Treaty of Paris

The Definitive Treaty of Peace and Friendship, between His Britannick Majesty, and the United States of America. Signed at Paris, the 3d of September, 1783. Published by Authority. London: T. Harrison & S. Brooke, 1783

4to (8 1/4 x 6 1/2 in.; 210 x 165 mm). Woodcut printer's monogram on title; some spotting on title, lightly browned. Half calf antique, red morocco spine label.

James S. Copley Library (sale, Sotheby's New York, 14 April 2010, lot 71)

Adams, American Controversy 83-43; Howes D212; ESTC 53339; Howes D212

The Official British Printing of the Treaty which ended the Revolution. Peace talks between the United States and Great Britain begain Paris on 12 April 1782. The United States was represented at the negotiations by Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, John Adams, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson, although only Franklin was present when the talks opened. "Though not formally ratified until January 14, 1784, the terms embodied in this preliminary printing first acknowledged to the world the existence of the United States as a nation" (Howes). The treaty here is signed in print by David Hartley on behalf of Great Britain and by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay for the United States; the text of the treaty is followed by printings of the appointments of the respective ministers of the two countries.

The Treaty was first printed in Paris (for Benjamin Franklin by Philip Denis Pierres), but the English printing is much scarcer on the market, with only one other copy appearing at auction for the last half century.