Folio (295 x 175 mm). (Some minor soiling or spotting to a few leaves). Modern calf (original sewing holes visible in gutter margin). Provenance: Peter Van Gaasbeck (1754-1797), American merchant and politician (signature on title-page).

FIRST OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE, containing a number of important enactments including the official tally of electoral votes in the first presidential election, President Washington's opening address to the newly-convened Senate, the Judiciary and Treasury Bills, and, on pp.163-164, following a blank page the 12 "proposed amendments" to the Constitution, 10 of which would become the Bill of Rights when ratified by the states. ONE OF THE EARLIEST PRINTED VERSIONS OF THESE HISTORIC AMENDMENTS.

Peter Van Gaasbeck's copy, with his signature.  Van Gaasbeck, a merchant from Kingston New York, served as a Major in the Ulster County militia during the Revolutionary War. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he represented New York in the 3rd United States Congress, from March 4, 1793 through March 3, 1795. Evans 22207; Grolier American 20; Sabin 15551.