Lot 79
  • 79

Knox, Henry, as Secretary of War

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
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Description

  • paper
A Plan for the General Arrangement of the Militia of the United States. New York: Francis Childs and John Swaine, 1790

Folio (12 1/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 308 x 194 mm). Disbound; some foxing and browning throughout. In a blue half-morocco chemise and slipcase.

Literature

Evans 22958; Howes K220

Condition

Disbound; some foxing and browning throughout. In a blue half-morocco chemise and slipcase.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The first report of the War Department. Knox originally presented his plan for a national militia to the Continental Congress 28 March 1786. Once the federal government was established under the Constitution, Knox resubmitted a modified plan to the president 18 January 1790, maintaining that a large standing army (then comprised of 700 troops) was "hostile to the principles of liberty." All the necessary organizational plans are delineated in the report, which advocated calling up all able men between the ages of eighteen and sixty.