(Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison, and John Jay)

2 volumes. 8vo (8 7/16 x 5 in; 212 x 134 mm). Intermittent light spotting to a few leaves only. Contemporary tree calf with red morocco lettering piece and gilt spine devices inside double-rule compartments; edges rubbed, joints rubbed and weak or cracked, but holding.

Howes H-114; Sabin 23981; Shaw & Shoemaker 2218.

a "much altered " Federalist, the last edition to be printed during Hamilton's lifetime  This second edition contains a printing of the final United States Constitution and Hamilton's 1793 Pacificus pamphlet, in which he argues for the United States to remain neutral in the French Revolution.  Sabin notes that the text is "much altered" and indeed the title page states that the work is "revised and corrected." This editing was most likely the work of the pro-Hamilton publisher of the New York Post, William Coleman, who is generally thought to have written the introduction as well. His introduction is not least of all a spirited defense of Hamilton in spite of Jefferson becoming President the year before.