The Alexander Hamilton Collection of John E. Herzog

New-York: S. Whiting & Co., 1811. Third edition. 8vo. 44 pp. Quarter green morocco, stamped in gilt, over marbled paper-covered boards; all edges trimmed; title-page toned, foxing to same; scattered foxing to text; offsetting to text block from type. Shaw & Shoemaker 24307

The establishment of a national bank was one Hamilton's greatest feats as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Here, Hamilton defends the institution from its critics, arguing for the Bank's "primary importance to the prosperous administration of finances." This third edition was likely printed during the debates surrounding the renewal of the Bank's charter which was set to expire in 1812. Although then-Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin was a strong supporter of the charter it was not renewed with serious repercussions for the young nation.