Lot 664
[Tobias Lear] Law Books Pedigreed to Benjamin Lincoln Lear. Three law books which belonged to Tobias Lear, who served as executive secretary to George Washington from 1786 to 1799 and as tutor to Martha Washington's grandchildren, and which he left to his son, Benjamin Lincoln Lear, who was born in 1791 in George Washington's "White House" in Philadelphia. President Washington was Benjamin's godfather but Benjamin was named after Portsmouth's Col. Benjamin Lincoln, Tobias' uncle. The books are volumes II and III of The Laws of the United States of America. Acts Passed at the First Session of the Second Congress…In the Year M,DCC,XCI…, Philadelphia: Printed by Richard Folwell, 1796. Both octavo. Both volumes have the bookplate of Benjamin Lincoln Lear pasted to the inside cover. Leather covers are darkened and scraped. Spine of Vol. III with substantial damage, some dampstaining and damage to front pages. Vol. II has the texts of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, and An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States North-west of the River Ohio; also, some holograph notes and markings and signature on the title page of Thomas Herty, who wrote the other volume present: A Digest of the Laws of the United States of America. Being A Complete System (Alphabetically arranged) of all of the Public Acts of Congress Now in Force, by Thomas Herty, Vol. II, Washington City: Printed at the Apollo Press, For the Editor, by W. Duane & Son. 1802. Marbled boards, octavo, moderate to heavy toning throughout; numerous pages uncut.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
|
| |
| Realized $3,000 |
