CLERKE, Francis (fl. 1594). Praxis supremæ curiæ Admiralitatis. London: Apud W. Clarke & Filius, Portugal Street, Lincoln's Inn, 1798. 184pp, 4 1/4 x 7 1/4 in. Signed and inscribed by Philip HAMILTON (1802-1884), youngest child of Alexander Hamilton. (Later paper cover, front and back boards completely detached, heavy wear to spine with some loose pages, toning, light dampstaining.)

Provenance: As indicated by inscriptions, Philip Hamilton to Judge Charles L. Benedict (1824-1901), then Benjamin Lincoln Benedict (1835-1920), brother of Charles Benedict, to Judge Van Vechten Veeder (1867-1942).

Inscribed "To the Hon. Judge Benedict U.S. Dist. Court. Eastern Dist. of N.Y. from his friend &c&c Philip Hamilton." Then below, "To the Hon. Van Vechten Veeder U.S. District Judge With Compliments B.L. Benedict."

Philip Hamilton was the youngest son of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and the namesake of his older brother, also named Philip, who was killed in a duel the year before his birth. Hamilton was a lawyer who served as assistant US attorney, and in private practice with a specialty in admiralty law.