United States Congress

Acts Passed at a Congress of the United States of America, ... in the year M,DCC,LXXXIX ... Being the acts passed at the first session of the First Congress of the United States ... Philadelphia: Printed by F. Childs and J. Swaine, [1791]. [With:] Acts Passed at the Second Session ... in the year M,DCC,XC ... New York: F. Childs and J. Swaine, [1790]. [With:] Acts Passed at the Third Session ... in the Year M,DCC,XC ... Philadelphia: F. Childs and J. Swain, [1791]

3 parts bound in one, folio (12 x 7 5/8 in.; 305 x 194 mm). Title page in each part; somewhat browned with a few quires darker than others, edge-stain to title from binding and ink stain, a few minor spots and dampstains. Contemporary blind-tooled calf, gilt-stamped black morocco title label on spine, in a dark-brown morocco drop-box; binding worn, joints cracked.

Acquisition: Bauman Rare Books

Evans 23842, 22952, 23845

somewhat browned with a few quires darker than others, edge-stain to title from binding and ink stain, a few minor spots and dampstains. Contemporary blind-tooled calf, gilt-stamped black morocco title label on spine, in a dark-brown morocco drop-box; binding worn, joints cracked.
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Early folio edition of the first official publication of the acts of the First Congress, including the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, bound with the acts of the second and third sessions.

A reprint of Childs and Swaine's first official printing, which was issued in New York in 1789. This issue appeared in Philadelphia after the nation's capitol was moved there, and the printers had set up shop. All early folio printings are quite scarce, especially those of the first three sessions.

This publication contains an early printing of the original 12 articles of the Bill of Rights, only ten of which were ratified, as well as acts establishing the departments of State, War, and Treasury. The acts of the second session included the establishment of the temporary and permanent capitols, treaties with the North American Indian tribes, and the "Definitive Treaty of Peace between the United States and His Britannic Majesty." The acts of the third session include the admission of Vermont and Kentucy to the union.