Description:

Constitution
Boston, MA, ca. 1788
1788 1st Ed. "Debates, Resolutions and Other Proceedings" of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention
Books

Antique first edition book recording the debates of the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention, titled in full "Debates, Resolutions and Other Proceedings of the Convention of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Convened at Boston, on the 9th of January 1788 and Continued until the 7th of February Following, for the Purpose of Assenting to and Ratifying the Constitution Recommended by the Grand Federal Convention. Together with the Yeas and Nays on the Decision of the Grand Question. To Which the Federal Constitution is Prefixed." 219pp, 4.5" x 7.5", Boston: "Printed and sold by Adams and Nourse, in Court-Street; and Benjamin Russell, and Edmund Freeman, in State Street", 1788. As issued, followed by period ink manuscript index on four succeeding blank pages, bound in modern quarter calf and marbled boards. Pages show light to moderate foxing, but overall condition is very good.

An early printing of the proposed Constitution appears at pages 3-19, followed by the Resolution of Submission and the Letter to Congress dated September 17, 1787, the day on which the delegates signed the Constitution. The Debates and other proceedings, commencing January 9, 1788, begin at page 23, and are reported in detail. Included are not only the yeas and nays, but also the debates and speeches of the delegates summarized to various degrees. Hancock, Adams, Gerry, Ames, King, Sedgwick, Minot, and other luminaries participated in one of the most thoughtful recorded discussions on the foundations of a just republican society, the nature of good government, and the means of protecting citizens against its encroachments.

Massachusetts ratified the Convention on February 6, 1788, proposing amendments that would explicitly guarantee the reserved rights of the States, trial by jury, and other protections. The minority's concerns - about the absence of a Bill of Rights and the overshadowing of local government - and their final gracious assent to the ultimate verdict against them are also reported here.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 7.5"
  • Medium: Books

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000