JOURNAL OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BEING THE FIRST SESSION OF THE SECOND CONGRESS, BEGUN AND HELD AT THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 24TH, 1791; AND IN THE SIXTEENTH YEAR OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE SAID UNITED STATES by Senate, Second Congress - 1792

Philadelphia: John Fenno, 1792. Folio. 228pp [last page numbered '224', as issued]. Original calf [lightly worn], rebacked, raised spine bands and modern gilt-lettered morocco spine label. A clean and bright text with only minor occasional wear, Near Fine. "First edition, first issue of the rare journal containing numerous messages from Pres. Washington...official ratification[s] of the Bill of Rights, the Presidential Succession Act debate and passage, the establishment of the U.S. mint and coinage, the first militia act, and foundation Northwest Territory Acts." [Jenkins]. State-by-State ratifications of the proposed Bill of Rights are reported at pages 11 [Pennsylvania], 30 and 69 [Virginia], and 98 [Vermont], with a Table of ratifications at page 217. President Washington's opening Message reports rapid subscriptions to the new Bank of the United States and focuses on "the defense and security of the Western Frontiers." He urges an Indian policy "corresponding with the mild principles of religion and philanthropy towards an unenlightened race of men;" recommends establishing postal services, a Mint to cure "disorders in the existing currency," and a "uniformity in the weights and measures of the Country." Yeas and nays are recorded on a variety of important bills which are printed in the Journal, with various amendments as they wend their way toward final approval or rejection. These include bills establishing the Mint [including explicit instructions on the coins to be struck], Post Offices and Post Roads, the militia, public lands, weights and measures, appropriations, fisheries, protection of the frontiers, judicial procedures. Additionally, the results of the first census, with accompanying apportionment of representatives, are printed and debated. Vice President Adams's Report on the reduction of the public debt is printed, as are many other significant matters. FIRST EDITION. Evans 24911. III Jenkins 505.