A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

Philadelphia: Printed by John Fenno, 1793-94. Two volumes in one. First editions. 4to. 205, (1); (ii), 114, (12) pp. Full contemporary brown calf-covered boards, stamped in blind, red morocco spine label, stamped in gilt, front and rear boards starting, boards and extremities rubbed, moderately worn, and scratched; all edges trimmed; book-plate of The Western Reserve Historical Society on front paste-down, their blindstamp on title-page and top corner of p. 49 in first part, and in top corner of p. 49 in second part; text leaves lightly toned in second part. Evans 27911 and 29724

A well-preserved copy of the Journal of the only two sessions of the United States Senate during the Third Congress of the United States. The Senate met at Congress Hall in Philadelphia, the first session held from December 2, 1793-June 9, 1794, and the second session from November 3, 1794-March 3, 1795. This period covered the beginning of George Washington's second term as President of the United States, and includes his December, 1793 Address opening the first session--his first upon being re-elected--as well as his message of December 5 concerning French Minister Edmund Genet, who has "breathed nothing of the friendly spirit of the nation which sent him," and whose meddling in American affairs, has "been to involve us in war abroad, and discord and anarchy at home." It was during February, 1794 that the Senate held its first ever public session, resolving on Tuesday, February 11, "That the doors of the Senate be opened." Also reported is Washington's opening message to the second session of Congress, on November 19, 1794, that largely addresses the outbreak of the Whisky Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania, in which "some of the citizens of the United States, have been found capable of an insurrection."