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Hard cover, 8vo, (measuring 6 x 9 inches) in full tan calf with applied red leather label to spine with title in gilt. (cxxxv, index), 685pp. Condition: Good. Exterior is well-worn with losses on all surfaces, corners and edges, as seen in the photos. The spine label has been re-glued, and there are two or three minor old insect tracks affecting exterior boards. Hinges and joints are firm, however. Light browning affects some pages more than others, and there is some foxing, especially to pastedowns. Edges are dusty. This is a perfectly useable item despite some age-related drawbacks, and retains a pleasing patina.**This work contains the contents of one Senate document only: No. 85, described as "A System of Civil and Criminal Law for The District of Columbia, and for the Organization of the Courts Therein: Reported by The Joint Committee Appointed for the Purpose. In Obedience to the First Session of the Twenty-Second Congress. Ordered by the Senate to be printed, February 28, 1833." As explained in the Preamble to the document,(p. 4) this legislation was intended to "blend and reconcile" the sometimes contradictory sets of standards made by changes in the physical boundaries of the District, from when it was first created as the seat of government in 1790, then rebuilt after the British invasion of 1812. Virginia or Maryland laws, for instance, had variously been in effect in areas once originally belonging to those States. Edward Livingston (1764-1836), Secretary of State under Pres. Andrew Jackson, had famously codified the Louisiana Civil Code in 1825; his contribution here includes his Introduction to the Code of Reform and Prison Discipline (see p. 574). Laws regarding slaves and "imported servants." are also presented (pp.265-279.) Slavery in the nation's Capital would not be outlawed until Legislation passed in 1862. Laid in is a small memorandum of amendments, presumably by a lawmaker of the time, unnamed however. One of 600 copies. Sabin, Dictionary of Books Relating to America (1873), Vol. 5, No. 20314. Shaw and Shoemaker 22120. Seller Inventory # 8824
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