(Tucker, St. George). Reflections, on the Cession of Louisiana to the United States by Sylvestris. Washington, 1803

(TUCKER, ST. GEORGE)

REFLECTIONS, ON THE CESSION OF LOUISIANA TO THE UNITED STATES BY SYLVESTRIS. WASHINGTON: PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH, 1803

8vo (9 1/4 x 5 7/8 in.; 235 x 148 mm). Title-page, 25pp., disbound; rubber library stamp to verso of title and pages 1 and 21 along with catalogue number in ink, some minor marginal soiling and toning, a few minor marginal chips.   

First edition. An enthusiastic review of the Louisiana Purchase

In the present pamphlet, Tucker lists the advantages of the Louisiana Purchase, but also cautions that emigration into the new territory should be restricted, so as not to compromise the population of the eastern seaboard.

St. George Tucker was born in Port Royal, Bermuda, to English colonists. In 1772, he moved to Virginia to study law under George Wythe. During the American Revolutionary War, he was commissioned into the Virginia militia, and when the war ended, resumed his legal career. In 1788, he was elected by the legislature as a judge of the General Court of Virginia in Richmond, and served until 1803, when he was appointed to the state Supreme Court of Appeals. In 1813, President James Madison appointed Tucker as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Virginia. Tucker is perhaps best remembered for his support of the emancipation of slaves.

PROVENANCE:

Concordia College (library stamp)