8vo (235 x 140 mm). 2 pp. publisher's advertisements; "Prospectus of Abridgment of Debates of Congress" leaf laid down on front pastedown, "Specimen Page of Abridgment of Debates of Congress" leaf laid down on rear pastedown. (Some light browning or staining to a few leaves.) Original publisher's printed wrappers laid over modern cloth, stabbed and sewn (some browning).

FIRST EDITION of the landmark Supreme Court decision that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.  Dred Scott sued for his freedom on the grounds that he had been taken into "free" territory in Illinois and Wisconsin Territory by the family that enslaved him.  Chief Justice Roger Taney's decision stated that slaves were "not included, and were not intended to be included, under the word 'citizens' in the Constitution, and can therefore claim none of the rights and privileges which that instrument provides for and secures," igniting a strong public reaction against the decision. Grolier American 68; Howes S-218; Sabin 33240.