Hartford: Printed by Hudson and Goodwin, For the Author, 1787. First edition. From the library of Founding Father from New Jersey, and original subscriber, Elias Boudinot, and with his signature at top of title-page, and his armorial book-plate on front paste-down. 8vo. 258, (14) pp. Contemporary full marbled sheep, sometime rebacked, red morocco spine label, stamped in gilt, boards and extremities rubbed and worn; all edges trimmed; Rockwell Kent-designed book-plate of bibliophile Lucius Wilmerding on front paste-down; scattered foxing to text; short closed tear at bottom of N2. Stoddard 369; BAL 865; Sabin 3434

First edition of Joel Barlow's epic tribute to Columbus, from the library of Founding Father from New Jersey and early abolitionist, Elias Boudinot (1740-1821).

Born in Philadelphia, Boudinot studied law under Founding Father Richard Stockton, before opening a law practice in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. During the American Revolution he served as commissary general of prisoners, and was a member of the Continental Congress in 1778, 1781, 1782, and 1783. During the latter two years he served as President of that body, during which he signed the treaty of peace with England that formally ended the war. Following the ratification of the Constitution he was elected to the First, Second, and Third United States Congresses, representing New Jersey. In 1795 he was appointed by President George Washington Director of the U.S. Mint, a position he held until his resignation, in 1805. Later, in 1816, he was elected first president of the American Bible Society.