Political Essays. A Series of Letters Addressed to the People of the United States
Canandaigua [NY]: J.D. Bemis, 1812. First Edition. 12mo, 215x pp, in original full leather with gilt spine label. A sound, very good copy with edges rubbed, some chipping and toning to endpapers, previous owner's name ink-stamped on top edge of text block. Pickering (1745-1829), who served as Secretary of State under Washington and John Adams and as a U.S. Senator from 1803 to 1811, was an ardent Federalist and vocal opponent of Jefferson and Madison. In 1804 and several times thereafter, he urged the establishment of a northern confederacy (to include New York and New England) to counteract Jefferson's political power and protect New England's commercial interests. This collection of essays, composed as Pickering campaigned vigorously against war with Britain, expresses his views on a variety of topics, including the failures, miscalculations, and deceptions of Jefferson and Madison; the Embargo Act; and the perils associated with the looming war. Sabin 62657; Howes P-339 (noting that this was the first bound book printed in Western New York.). Item #18044