Books and Manuscripts

Journal, Acts and Proceedings, of the Convention, Assembled at Philadelphia, Monday, May 14, and Dissolved Monday, September 17, 1787, Which Formed The Constitution of the United States
Boston: Printed and Published by Thomas B. Wait, 1819. First edition (one of 1,000 copies printed). 510 pp. Edited by John Quincy Adams. Full contemporary tan calf, red morocco spine label, stamped in blind and in gilt, rebacked, portion of original spine laid down, spine ends and tips renewed, boards rubbed; all edges trimmed; correction to text in a contemporary hand on p. 10 (correcting “General B. Bloomfield” to General Joseph Bloomfield); ownership signature in pencil on front paste-down, with annotations in same hand scattered throughout text; scattered foxing to text. Sabin 15557; Ford 85; Shaw & Shoemaker 49802

Scarce first edition in a contemporary binding of the first and earliest obtainable account of the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Published by an order of Congress in an edition of 1,000 copies for personal use by members of Congress and for their personal dispersal, and edited by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Compiled from papers and manuscripts deposited in the State Department that recorded the official proceedings and votes during the convention, by President George Washington. Additionally compiled from notes from James Madison's personal journals composed during the convention, as well as papers from other members of the convention, many given by General Joseph Bloomfield who was New Jersey Framer David Brearly's executor.