July 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2012
The activities of the Continental Congress for the watershed year of 1776 are recorded comprehensively here in this first edition, first printing of ''Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings In The Year, 1776.'' Published by Order of Congress, by Robert Aitken: Philadelphia: 1777. This is one of just 532 copies which were printed in 1776, with substantially less than that available today, and is complete with the original printing of the Declaration of Independence on pages 241-246. According to text upon the title page, these records of the nation's fledgling government were taken directly from the minutes of the Continental Congress. In addition to the Declaration of Independence, this volume chronicles the preparation for the Revolutionary War, as well as Richard Henry Lee's 15 May proposal of independence. The book reads as a diary, with each day's activities noted, including letters from ''General Washington'' and resolutions such as one from 14 August 1776, in part, ''...his British majesty, in order to destroy our freedom and happiness has commenced against us a cruel and unprovoked war; and unable to engage Briton's sufficient to execute his sanguinary measures has applied for aid to foreign princes, who are in the habit of selling the blood of their people for money...'' Volume runs 512pp. plus index and measures 5.5'' x 8.5''. Deckled-edge leaves are bound in paper boards, not original calf binding. Loss of backstrip reveals a thin layer of fabric affixed over a ribbed spine. Title page is missing the top 1.5''. Chipping to bottom edge of front board and a stamp of the previous owner on the front pastedown. In very good condition considering age. A precious record codifying the founding of the United States of America.
Extremely Rare Original ''Journals of Congress, Volume II'' With the Declaration of Independence Printed Within -- Covering 1776 Continental Congress Sessions
Click above for larger image.