An Argument Against Continuing the War - Incomplete

[Workman, James]

Published by Printed for J. Owen, London, 1795

About this Item

London: Printed for J. Owen, 1795. 84, 89, [1] pp. (pages 85-88 missing). 20.5 x 12.5 cm. Disbound from composite volume, with remnants of leather spine with gilt ruling still attached to spine of pamphlet. Lacking Workman's name from the title page, this is presumed to be the first edition of the pamphlet. Nicking and tearing to title page, which is only just attached to spine; bottom corner torn from page. Two small notations in ink on two pages. Each leaf within the composite volume seems to have been hand numbered, with this pamphlet's leaves bearing the numbers 220-263. Two of the final leaves are missing (pages 85-88), and the hand numbering was added after the loss of the two leaves. Final leaf (page 89/errata) is detached but extant. A lawyer born in Ireland, James Workman is a curious figure in American history. Workman studied law at the Middle Temple in London, and is presumed to have gone to American in 1799. In 1801 he sent a letter to then President Thomas Jefferson asking him to consider the benefits of acquiring Louisiana and the Floridas, which would allow the U.S. to not only grow in size and strength, but also take the opportunity to free the slaves of those territories and create areas for their settlement once emancipated. In 1804 Workman left Charleston for New Orleans, where he became a judge in Orleans county as well as a probate judge of Orleans Territory. After the Burr conspiracy was exposed in 1806, Workman was arrested for taking part in the Mexican Association, which was a secret group of 300 leading figures in New Orleans who aimed to liberate Spanish colonies in North America. Workman and Colonel Lewis Kerr were put on trial for allegedly plotting to invade Mexico seize banks, but both were acquitted. Workman was later disbarred, but returned to practice law again in 1817. By the time of his accidental death in 1832, Workman had salvaged his reputation and was held to be an upright citizen. Although this pamphlet is missing two of its final leaves, it is an exceptionally rare copy of what appears to be the first edition of his essay in which he spoke out against England continuing its war with France. We have only been able to find two copies of this pamphlet in holdings internationally, and even the later American edition of Workman's political essays which contains this piece is quite scarce. Disbound. Good. Seller Inventory # 625992

Bibliographic Details

Title: An Argument Against Continuing the War - ...

Publisher: Printed for J. Owen, London

Publication Date: 1795

Binding: Paperback

Condition: Good

Edition: 1st Edition