to Lancaster.<br/> <br/>First editions with the exception of the first two parts which are second printings of the so-called "Dunlap Laws" the excessively rare session laws of Pennsylvania passed during the Revolution and printed by John Dunlap and in some instances Francis Bailey. Both the meetings of the Assembly and the printing of the laws themselves were conducted under gravely difficult conditions as witness the displacement of the meeting and printings from Philadelphia to Lancaster when the British occupied the city between September 1777 and June 1778. This collection includes all four of Dunlap and Bailey's Lancaster printings which are the most difficult examples to find of the early Pennsylvania session laws. The onset of the Revolution ushered in an exciting and innovative period in American politics as states made the transition from colonial political systems to independent legislatures. New constitutions were written Pennsylvania's being among the most radical and new classes of men came into political office often displacing entrenched aristocrats and men of capital. The state legislatures functioned as miniature "laboratories of democracy" as new laws were passed for governance the raising of public money and the training and outfitting of a military force to contribute to the Revolutionary cause. Pennsylvania's Assembly was especially noteworthy for its sharp political divisions between ardent supporters of independence and those suspected of being Loyalists. The session laws collected here document the creation of the state's new political and civic structure spelling out the roles and responsibilities of the governor the Assembly and the courts the organization of the state militia and the requirements for serving therein the creation of taxes and other means for raising public funds and much much more. This collection contains the journals of eighteen sessions of the Pennsylvania legislature representing the period from November 28 1776 the first meeting of the Pennsylvania General Assembly through the fourth sitting of the Fifth General Assembly in 1781 this last work and one other here known only in two copies. The only two comparable collections of Pennsylvania laws are those formed in the 19th century by Pennsylvania lawyer Charlemagne Tower and one set of twenty-eight laws sold by William Reese Company lacking one very rare imprint included here. In his catalogue of the Tower collection noted bibliographer Charles Hildeburn called Tower's grouping of Pennsylvania laws "unequalled" and rightly so as it spanned more than 100 years and contained more than 150 separate items. Tower's collection of colonial American laws which contained all of the Pennsylvania laws found in the present collection was given to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in 1890. The collection here includes Tower's numbers 757 through 773 a complete run of Pennsylvania session laws for the years 1776 to 1781. The present collection of eighteen session laws from 1776 to 1785 outstrips the holdings of the next nearest institutions - the Library of Congress which has only sixteen of the titles and the American Antiquarian Society which holds only twelve. The next nearest after that is the University of Pennsylvania with only seven of the titles. Of the eighteen printings of laws in this collection two are known in only one other copy each the fifth and last items; most other works are known in less than three four or six copies. It is likely that the laws were produced in very small numbers mainly for the use of the legislators and the earlier ones would have suffered losses in the British invasion of Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania in 1777. Within these laws are found much of the day-to-day politics and business of running a state during the Revolution with details of the war dominating. The very first laws establish a quorum authorize the courts issue Continental currency establish a militia and cover many military matters. By the third session the legislature had been forced to flee Philadelphia in front of the British invasion and the next four session laws are printed in Lancaster by Francis Bailey and John Dunlap. The fourth sitting of the second General Assembly reconvened in Philadelphia on August 4 1778. Virtually all of the laws in this period are concerned with the prosecution of the war whether attainting traitors organizing supplies passing military regulations or controlling prices. But there is much of importance besides; in January 1780 the Assembly passed "An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery" as well as incorporating the American Philosophical Society. Beginning with the Fourth General Assembly in October 1779 Thomas Paine became the Clerk and all the published laws are subscribed by him in type until September 1780. The contents here include the following: 1 Laws Enacted in the First Sitting of the First General Assembly of Pennsylvania which began at Philadelphia November 28 1776 and was continued by adjournments to March 21 1777. Philadelphia. 1779. Evans 16427; Hildeburn 3902; Tower Collection 763. 2 Laws Enacted in the Second Sitting of the First General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia the Twelfth day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Seven and continued to the Nineteenth day of June in the same year. Philadelphia. 1779. Evans 16427; Hildeburn 3902; Tower Collection 763. 3 Laws Enacted in a General Assembly.held at Philadelphia the 12th day of May 1777 and continued by adjournment to Lancaster until the 14th day of Oct. 1777. Lancaster. 1777. Evans 15540; Hildeburn 3580; Tower Collection 757. 4 Laws Enacted in the Second General Assembly.At the Sitting which began at Lancaster on the Twenty-Seventh day of October A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Seven and continued by adjournment to the Second day of January A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight. Lancaster. 1778. Evans 15968; Hildeburn 3730; Tower Collection 758. 5 Laws Enacted in the Second Sitting of the Second General Assembly.which began at Lancaster on Wednesday the Eighteenth day of February A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight. Lancaster. 1778. Evans 15969; Hildeburn 3730; Tower Collection 759. 6 Laws Enacted in the Third Sitting of the Second General Assembly.which began at Lancaster on Wednesday the 13th day of May 1778. Lancaster. 1778. Evans 15970; Hildeburn 3730; Tower Collection 760. 7 Laws Enacted in the Fourth Sitting of the Second General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on the Fourth day of August A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight. Philadelphia. 1778. Evans 15971; Hildeburn 3730; Tower Collection 761. 8 Laws Enacted in the Third General Assembly.which met at Philadelphia on Monday the Twenty-Sixth day of October in the year of Our Lord A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight and in the Third Year of the Independence of the United States of North-America. Philadelphia. 1778. Evans 15972; Hildeburn 3731; Tower Collection 762. 9 Laws Enacted in the Second Sitting of the Third General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Monday the First day of February A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine and continued till Monday the Fifth day of April of the same year. Philadelphia. 1779. Evans 16428; Hildeburn 3901; Tower Collection 764. 10 Laws Enacted in the Third Sitting of the Third General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Monday the Thirtieth day of August A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine. Philadelphia. 1779. Evans 16429; Hildeburn 3901; Tower Collection 765. 11 Laws Enacted in the First Sitting of the Fourth General Assembly.which met at Philadelphia on Monday the Twenty-Fifth day of October in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine. Philadelphia. 1779. Evans 16430; Hildeburn 3902; Tower Collection 766. 12 Laws Enacted in the Second Sitting of the Fourth General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Wednesday the 19th day of January in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty. Philadelphia. 1780. Evans 16930; Hildeburn 4016; Tower Collection 767. 13 Laws Enacted in the Third Sitting of the Fourth General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Wednesday the Tenth day of May One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty. Philadelphia. 1780. Evans 16931; Hildeburn 4016; Tower Collection 768. 14 Laws Enacted in the Fourth Sitting of the Fourth General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Friday the First day of September One Thousand Eeven Hundred and Eighty. Philadelphia. 1780. Evans 16932; Hildeburn 4016; Tower Collection 769. 15 Laws of the First Sitting of the Fifth General Assembly.which met at Philadelphia on Tuesday the Twenty-Third day of October in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty. Philadelphia. 1780. Evans 16933; Hildeburn 4017; Tower Collection 770. 16 Laws Enacted in the Second Sitting of the Fifth General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Tuesday the Sixth day of February in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty and One. Philadelphia. 1781. The first issue printed as pp. 395-434; a later issue bears the correct continuous pagination pp. 419-458. Evans 17289; Hildeburn 4120; Tower Collection 771. 17 Laws Enacted in the Third Sitting of the Fifth General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Thursday the Twenty-Fourth day of May in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty and One. Philadelphia. 1781. Evans 17290; Hildeburn 4017; Tower Collection 772. 18 Laws Enacted in the Fourth Sitting of the Fifth General Assembly.which commenced at Philadelphia on Tuesday the Fourth day of September in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-One. Philadelphia. 1781. Evans 17291; Hildeburn 4120; Tower Collection 773. A remarkable collection of rare and important Revolutionary era Pennsylvania laws. John Dunlap [and Francis Bailey] unknown books