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The Constitution becomes the law of the land... Two rare plates included...

Item # 622556

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THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, July, 1788
This title has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, having begun in September, 1786 and lasting until December, 1792. Although many titles existed earlier, none enjoyed the success of lasting beyond a few issues or a couple of years.
Near the beginning is a full page plate: "A Transit of Mercury Over the Sun's Disk" which has a related article. Also inside: "Resemblance Between the Native Americans and Ancient Jews" which takes nearly 4 pages. Also included (and typically missing) is the full page plate: "View from Bushongo Tavern 5 Miles from York Town on the Baltimore Road" which is very nice. Note: this refers to the city of York in Penna., not Yorktown, Va.
But the greatest report in this issue is headed: "Account of the Federal Procession" which was in celebration not only of the 4th of July, but the formal ratification of the Constitution by the required 9 states, putting it into effect. The report begins: "On Friday the fourth day of July, 1788, the citizens of Philadelphia, in commemoration of the great event of American Independence, & in honour of the ratification of the Federal Constitution by Ten of the United States, presented the most brilliant & interesting spectacle that ever occurred in the annals of the new world..." with much more. Further on is: "...it was agreed to celebrate the adoption of the Federal Constitution on the fourth of July, provided NINE states had then entered into the union..." with more (see). Over 3 pages are taken up with this detailed report.
This is then followed by the notable oration by James Wilson on this special event. James Wilson was a highly respected Philadelphian who played a prominent role in the revolutionary movement. He served as a member of the Continental Congresses in 1774-1777 and 1783 and 1785-86. Wilson was instrumental in securing the Pennsylvania vote for independence. He was later an important player at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and supported the adoption of a federal Constitution. The importance of Wilson's speech on the occasion of the largest and most significant Fourth of July celebration cannot be underestimated. His oration was instrumental in garnering support for the adoption of the Constitution and was addressed to every citizen in Philadelphia. He stressed the importance of good government and the responsibility that citizens have in casting their votes in elections. His speech is printed here (see hyperlink)
Near the back is "American Intelligence" with the latest news of the day, including a report concerning slaves (see), and a report from Congress: "...it is expedient that the district of Kentuckey be erected into an independent states..." & more. Also: "...we received the agreeable news of Virginia's adopting the new constitution upon which all the bells in the city rang..." with more. And a brief yet very historic & timely report: "The convention of New York unconditionally adopted the Federal Constitution on the 25th of July. Yeas 30, Nays 25." Obviously this magazine was printed near the end of the month.
Complete in 60 pages, full title/contents page, both plates called for are present (see above), some minor margin tears, generally nice condition.

Category: The 1600's and 1700's