c1850 President Millard Fillmore’s Presentation Copy — The Seat of Government of the United States, 1848
Varnum, Joseph B. Jr. The Seat of Government of the United States: A Review of the Discussions, in Congress and Elsewhere, on the Site and Plans of the Federal City; with a Sketch of Its Present Position and Prospects. Also, a Notice of the Smithsonian Institution. New York: Press of Hunt’s Merchants’ Magazine, 1848. First edition.
A historically significant presentation copy inscribed at the head of the original printed wrapper:
“President Fillmore / from the Author.”
This copy was presented by author Joseph B. Varnum Jr. to Millard Fillmore, 13th president of the United States, most likely during Fillmore’s presidency from 1850 to 1853. Published two years before Fillmore entered the White House, the inscription establishes a compelling association between two prominent New York Whigs.
Varnum’s work traces the congressional debates that determined the location of the permanent national capital, examining competing proposals, the selection of the Potomac site, Washington’s plans for the Federal City, the construction of public buildings, and the capital’s prospects for future growth. It concludes with an early account of the newly organized Smithsonian Institution and its mission to increase and diffuse knowledge.
Joseph B. Varnum Jr. was a Yale-educated attorney, political writer, New York legislator, and speaker pro tempore of the New York State Assembly. His political and personal association with Fillmore adds particular relevance to this presentation.
Approximately 69 pages, with index. Original printed wrappers. The inscription is attributed to the author; it is not a signature of Millard Fillmore.
Condition: Original wrappers show expected age toning, scattered staining and soiling, edge wear, creasing, and abrasion along the spine. Interior pages remain generally clean and legible, with occasional toning and minor spotting. Offered as photographed.
Varnum, Joseph B. Jr. The Seat of Government of the United States: A Review of the Discussions, in Congress and Elsewhere, on the Site and Plans of the Federal City; with a Sketch of Its Present Position and Prospects. Also, a Notice of the Smithsonian Institution. New York: Press of Hunt’s Merchants’ Magazine, 1848. First edition.
A historically significant presentation copy inscribed at the head of the original printed wrapper:
“President Fillmore / from the Author.”
This copy was presented by author Joseph B. Varnum Jr. to Millard Fillmore, 13th president of the United States, most likely during Fillmore’s presidency from 1850 to 1853. Published two years before Fillmore entered the White House, the inscription establishes a compelling association between two prominent New York Whigs.
Varnum’s work traces the congressional debates that determined the location of the permanent national capital, examining competing proposals, the selection of the Potomac site, Washington’s plans for the Federal City, the construction of public buildings, and the capital’s prospects for future growth. It concludes with an early account of the newly organized Smithsonian Institution and its mission to increase and diffuse knowledge.
Joseph B. Varnum Jr. was a Yale-educated attorney, political writer, New York legislator, and speaker pro tempore of the New York State Assembly. His political and personal association with Fillmore adds particular relevance to this presentation.
Approximately 69 pages, with index. Original printed wrappers. The inscription is attributed to the author; it is not a signature of Millard Fillmore.
Condition: Original wrappers show expected age toning, scattered staining and soiling, edge wear, creasing, and abrasion along the spine. Interior pages remain generally clean and legible, with occasional toning and minor spotting. Offered as photographed.
