Beschreibung:

Adams, John QuincyOration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier de Lafayette. Delivered at the Request of Both Houses of Congress… at Washington on the 31st of December, 1834. Washington: Gales and Seaton, 1835 8vo (216 x 135 mm). Blank sheet inserted at front (as is typical for inscribed copies). Contemporary full red morocco, covers ruled in gilt, flat spine tooled and lettered in gilt, green endpapers; lightly soiled, a few minor chips to spine. In a red morocco-backed slipcase with cloth chemise. First edition, thick paper issue, in a presentation binding, inscribed by John Quincy Adams on the inserted sheet to Isaac McKim The former President of the United States and Harvard professor of rhetoric delivered this great oration to Congress to commemorate Lafayette's important contribution to American Liberty. Adams' oration was read before both Houses of Congress on 31 December 1834. The Appendix prints the proceedings initiated by Adams on 21 June 1834 "to consider and report by what token of respect and affection it may be proper for the Congress of the United States to express the deep sensibility of the Nation to the event of the decease of General Lafayette." The resolution was passed unanimously. Two issues of this work were published, on regular paper and on thick paper (as here), with the latter generally bound in elaborate full morocco bindings like the present. Presented to Isaac McKim, who served as aide-de-camp to Gen. Samuel Smith during the War of 1812, and later served in the House of Representatives as a Congressman from Maryland. REFERENCECelebration of My Country 174; American Imprints 29946; Sabin 295