Florida | The first constitution, which built on the federal Bill of Rights

Florida

Journal of the Proceedings of a Convention of Delegates to form a Constitution for the People of Florida, held at St. Joseph, December 1838. St. Joseph: printed at the "Times" office, 1839

8vo (172 x 108 mm). Repair to inner margin of first leaf, text of quire 15 browned, last 4 leaves stained. Quarter tan calf antique over brown marbled boards; spine sunned.

First edition of the first constitution of Florida paired with the proceedings of the convention that took place between 3 December 1838 and 11 January 1839 in the panhandle town of St. Joseph. The Constitution begins with a "Declaration of Rights" that builds on the federal Bill of Rights, and addresses issues such as taxation, education, banking and the militia.

Rare: only two copies appear in the auction records for the last 60 years. Worldcat lists six copies in institutions. Worldcat lists six copies in institutions.

REFERENCE

McMurtrie, Florida 64; Sabin 24870

PROVENANCE

William H. Whitehead (contemporary ownership signature on title-page) — New Jersey Historical Society (stamps on title-page and pp. 3, 100 )