Apr 16, 2026 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
152
James Wilson's speech explaining the principles of the U.S. Constitution
[U.S. CONSTITUTION]
The London Chronicle. London: 22 November 1787. Issue no. 4847. The complete 8 pp., issue of the newspaper, printed in black in three columns, paginated 489-96. Removed from a binding, 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches (29 x 22 cm), housed in a folding cloth chemise and clamshell case with morocco lettering label. Some light soiling, somewhat irregularly trimmed but not affecting text, an original duty stamp to an internal leaf.
This issue of The London Chronicle reprints the account of the signing of the U.S. Constitution by delegate James Wilson that was printed originally in the Pennsylvania Herald on 9 October 1787. This is the first printing of the speech in England. The text of the Constitution appeared just a few weeks prior in issues 4834 and 4835. A nice presentation.
Sold for $640
Estimated at $200 - $300
Includes Buyer's Premium
[U.S. CONSTITUTION]
The London Chronicle. London: 22 November 1787. Issue no. 4847. The complete 8 pp., issue of the newspaper, printed in black in three columns, paginated 489-96. Removed from a binding, 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches (29 x 22 cm), housed in a folding cloth chemise and clamshell case with morocco lettering label. Some light soiling, somewhat irregularly trimmed but not affecting text, an original duty stamp to an internal leaf.
This issue of The London Chronicle reprints the account of the signing of the U.S. Constitution by delegate James Wilson that was printed originally in the Pennsylvania Herald on 9 October 1787. This is the first printing of the speech in England. The text of the Constitution appeared just a few weeks prior in issues 4834 and 4835. A nice presentation.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, Apr 16, 2026
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Successful Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 Surpasses Expectations
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Thomas Jefferson Letter Commenting on Toussaint Louverture Achieves $32,000
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
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We Invite You to Contact Us for Complimentary Auction Estimates of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY – Doyle's auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 saw international competition drive strong results throughout the sale and a total that surpassed expectations.
Thomas Jefferson Letter on Toussaint Louverture
Highlighting the sale was a fascinating 1802 letter from Thomas Jefferson as president to Maryland Governor John Francis Mercer that achieved a strong $32,000. The remarkable letter captures a rare, candid moment in which Jefferson assesses, with striking clarity, the arrest of Toussaint Louverture, a leader of the Haitian Revolution, by French General Charles LeClerc, Napoleon’s brother-in-law. Jefferson perceptively warned that LeClerc’s actions would erode trust and likely spark further racial conflict—an insight that proved remarkably accurate. Beyond its sharp political foresight, the letter reflects the broader anxiety the Haitian Revolution provoked in the United States, which contributed to decades of diplomatic isolation of Haiti.
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Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
