Louisiana | An early printing of Louisiana's first constitution

Louisiana

James Madison. Message from the President of the U. States, Transmitting the Constitution or Form of Government, Established by the Convention of the Territory of Orleans, for the Government of that Territory, when Erected into a Separate and Independent State, under the Title of the State of Louisiana.Washington City: Printed by R. C. Weightman, 1812

8vo (213 x 133 mm). Strong browning throughout, ownership signature on title-page oxidized. Later puce cloth, spine lettered gilt; spine faded, upper hinge cracked.

An early printing of Louisiana's first constitution. In 1811 Congress passed an act to authorize the people of the Orleans Territory to form a constitution and state government, and provide for the admission of the state into the Union once the constitution was approved by the U.S. Congress. The constitutional convention met in New Orleans on 4 November 1811 and on 22 January 1812, the delegates signed Louisiana's first state constitution. President James Madison transmitted the proceedings and constitution to Congress 4 March 1812.

REFERENCE:

Sabin 42265

PROVENANCE:

W. A. Barwell (ownership signature on title-page dated 1812 with ink migration to first text leaf)