THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. IN THREE VOLUMES.
Philadelphia: Folwell, 1796. pp 494, [2]; 576; 477, [131] pp. Three volumes. Contemporary rubbed calf [volume I rebacked and does not match the contemporary calf spine of the others]; some hinges shaken, with several reinforced inner hinges; scattered spotting. Volumes II and III lacking free endpapers, with early signatures of "J.F. Burr" and inked stamps of "Coats Ridgway 1800." Good plus.
Includes the Constitution, the Acts of the First through Fourth Congresses, treaties, and a long detailed index. Coats Ridgway [1771-1816] was a Burlington County, New Jersey, landowner. He corresponded with Secretary of State James Madison in February, 1802, introducing himself and requesting a possible position as a clerk. We cannot identify which of several possible Burrs "J. F. Burr" was.
"The third volume though dated 1796 was not printed before 1797. Contains the acts passed by the first, second, third, and fourth Congress...This edition published under an order of the Congress of the United States, has many peculiar advantages...There is one copious, luminous Index (in Volume three), compiled by Zephaniah Swift, esq., referring to all the volumes, and comprising in itself a complete Digest of all the Laws of the United States." Evans. "Includes also the Constitution and the texts of several treaties" [ESTC].
FIRST EDITION. Evans 32973. ESTC W20624. Item #42201
Price: $1,200.00