Signed book: Acts Passed at the First Session of the Sixth Congress of the United States. Softcover, 5.75 x 9, 219 pages. Signed on the backcover upside-down “J. A. Garfield, Hiram, Ohio.” The book originates from Garfield’s personal library and has his library bookplate affixed to the inside front cover. In fair to good condition, with foxing, toning, and moderate to heavy damp staining to the interior pages and front and back covers affecting the start of Garfield’s name. Accompanied by a custom-made green cloth covered four-flap box housed in a matching custom-made quarter-leather green cloth covered slipcase with book-like spine, five raised bands, and gilt-lettering.
Rich in history and unique on so many levels. The First Session of the Sixth Congress was held from December 2, 1799 to May 14, 1800. Printed in their entirety are 71 acts, five resolutions, and one treaty approved by Congress during this period including resolutions ‘That a marble monument be erected by the United States, in the Capitol, at the city of Washington, and that the family of general Washington be requested to permit his body to de deposited under it’ and ‘That it be recommended to the people of the United States to assemble on the twenty-second day of February next, in such numbers and manner as may be convenient, publicly to testify their grief for the death of general Washington, by suitable eulogies, orations and discourses, or by public prayers.’ Other matters referenced are a peace treaty with the Kingdom of Tunis, endorsement of acts extending the franking privilege to Martha Washington and William Henry Harrison, and legislation forbidding US citizens or residents to serve on or own a vessel transporting slaves.
Garfield was a voracious reader who amassed a large collection of books. The first Presidential memorial library, completed at the Lawnfield estate in Ohio by First Lady Lucretia Garfield four years after her husband’s assassination, houses almost 3,000 books that were used and treasured by the 20th president. More than two decades ago, several dozen of his books were de-accessioned, with this personal volume among the items. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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