PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, AND DAILY ADVERTISER.|THE

Philadelphia, PA: (John Dunlap and James C. Claypoole), 1788. unbound. folio. unbound. unpaginated. Seven issues of The Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser. This set includes November 20, 1787 (No. 2743); November 21, 1787 (No. 2744); December 1, 1787 (No. 2753); January 23, 1788 (No. 2798); January 26, 1788 (No. 2801); February 2, 1788 (No. 2807); and February 9, 1788 (No. 2813) Each issue with four unnumbered pages, text presented in four columns.



The major historical significance, and the unifying theme, of this collection is that it contains the first notices of the publication and marketing of Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, the only book length work published by Jefferson. The November 20, 1787, issue includes an announcement by publishers Prichard and Hall that Jefferson's work is "now in the press," and describes its format. The November 21, 1787, issue includes another notice with brief extracts of Jefferson's comments. The issue of December 1 repeats the announcement of November 20, but notes that "this work" had "established the fame of the author, as a philosopher and a man of letters." The January 23, 1788, includes the formal notice of publication ("This day is published. . . ."). The issue of January 26 repeats the announcement of January 23, as do the issues of February 2 and 9.



This collection includes a number of other important news events of the day. One such matter was the debate over ratification of the proposed United States Constitution, completed by the Philadelphia convention on the previous September 17. The issue of November 20 notes the convening of the Pennsylvania ratifying convention in Philadelphia on that date. It also includes a fictional dialogue between a "Mr. Grumble" and a "Mr. Union" about the merits of the proposed Constitution. The issue of November 21 also includes comments on female education and runaway slaves. The issue of December 1 notes a resolution by the Maryland House of Delegates calling on that state's delegates to the Philadelphia convention to appear before the House to report on its proceedings. The issue of January 23, 1788 reports on Connecticut's ratification of the Constitution, the fifth state to do so. The issue of January 26, 1788 reports on the illness of John Hancock of Massachusetts, but also praises his "truly federal" sentiments, expressing hope that Hancock would be able to attend the ratifying convention in Boston. The February 2, 1788 issue noted the publication of the first volume of debates of the Pennsylvania ratifying convention, which had completed its work in December 1787. And the February 9, 1788 issue includes a column by "A Connecticut Farmer" lauding the convention in his state for its speedy ratification.



Removed from bound volume, some issues with chipping or separation at spine, but very good overall.