AN IMPORTANT COLONIAL IMPRINT OWNED AND SIGNED BY ALEXANDER HAMILTON
[HAMILTON, Alexander (1757-1804), his copy]. Laws of New-York, from The Year 1691, to 1751, inclusive [and] … from The 11th Nov. 1752, to 22d May 1762. With a Preface by William Livingston and William Smith. New York: James Parker, 1752, 1762. 2 volumes in one, folio (330 x 210 mm). (Title-page remargined and laid-down, List of Subscribers laid down on tissue and reinforced, last leaf of Preface also laid down on tissue, some marginal dampstaining or spotting, intermittent browning, 3R2-3T2 lower corners clipped in Vol. II). Modern quarter morocco. Provenance: Alexander Hamilton (ownership signature, “A. Hamilton”, on title-page); New York Law Institute Library (early notations on title, later rubber stamps on title and some following leaves, early printed catalogue note “From the Library… of Alexander Hamilton”); few contemporary notations. ALEXANDER HAMILTON’S COPY OF EARLY NEW YORK LAWS.
Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, had a profound impact on shaping laws and policies, both at the federal and state levels. In New York, where Hamilton played a prominent role in his earlier years as a lawyer, contributed to various legal and financial developments including his involvement in the drafting of New York’s first state constitution in 1777. Hamilton’s legal career in New York included his practice as a lawyer, where he handled cases in local courts. Additionally, he co-authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, along with James Madison and John Jay. During his time as one of George Washington’s aides-de-camp during the Revolutionary War, Hamilton spent many leisure hours studying and reading about commerce and banking which shaped him for his future role as the first Secretary of the Treasury. As Secretary, Hamilton implemented financial policies that had a broad impact, including the establishment of the first national bank and the assumption of state debts by the federal government. While these actions were at the federal level, they had implications for states, including New York. Hamilton’s influence extended to the legal and financial framework of the young United States, leaving a lasting legacy in New York and beyond. His contributions to constitutional law, financial systems, and legal philosophy continue to be studied and recognized in the broader context of American history and jurisprudence.