Beschreibung:

Dallas, A[lexander]. J[ames].Reports of cases ruled and adjudged in the courts of Pennsylvania, before and since the Revolution. Philadelphia: T. Bradford, 1790 (Vol. I); Aurora Office, 1798 (Vol. II); J. Ormrod, 1799 (Vol. III); P. Byrne by Fry and Kammerer, 1807 (Vol. IV) 4 volumes, 8vo (226 x 133 mm). Title to each volume; browning, foxing, and occasional dampstaining, some contemporary markings and marginalia. Full contemporary calf, covers bordered in blind; boards of Vol. I detached, rebacked (vols. II and IV) or spines and joints restored (vols. I and III), overall rubbed with occasional loss, browning and chips to endleaves. In custom half blue morocco slipcases and folding chemises, spines gilt-lettered; a few scuffs and instances of soiling. First editions — the first published reports of the United States Supreme Court Volume I is made up of cases in Pennsylvania, which preceded the establishment of the Supreme Court. The subsequent volumes contain the Supreme Court cases, ending with the seat of government's move to Washington, and John Marshall assuming the chief justiceship. Alexander Dallas was born in Jamaica, and came to the U.S. as a young lawyer in 1783. He quickly rose to political prominence, serving as Secretary of Pennsylvania, district attorney under Jefferson, and Secretary of the Treasury under Madison. As one of the chief lawyers arguing before the Supreme Court, he decided to collect and report its cases, as well as those of Pennsylvania's courts. PROVENANCE P.A. Knox (inscription and stamp, vol. I) — James Kinsey (ownership inscriptions, vols. II-IV) — Hudson County Bar Association (various stamps, vols. II-IV) REFERENCEDAB V:36-38. ESTC W33792; Evans 33598, 35374, and 22445; Federal Hundred 27