Beschreibung:

Drake, Francis S.Tea Leaves: Being a Collection of Letters and Documents Relating to the Shipment of Tea to the American Colonies in the Year 1773, by the East India Tea Company. ... Boston: A.O. Crane, 1884 2 vols, 4to (210 x 180 mm). Engraved frontispieces, title-pages, 16 original manuscripts or autographs bound in, 3 manuscript facsimiles, and over 50 portraits, maps and other illustrations, some colored; very lightly browned, occasional small notes in pencil, vol. 2 with repaired tear on p. 335 affecting type. In contemporary half brown morocco over brown cloth, spine with raised bands in 6 compartments, the 2nd and 4th reserved for gilt lettering, others with repeat gilt motif, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers; light rubbing at extremities, hinges of vol. 2 slightly loose. First edition, an extra-illustrated copy, containing 16 original manuscripts signed by participants in—and others associated with—the Boston Tea Party. Extended by the insertion of more than 50 portraits, views, and other plates, as well manuscript and signature facsimiles. Particular highlights include: An autograph document by Samuel Adams, signed ("S. Adams"), informing the Lt. Governor and the Council of newly elected senators; an autograph document from John Hancock signed ("J. Hancock") and dated 9 November 1772, with a request "To deliver the bearer three hundred of pump nails and nothing more", sent to Ebenezer Hancock; among others, including Lord North, Thomas Hutchinson, Thomas Melvill, Joshua Winslow, Mather Byles, Henry Lloyd, and Samuel Gore. PROVENANCE:Doyle New York, 24 November 2014, lot 416Condition reportCondition as described in catalogue entry. The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The