JOURNALS OF NEW YORK PROVINCE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1691 A CORNERSTONE OF NEW YORK AND AMERICAN COLONIAL HISTORY Start Price USD 9,000.00 Current Price USD 9,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, October 01, 2008 End Time Friday, October 31, 2008 Location Westminster, CA See more about 'JOURNALS OF NEW YORK PROVINCE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 1691' Description TITLE:                            Journal of New York Province General Assembly PRINTER:                       William Bradford DATE:                            1691-1743 DESCRIPTION:               Journal of the votes and proceedings of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York spanning 43 years. Began the 9th day of April, 1691 and ended the 27th of September, 1743. Transcripts of the proceedings of the New York Colony under the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. William Bradford, printer, 1691. Large folio, dimensions 15" X 9 3/4" X 3", 839 pages. Original board leather overlaid on early rebinding, gilt title on spine with five raised bands. Lacking title page. Starts with Journal of Assembly, April 9, 1691, consecutive pagination. An important inscription is written on page 19 in quill pen: "LONG LIVE WILLIAM & MARY". (see photo) First edition of the most important legal collection of its time, and a cornerstone of New York and American Colonial history, from the press of William Bradford, the first printer of that colony and one of America's most important early printers. Bradford had established himself as the first printer in Pennsylvania, then moved to New York in 1693 to become the official printer to William and Mary. The constitutional history of New York can be followed in this work. This collection of early laws covers a broad range of topics, from King William's War (the first of the French and Indian Wars), to encouraging whaling, establishing trade with the Indians, and calling for civic improvements to acts intended "To ease People that are scrupulous in Swearing" and "For Destroying Wolves within this Colony." Several acts deal with slaves, the salve trade, and the suppression of immorality; others with taxes, liquor excises, military duty, highways and bridges. An excellent history of the development of the colony and the establishment of legal precedents. Beginning of journal reads: "Journal of the General Assembly, &c. At a General-Assembly began and held in the City of New York, the 9th Day of April, Annoq; Domini 1691, in the Third Year of the Reign of their Sovereign Majesties King William and Queen Mary, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King and Queen, Defenders of the Faith." King William III (1650-1702) and Queen Mary II (1662-1694) ruled jointly over the Kingdoms of England and Scotland from 1689 until Mary's death in 1694. King William, known as William of Orange, then reigned alone until his death in 1702. Their rule was the only period in British History in which "joint sovereigns" with equal powers were allowed to reign. CONDITION: Overall condition for the age of this book is very good. The front board has been reglued and reinforced with archival tape. Leather from the original boards has been placed over an early rebinding, end papers have been renewed. Lacking the title page. First page starts with Journal of the General Assembly April 9, 1691. Former owner's signature and date of 1889 and general assembly historical note plus a clear tape strip on right side and bottom edge. (see photo) General browning and foxing to most leaves. Moderate to light damp staining on top right page corners on pages 1 through 7, 507 through 513, 613 through 647 and 678 through 690. Section designs have been hand tinted. Early and important collection of the colonial laws of New York.   Place a Bid!