Beschreibung:

(Tennessee Laws) Sammelband of early Tennessee laws, encompassing both territorial and early state imprints and the first state constitution. Knoxville, Tennessee, 1794–1799 7 works bound together, 8vo (186 x 123 mm). First work lacks title-page, some tanning and foxing, several leaves trimmed closely at bottom edge affecting text. Contemporary calf, spine with morocco gilt label; skillful repair to joints and corners. Morocco gilt clamshell case. An impressive collection of early Tennessee material, including the second-known complete copy of the first Tennessee constitution. Seven works from the earliest pioneer press in Tennessee, including the first printing of the federal constitution printed in the state, as well as the first state constitution, here in the second known copy. Imprints such as these are rare on the market. In February 1790, North Carolina ceded its western land holdings to the United States. A few months later the area became the newly created Territory of the United States South of the River Ohio. William Blount became the newly appointed territorial governor by President Washington. In 1795 Blount called a meeting of the territorial legislature to request a referendum for statehood. Tennessee became a state on 1 June 1796. George Roulstone, the first printer in Tennessee, began a newspaper in Knoxville in late 1791. The earliest Tennessee imprint noted in McMurtrie is a set of acts passed by the territorial government, printed 25 March 1793. Since McMurtrie's publication two earlier items (both broadsides) have come to light. The earliest datable book, present here, was issued in 1794. The Tennessee State Constitution (here in the first three recensions) was created by Congress at the time Tennessee was admitted as a state and became effective on 1 June 1796. It was not universally well received, though Thomas Jefferson described it as the "least imperfect and most republican of the state constitutions." The first leaf and one title have the early ownership inscription of J. Hamilton, possibly James Hamilton Jr., congressman and governor of South Carolina, who read law in Charleston and was admitted to the bar in 1810. Seven scarce and significant imprints from the first press in Tennessee. PROVENANCEJ. Hamilton (two signatures.) — New York City Bar Association (Doyle, 24 November 2014, lot 201) REFERENCECelebration of My Country 131; Check List of Tennessee Imprints 5, 8, 30, 27, 21, 22, 24