8vo (230 x 146 mm). Errata leaf. (Some toning and staining, minor marginal chipping). Modern half calf, spine gilt-lettered, uncut (some minor soiling). Provenance: James Ross (1796-1847), U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, Esq. (presentation inscription, a few annotations); Dudley Bell Priester (1923-2017), Mississippi River collector and bibliographer (sold Bloomsbury, 20 November 2009, lot 55E).

JAMES ROSS'S COPY, INSCRIBED TO HIM BY THE EDITORS: "Hon. J. Ross, from the Editors."

FIRST EDITION. Federalist politician and lawyer James Ross represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate from 1794 to 1803. These speeches were delivered on 24 February 1803 in support of Ross's resolution to allow President Jefferson the ability to raise 50,000 troops to seize New Orleans, "vigorously upholding our rights in the disputed territory and advocating their defence [sic], if necessary, by armed force" (Eberstadt). Concerns about the American economy were sparked when Spain revoked America's right to deposit in New Orleans in early 1803 (granted in the 1795 treaty between the two countries) in addition to France regaining control of Louisiana in 1800. The troops solicited in Ross' speech gave U.S. Minister to France Robert R. Livingston the necessary leverage to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. Eberstadt 107-235; Sabin 73360; Servies 773 (calling the New Haven the first edition).