8vo. Contemporary sheepskin (rubbing, surface scratches). Provenance: Henry Spang Gilbert (1831-1902), founder of the Gilbert Brewing Company (presentation inscription).

THE FIRST PUBLISHED LAWS OF THE MONTANA TERRITORY.

FIRST EDITION. PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED TO HENRY S. GILBERT BY LAWYERS ALEXANDER C. DAVIS AND THOMAS THOROUGHMAN, "Compliments of Davis + Throughman." The Davis & Thoroughman law firm was initially founded in Missouri following Thoroughman's admission to the state bar in 1854. Following the secession of Missouri from the Union in March 1861 Davis and Thoroughman enlisted in the Missouri State Guard, with both holding positions under Brig. Gen. Alexander C. Steen. They were captured by Union forces while attempting to raise troops following the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern and were sent to Quincy Prison in Illinois and following numerous appeals to President Abraham Lincoln on Thoroughman's behalf they were paroled on the condition that they relocate to the Western Territories. Shortly after their arrival in Virginia City they reopened their law practice, making them among the first lawyers in the new Montana territory. Sabin 50079; McMurtrie 131.