How to Sell Your Journals of Congress Volumes
To auction, sell or consign your Journals of Congress, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).
What Are the Journals of Congress?
The “Journals of Congress” are published minutes of the Continental Congress and started being recorded in 1774. The discussions, resolutions, votes and official actions appear in the publications. Several major milestones that helped the U.S. become independent, such as decisions regarding the American Revolution, appear in these journals. Original printings from the 1770s are scarce and highly collectible items.
“Journals of Congress, Volume II” — Sold for $6,083
The activities of the Continental Congress for the watershed year of 1776 are recorded comprehensively here in this first edition, first printing of ”Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings In The Year, 1776.” Published by Order of Congress, by Robert Aitken: Philadelphia: 1777. This is one of just 532 copies which were printed in 1776, with substantially less than that available today, and is complete with the original printing of the Declaration of Independence on pages 241-246. According to text upon the title page, these records of the nation’s fledgling government were taken directly from the minutes of the Continental Congress. In addition to the Declaration of Independence, this volume chronicles the preparation for the Revolutionary War, as well as Richard Henry Lee’s 15 May proposal of independence. The book reads as a diary, with each day’s activities noted, including letters from ”General Washington” and resolutions such as one from 14 August 1776, in part, ”…his British majesty, in order to destroy our freedom and happiness has commenced against us a cruel and unprovoked war; and unable to engage Briton’s sufficient to execute his sanguinary measures has applied for aid to foreign princes, who are in the habit of selling the blood of their people for money…” Volume runs 512pp. plus index and measures 5.5” x 8.5”. Deckled-edge leaves are bound in paper boards, not original calf binding. Loss of backstrip reveals a thin layer of fabric affixed over a ribbed spine. Title page is missing the top 1.5”. Chipping to bottom edge of front board and a stamp of the previous owner on the front pastedown. In very good condition considering age. A precious record codifying the founding of the United States of America. Sold for $6,083.
“Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings From January 1, 1776 to January 1, 1777”
“Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings From January 1, 1776 to January 1, 1777.” Published by Order of Congress. York-Town, Pennsylvania: John Dunlap: 1778. A record of the proceedings of the Congress for the year 1776 including a complete text of the Declaration of Independence with all of the signers’ names in type. Scarce second Dunlap printing, printed in York-Town after the evacuation of Philadelphia by Congress due to British occupation of the city. 520pp. plus index. Bound in quarter calf leather with gilt titling to backstrip. Some bumping to corners. Light to heavy foxing throughout, mostly to upper margins. Ink inscription to side cover and top of title page. One of the scarcest book printings of The Declaration of Independence in very good condition. Sold for $5,012.
Annals of Congress 1789-1824
Almost impossible to find in its original rare book edition, the 1997 reprints of these rare books sell online for between $4,000 – $6,000 and around $150 for each reprinted book. These original American State Papers rare books offered here, circa 1834 – 1838 are handsomely rebound in leather into near perfect condition except for some minimal tears on pages, stamp and pencil notations not affecting content. These rare books are a seminal set of U.S. government publications and a rich source of primary material on wide-ranging aspects of early American history. Volumes are a retrospective collection of largely Congressional, but also Executive, materials originating from 1789 through 1838, covering Congress from the Session of the First to the Second of the Twenty-Second Congress. The American State Papers, comprises a total of thirty-eight physical volumes and were originally sanctioned by an Act of Congress in 1831 in a limted edition of only 750 copies. The documents are grouped in 10 classes, each class arranged chronologically: 1. Foreign Affairs, 6 vols.; 2. Indian Affairs, 2 vols.; 3. Finance, 5 vols.; 4. Commerce and Navigation, 2 vols.; 5. Military Affairs, 7 vols.; 6. Naval Affairs, 4 vols.; 7. Post Office, 1v.; 8. Public Lands, 8v.; 9. Claims, 1v.; 10. Miscellaneous, 2v. There is an index for each class at the end of its final volume. American State Papers illuminates key moments in early American history as they occurred and influential decisions as they were made. This collection covers such historical events as Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, Burr’s Conspiracy and Arrest, the Treaty of the Creek Indians made by Andrew Jackson and much more. American State Papers also includes speeches and messages of Presidents Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison. Other documents address battles with the Seminole Indians, the capture of the British Fleet on Lake Champlain, depredations committed by Mounted Riflemen, exploration of the Pacific Ocean, free negroes in North Carolina, land for female academies, protection of the western frontier, trade with China and myriad other fascinating topics. The first volume starts with the Letter from the Federal Convention President, George Washington, to the President of Congress, Transmitting the Constitution: “Sir, We have now the honor to submit to the consideration of the United States in Congress assembled, that Constitution which has appeared to us the most advisable. The friends of our country have long seen and desired, that the power of making war, peace, and treaties, that of levying money and regulating commerce, and the correspondent executive and judicial authorities should be fully and effectually vested in the general government of the Union: But the impropriety of delegating such extensive trust to one body of men is evident — Hence results the necessity of a different organization…In all our deliberations on this subject we kept steadily in our view, that which appears to us the greatest interest of every true American, the consolidation of our Union, in which is involved our prosperity, felicity, safety, perhaps our national existence…With great respect, We have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and humble servants, George Washington, President.” The first part of the first volume then quotes the Constitution in full and then goes into the great details of the first Congress in Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York on 4 March 1789 where Washington was to be inaugurated first President on 30 April 1789. The first Congress also notes the Treasury department being founded in September 1789 on Wall Street, the patent system being implemented on 10 April 1790 and the Compromise of 1790 where the U.S. Government moves to what is now Washington , D.C. In the compromise, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton come to an agreement: Madison agrees to not be “strenuous” in opposition for the assumption of state debts by the federal government; Hamilton agrees to support the capital site being above the Potomac. Thirty seven volumes, of course, follow. Sold for $3,766.
“Journals of Congress, Volume III” — Sold for $2,520
The proceedings of the Continental Congress for the year of 1777 are recorded comprehensively here, in this scarce first edition, first printing of ”Journals of Congress Containing The Proceedings In The Year, 1777.” Published by Order of Congress by John Dunlap: Philadelphia: 1778. This record of the new nation’s fledgling government, in the thick of the Revolutionary War, was taken directly from the Congressional minutes and reads as a diary, with the activities for each day noted. This volume contains war-related resolutions, as well as a half dozen mentions of Benedict Arnold, including a record of the Congress’ ”enquiry into his conduct”. It deals with specific cases of mistreatment of prisoners of war, funding the war by issuing credit, caring for the troops and approving the actions of General Washington. Journal runs 603pp. plus index. Deckled-edge leaves are bound in paper boards with unfinished surface. Loss of backstrip reveals a thin layer of fabric affixed over a ribbed spine, not in original leather binding. Measures 5.5” x 8.25”. Previous owner’s stamp to front pastedown. In very good condition considering age. A precious record of the earliest history of the United States of America. Sold for $2,520.
“Journals of Congress, Volume I” — Sold for $2,384
Volume I of the ”Journals of Congress,” the official record of the First and Second Continental Congresses which met from 1774-1775. Published in Philadelphia: R. Aitken: 1777. The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia as a reaction to the ”Intolerable Acts” imposed by Great Britain after the Boston Tea Party. This Journal reflects the growing tension and independence of the colonists with its first entry, on 5 September 1774: ”…This House …being deeply affected with unhappy differences, which have long subsisted and are increasing, between Great-Britain and the American Colonies, do Resolve…to deliberate and determine upon wise and proper Measures…for the recovery and establishment of their just Rights and Liberties…” The representatives to the Congress would subsequently boycott British goods, establish an Army (with Washington as General) and Navy, appoint ambassadors, issue currency and obtain loans. It also records the order to print the proceedings of the Congress, of which this Journal is the result; on 26 September 1776, Congress authorized the printer Robert Aitken to produce a uniform edition of their Journals. Aitken combined the Journals of the First and Second Continental Congresses of 1774 and 1775 (originally published by Bradford in two separate volumes) into one volume, to form Volume I of this series. 310 deckled-edge leaves plus 12 pages of index are bound in 5.5” x 8.5” paper boards with unfinished surface, not in original leather biding. A 1.75” strip has been removed from the top of the title page and previous owner’s stamp is on front pastedown and once again in the book. Moderate toning and chipping to pages and boards with some paper loss to pages. In very good condition considering age. Sold for $2,384.
“Journals of Congress, Volume VI” From 1780 — Sold for $1,420
The proceedings of the Continental Congress for the year of 1780 are recorded in this scarce first edition, first printing of ”Journals of Congress, From January 1st, 1780, to January 1st, 1781.” This is the sixth volume in the series of annual Journals chronicling the proceedings of the new nation’s fledgling government, taken directly from the Congressional minutes. Published by Order of Congress, by David C. Claypoole: Philadelphia: 1781. This Journal deals primarily with Congress’ management of the Revolutionary War, including communications with General Washington, Governor Jefferson and diplomats from France, its most important ally. It also chronicles the payment of war debts as well as treatment of soldiers in the military hospitals. Journal runs 403pp. plus index and measures 5.25” x 8.25”. Deckled-edge leaves are bound in paper boards with unfinished surface, not in original leather binding. Loss of backstrip reveals a thin layer of fabric affixed over a ribbed spine. Previous owner’s stamp on front pastedown and once in interior. In very good condition considering age. A precious record of the earliest days of the United States of America. Sold for $1,420.
To auction, sell or consign your Journals of Congress, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).
FAQs
How do I consign or sell my Journals of Congress publications?
It’s never been easier to sell your Journals of Congress at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and images of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.
This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement for your review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.
What factors determine the value of my Journals of Congress?
The value of your item can vary based on condition, provenance and volume(s).