Reviewing the new Constitution... Working on creating the District of Columbia...

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1791

* United States Constitution in it's infancy
* Creating Washington D.C. (Federal City)

 The issue begins with a description of the historic State House in Boston. The related plate is lacking. 

An interesting article presents a nice perspective on the U.S. Constitution, at this point just 4 years old: "Dr. Ramsay's Address to the United States" which begins: "Citizens of the United States! you have a well balanced constitution, established by general consent, which is an improvement on all republican forms of government heretofore established. It possesses the good qualities of monarchy but without its vices..." with much more. 

And yet another similar perspective is found in: "Observations Upon the Government of the United States of America" which takes over 2 pages.

Also within is: "Dr. Franklin's Spectacles". Near the back is a "Collection of Publick Acts, Papers, etc." including a letter from France which includes a brief note concerning the translation signed in type by: Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State. 

Following this are: "An Act Supplementary to the Act entitled, 'An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers of the Bank of the United States' " and two more Acts of Congress. 

Also near the back is the: "Domestick Chronicle" which has news from various American cities including an update on the creation of the District of Columbia with: "Mr. Ellicott, the Surveyor General, is busily employed at the federal city in opening streets, laying off squares, etc. It is expected that the publick buildings will be begun next spring, which will give employment to 3000 workmen."

Lacking the plate called for.

Complete in 64 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, full title/contents page, nice condition.

 

Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly scarce in today's market. This title was published by the famed Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer from the Revolutionary War & founder of the American Antiquarian Society.