JEFFERSON’S ELECTION ORATION, PRINTED BY HIS PARTY
[JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826)]. BISHOP, Abraham (1763-1844). Oration, in Honor of the Election of President Jefferson and the Peaceable Acquisition of Louisiana, Delivered at the National Festival, in Hartford, on the 11th of May, 1804. [New Haven:] Sydney’s Press, Printed for the General Committee of REPUBLICANS, 1804. 8vo (229 x 127 mm). Printed pamphlet, uncut, inserted in modern marbled boards. (Large tear with loss repaired on title-page, marginal browning). Provenance: Kenneth Nebenzahl copy (his catalogue, 1963). FIRST EDITION.
Bishop, one of the most colorful characters in the history of Connecticut politics, was an ardent supporter of Jefferson at a time when supporting Jefferson in a Federalist state like Connecticut “was the equivalent of moral and political treason” (DAB). It took courage to make this address, but Bishop was indebted to Jefferson for his place as collector of the port of New Haven, which he held until removed by Jackson in 1829. This address was one of a series made by him which were widely published and quoted. Howes B472; Sabin 5596.