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). 8vo. 510 pp. Full contemporary tan calf, ruled in blind, red morocco spine label, stamped in gilt, boards warped, extremities rubbed, wear to front and rear joints, front board detached but holding, small chip to headcap, scattered scuffing to boards; all edges trimmed; contemporary ownership signature of E. Lincoln (probably Enoch Lincoln, 1788-1829, U.S. Representative from Massachusetts and Maine, 6th Governor of Maine) on title-page; contemporary ownership signature in pencil of William Lincoln in fore-edge of p. 100 (Enoch also had a son named William, 1801-43); correction to text in a contemporary hand on p. 10 (crossing out “B” in General B. Bloomfield and adding “Joseph” in margin); moderate to heavy foxing, pp. 56-65; intermittent minor foxing to text; tear in gutter of rear blank. Sabin 15557; Ford 85; Shaw & Shoemaker 49802

Increasingly 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, this volume was the first to break the veil of secrecy surrounding the debates and construction of the Constitutional Convention. 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.