An Inquiry into the Formation of Washington's Farewell Address.
Philadelphia: Parry & McMillan, 1859. First edition. Hardcover. 23.5 x 15.5 cm. 250pp. Bound into blind stamped brown cloth. Chipping to head and tail of the spine, edges of cloth are worn. Joints feel a bit tender and the front cover is partially detached at tap.
This work was written as analysis of how much of Washington's farewell address Alexander Hamilton wrote. It reprints and studies letters between them and "It is written with the purpose, not of prolonging, but of allaying controversy". The subject of the work was controversial at time of publication and was published anonymously. Binney (1780-1875) wrote several other works on law and the clergy. He was the leader of the Bar of Philadelphia, an advocate in the Supreme court and was the eulogist of Chief Justice Marshall and Chief Justice Tiulghman of Pennsylvania. Fair. Item #81255
Some interesting provenance and ephemera included. Armorial bookplate of Oliver Warren Shaw on front paste-down, probably the one born 19 July 1834, died 28 December 1920 in Mower County Minnesota. He served as president of First National Bank.
On the front free endpaper a letter is affixed from I believe one of the publishers, J. A. Parry, addressed to Gen George C[orbin] Washington (George Washington's great-nephew). It reads:
Aug. 27. 1850
Dear Sir
If it be agreeable to you I should be very glad to look at the papers in/on your [profession?] relative to the Farewell address.
My object is to avoid the publication on the Hamilton papers of any thing tending to divide the authorship of the address. If war has a potent influence for good with the people of the Country. That influence will or may be diminished by the publication of the Hamilton papers and I wish to find readers for []-ing the publication of any thing which may [] the authorship to any other than Sir Washington.
Please [] let me hear from you at your earliest convenience.
We [] and truly []
Yours
J A [Parry?]
Hon G C Washington"
In the rear is another letter, different author, S. Cheares(?) Esquire dated 1822 but the letter is in 7 pieces due to the age and brittle paper.
References: North American Imprints Program (NAIP) #34056, The North American Review, Vol. 90, No. 186 (Jan., 1860), pp. 206-222, article on Binney and the Inquiry, Sabin 5477.
Price: $200.00