The Alexander Hamilton Collection of John E. Herzog

Alexander Hamilton's first report as Secretary of the Treasury

(New-York: Thomas Greenleaf), 1789. First edition. Folio, 13 1/2 x 8 1/4 in. (343 x 209mm). 26 pp. Gatherings stitched as issued, original thread sound; all edges untrimmed; scattered spotting to text; final leaf trimmed along bottom edge, but with no loss to text; in quarter morocco solander box. Evans 22213; Ford, Bibliotheca Hamiltoniana 142; ESTC locates 10 copies

A rare printing of the first report issued by any department of the then-new United States Federal government, and the first report by Alexander Hamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury. The departments of State, War, and Justice would not print their first reports until 1790. Hamilton, eager to expand the powers of the new government under the powers granted by the new Constitution, issued this report a little over two weeks after the establishment of the Treasury Department, on September 2. In it he outlines the total expenditures for the Civil List, the Department of War, the amount for warrants issued by the Treasury, as well as other government expenses. A fine example.

This is the first copy to be offered since 1969. Rare.