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[ABBOT, GEORGE.]
A Briefe Description of theWholeWorlde.
8vo, modern
1
/
4
calf; moderate dampstaining, contemporary marginal notes, final two leaves and part of
title page supplied in facsimile.
London: John Browne, 1608
[300/400]
Third edition. 38 pages toward the end are devoted to America, with a few pages on the
modest English attempts at settlement: “The possession of this Virginia, is now discontinued,
and the Country at this present, left to the old inhabitants.” European Americana 608/1;
JCB page II:49; Sabin 21 (note).
A FOUNDER’S PRIVATELY PRINTEDTHOUGHTS ONTHE REVOLUTION
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ADAMS, JOHN.
Twenty-Six Letters upon Interesting Subjects, Respecting
the Revolution of America.
89 pages. 12mo, stitched; lacks half-title, title page detached
and worn, some wear to other leaves, but complete with all text, minor dampstaining; uncut.
[NewYork?]: printed for the subscribers, [1789?]
[4,000/6,000]
Second privately printed edition, before publication.These letters, written by Adams in 1780
while serving as a diplomat in Holland, traced the origin and course of the American
Revolution. He wrote in response to the questions of a Dutch merchant. Adams expresses
great confidence in the ability of the American people to carry this war to a successful conclusion,
though he does note that a few substantial loans from European merchants might be
appreciated to speed the matter along.
The letters were first printed in a very small edition by Adams in London in 1786. This
second edition was followed by the first published edition, which was printed by NewYork’s
John Fenno in 1789.
Evans 21624; Howes A66 (both calling this a 1789 NewYork imprint). Sabin 252 calls this
a 1786 London imprint, which is followed by ESTC and the American Antiquarian Society.
The last known copy of this edition at auction was at Swann, 20 October 1954, lot 1, but
a copy of the even scarcer 1786 first printing brought $90,000 in 2005.
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ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY.
President’s Message. “We the People” Extra.
Letterpress broadside, 23 x 18 inches; foxing, a bit worn at intersection of folds.
Washington, 2 December 1828
[150/250]
A “State of the Union” speech given by Adams in Congress on the eve of the Electoral
College meeting which would terminate his presidency.Adams does not acknowledge the hotly
contested election, but paints a rosy view of the nation’s accomplishments under his watch. On
Indian relations, he hopes to both “do justice to those unfortunate children of nature” and
“secure to the members of our confederation their rights of sovereignty and soil.” He also calls
the new academy at West Point “the living armoury of the Nation.”
Public Auction Sale 2263 December 1, 2011 10:30 a.m.