Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier De Lafayette: Delivered at the Request of Both Houses of the United States, Before Them, in the House of Representatives at Washington. On the 31st of December, 1834

Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1835. Full Description:

ADAMS, John Quincy. Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier De Lafayette. Delivered at the Request of Both Houses of the United States, Before Them, in the House of Representatives at Washington. On the 31st of December, 1834 Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1835.

First edition, regular paper issue. Inscribed by Adams on the front wrapper rather than the inserted slip in front of title-page, which is the usual. Rare in wrappers. Signed "Revd Mr Smith/ from/ J. Q. Adams" Octavo (9 x 5 1/2 inches; 230 x 140 mm). [1]-94, [2, blank] pp.

Publisher's original tan printed wrappers. Some minor wrinkling and creasing to wrappers. Wrapper corners and first few leaves with small dog-eared folds. Some minor light foxing. Housed in a red cloth chemise, with previous owner's armorial bookplate on inside of chemise. Overall a very good copy in the rare original wrappers.

It is commonly known that at the time of the original publication of this book, John Quincy Adams was out of town, so he inscribed to friends on slips of paper that were to be inserted. This fact that this copy is in the original wrappers with the inscription on the wrapper rather than inserted makes this unique and quite desirable.

"Revd Mr Smith is likely Rev. Edward Dunlap Smith pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives.

HBS 69067.

$10,000.