Jefferson, Thomas | Jefferson's first inaugural address printed on silk

Jefferson, Thomas

Speech of Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States—delivered at his inauguration, March 4, 1801. [Baltimore:] W. Pechin—Print., [1801]

Broadside on silk (372 x 308 mm). Four lines of heading, text in three columns; soiling, stained at right and lower margins, a bit wrinkled, printed close to left edge costing part of border, some minor marginal chipping and fraying. Half blue morocco slipcase gilt, chemise.

"We are all Republicans—we are all Federalists." "The conciliatory and statesmanlike language of Jefferson's first inaugural is an appropriate conclusion to a long period of political debate and trial" (Federal). This address was delivered at the first presidential inauguration to be held in Washington, D.C.

This is a rare survival from a broadside edition printed on silk: fewer than five copies seem to be recorded. The printer, William Pechin, who would later serve during the War of 1812, was a strong supporter of Jefferson. "In 1800, Pechin published an election-year edition of Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, defending the candidate from charges that he was an 'enemy of religion'" (Celebration).

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 149; Federal Hundred 87; Shaw & Shoemaker- 727