Sold for $15,000

41 issues (complete), part I: folio (382 x 237 mm, folded to size);  parts II-XLI: 8vo (192 x 118 mm). (Title to part I backed repairing separations to folds and chipping, some minor browning or spotting.) Modern half calf gilt, edges untrimmed. Provenance: James Ewing (signature, part I title); County of Cumberland (signatures on titles). 

RARE AS A COMPLETE SET IN PARTS OF THE RARE WEEKLY JOURNALS OF CONGRESS

In 1779, the Continental Congress faced a difficult year of financial and supply shortfalls, the British burning of Norwalk and Fairfield Connecticut, and the fall of Savannah.  As the Continental Congress continued deliberations, delegations voiced objections that the Journals were being published only in annual form (see preceding lot), making it difficult for them, during debate, to refer back to actions previous voted upon. In early 1779, it was decided to issue weekly issues of the Journals. The editions were no doubt very limited, and due to their ephemeral nature, few have survived. Evans locates two complete cpoies (at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Library Company of Philadelphia). The American Antiquarian Society online catalogue shows the institution holding only 23 of the 41 issues. A full list of all the issues with pagination and Evans citations is available on request. Evans 16585-16624, 17205.