Fine Books & Manuscripts

[CONTINENTAL CONGRESS]. Extracts from the votes and proceedings of the American Continental Congress, held at Philadelphia, on the fifth of September, 1774… [BOUND WITH:] Journal of the proceedings of the Congress, Held at Philadelphia, September 5th, 1774… [ALSO:] May 10, 1775…Published by the Order of Congress. Philadelphia printed. London: reprinted by J. Almon, 1774. –– London: J. Almon, 1775. –– Philadelphia printed. London: reprinted for J. Almon, 1776. –– 3 works bound in one volume, 8vo. [2], 82; [2], 66, [2] ad pp.; [2], 200. Journals with half–titles. Later half red morocco, raised bands, gilt titling and filets in compartments (a bit of separation to front joint near head, Extracts title trimmed at outer margin, occasional spotting). FIRST ENGLISH EDITIONS including the Extracts which is one of the most significant documents of the American Revolution that condensed the most important proceedings of the First Continental Congress between September 5 and October 26, 1774, publishing the basis for American resistance and organized rebellion. Howes considers this work the “forerunner of the Declaration of Independence” and is together with the journal pamphlet that was omitted in the English edition of the Extracts, thus containing the entire journal of proceedings first published in America. The third journal contains a draft of the address of the Congress to the Six Confederated Indian Nations stating the grievances against Britain, the rules and regulations of the Continental Army, and the appointment of Washington as commander in Chief. Howes E–247, J–264; Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 25; Sabin 15528, 15543, 15544.