Lot 408
[Jefferson, Thomas]. Printed pamphlet: "Message from the President of the United States, accompanying certain Documents….," 16pp, 9 x 5½ in., Washington, Department of War, 1802, signed in type ("TH: JEFFERSON"). A rare imprint, bearing a report of the President as well as letters and reports from Secretary of War Henry Dearborn, Levi Lincoln and others. Jefferson's message, dated February 2, 1802 reads, in small part: "… Besides the permanent magazines established at Springfield, West-point, and Harper's Ferry, it is thought one should be established in some point convenient for the estates of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia; such a point will probably be found near the border of the Carolinas… "
The Report includes the "Return of ORDNANCE, ARMS &c… noting the quantity and types of cannon, howitzers and mortars as well as ammunition and supporting equipment, as well as muskets and bayonets. Secretary of War Dearborn also reports on the costs of completing fortifications including Fort Constitution at Portsmouth, N.H., Fort Independence in Boston Harbor and Fort Mifflin in Philadelphia. An unusually detailed report providing a snapshot of the military strength of the United States at the opening of the nineteenth century. An extremely rare example of Shaw & Shoemaker 3346. We have found no sales records for this imprint in American Book Prices Current since 1975. Only five copies are known to reside in institutions, including the Library of Congress, Yale, Williams College, University of Virginia and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Margins slightly ragged and chipped, detached from a larger volume, some pages loose, one light vertical crease and very light foxing, else in fine condition.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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