(Louisiana) | Consecutive run of the first seventeen session laws in the new state, 1812–1828

(Louisiana)

[Consecutive Run of Louisiana Laws from the First Seventeen Sessions of the State Legislature, 1812–1828]. New Orleans: 1812–1828

17 vols., 8vo (192 x 124 mm to 240 x 144 mm). A few folding charts; browned, foxed, and stained, some leaves closely trimmed costing page numbers and marginal notes, several holes, including burn damage to one or two volumes costing a few words, and tears with loss affecting text, some small repairs, occasional ink annotations and signatures. Uniform 20th-century buckram, red and black gilt leather labels, paper shelfmark labels; variously soiled and sunned, labels chipped and with some loss.

A consecutive library set of the first seventeen session laws issued after Louisiana achieved statehood in 1812, when the state was at the western extreme of the United States.

The set spans from the first session of the first "General Assembly" or legislature to the second session of the Eighth Legislature. The first volume contains much to be expected from a first legislature, including various proceedings relating to borders, elections, funds, and militias. Understandably, the volumes also address the practice of slavery in the state: during the first session of the legislature alone, two of the twenty-four acts enumerated concern reimbursement from state funds for lost slaves. Towards the end of the run, the eighth legislature passed an act prohibiting the entry of slaves into the state for purposes of sale.

A rare complete set of the laws of this crucial period.

Full listing of volumes and references available upon request.

PROVENANCE

Ink ownership inscriptions to titles of vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 15 — Association of the Bar Library, New York (ink and blindstamps to titles)

Sold as a group, not subject to return.