California. Constitution

Constitution of the State of California. San Francisco: Printed at the office of the Alta California, 1849



8vo (9 5/8 x 6 1/4 in.; 244 x 158 mm); title lightly browned and spotted, a few marginal spots. Stitched as issued, in a blue half-morocco slipcase, gilt-stamped title on spine.



With:



Elisha O. Crosby. "To the Honorable, the Legislature of the State of California: The Petition of Elisha O. Crosby, a citizen ...", printed pamphlet, 8vo (9 x 5 3/4 in.; 228 x 146 mm), no imprint; lightly browned.

George W. Paullin (his sale, American Art Association, 1 April 1929, lot 284) — Thomas W. Streeter (bookplate on last page, his sale, 23 April 1968, lot 2553) — Harry J. Sonneborn (his sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 5 June 1980, lot 56)

Cowan, p. 140; Graff 539; Sabin 9998; Wagner, California Imprints, 37;

First printing of the California Constitution.

The original constitution, adopted in November 1849 in advance of California attaining U.S. statehood in 1850, "The first appearance of the Constitution in book form and one of the earliest works printed in San Francisco" (Cowan). This copy contains the rare final signature, issued only in some copies, of a 3-page "Address to the People of California."

The petition, appended at the end, asks for reimbursement for Mr. Crosby for expenses incurred while serving as Prefect of Sacramento District during the election of November 1849.