The Constitutions of the United States, according to the latest amendments. To which are prefixed, the Declaration of Independence, and the Federal Constitution

Philadelphia Printed by John Conrad & Co. 1804, First edition thus. 12mo. xxiv, 381pp. The last 4 pages are incorrectly paginated (as issued). Newer paper-covered boards, paper spine label. A fine copy, collated complete. Very scarce. Only one copy of this printing has sold at auction during the last 35 years. "This edition contains all the federal acts concerning the government of the new states, &c., down to the month of March, 1804." Includes the wood-engraved United States seal (eagle and shield with stripes) and the United States motto, "E. Pluribus Unum" on the blank recto of the half title. This is one of the earliest instances in which the U.S. seal and motto are printed, as a woodcut, in a book. This important work also prints the full text of "An Act Erecting Louisiana into two Territories, and Providing for the Temporary Government Thereof," approved the same year as this publication. The various state constitutions were first compiled and published in Philadelphia, 1781; later editions, with revisions, were issued by various publishers under varying titles. Penciled at top of the title page is the contemporary signature of "Moses Brown," perhaps the same Moses Brown (1742-1827) of Newburyport, Massachusetts, a well known merchant and philanthropist who helped found the library at the Andover Theological Seminary (see DAB). [Sabin: 16101].

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• ordernr.: 6008

• bookseller: Argonaut Book Shop (USA)