Books and Manuscripts

Journals of The American Congress: From 1774 to 1788
Washington: Printed and Published by Way and Gideon, 1823. In four volumes. 8vo. Full contemporary brown calf, stamped in blind, rebacked, red and green morocco spine labels, stamped in gilt, boards and extremities rubbed and worn; all edges trimmed; contemporary book-plate of five-term United States Congressman from New Jersey, Samuel Swan (1771-1844), on front endpapers of Vols. I II, and IV; near-contemporary ownership signature on same; additional contemporary ownership signature at head of front free endpaper in Vol. III; scattered foxing to prelims and text.

Four-volume set of the Journals of Congress, covering the First Continental Congress to the final session before the institution of the Federal Constitution, privately printed with Congressional approval in 1823. The Declaration of Independence is printed on pp. 394-396 in the first volume. Published during the period of renewed interest and reflection on the history of the United States in the lead up to the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, this set unfortunately failed to sell, and after unsuccessfully lobbying the Senate for financial assistance, the House of Representatives, in February 1825, resolved to purchase 300 copies for their members’ use.

Samuel Swan, born near Scotch Plains, New Jersey, was a medical doctor, and five-term Congressman in the House of Representatives for New Jersey. He served consecutive terms in the 17th-21st Congresses (1821-31), largely as an at-large delegate, affiliated with the Whig Party.

Provenance
Private Collection, Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania