4to (295 x 233 mm). Calligraphic title-page with round portrait of Washington. Comprising some 178 plates and leaves of text (see below). Contemporary navy morocco gilt, stamp-signed by the Adams Bindery. Provenance: William H. Bartlett (calligraphic gift annotation on title-page from Henry A. Smith). 

Chicago grain magnate William H. Bartlett (1850-1918) was a descendant of the Declaration of Independence signer Josiah Bartlett. William H. Bartlett was a cofounder of the Chicago grain firm Bartlett, Frazier & Co., and helped establish the Vermejo Club in New Mexico for the wealthiest and most prominent American celebrities. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor Joseph Silsbee, Vermejo is now owned by media mogul Ted Turner. Chicagoan Henry A. Smith was a print collector noted for his compilations of works about historic figures. The present work was presented to Bartlett and his wife, Mary Wentworth Campbell (1852-1904), and includes periodical publications, engraved portraits and views, photographic reproductions, and facsimile signatures and documents.