Beschreibung:

WASHINGTON, D.C., Library of Congress -- Catalogue of the Library of Congress. December, 1830 . Washington (D.C.): Printed by Duff Green, 1830. 8 o (228 x 139 mm). (Some minor marginal browning.) Original cloth-backed pink boards, printed label on spine (library marks on spine). Provenance : The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (presentation inscription Samuel Smith President pro tempore of the Senate on front free endpaper and autograph letter to him); Joseph M. Gleason (bookplate). PRESENTATION COPY FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS, of the second catalogue of the Library of Congress, issued after the destruction of the first library resulting from the British bombing of the Capitol in 1814; NUC only records three copies of it, describing it as "Classified Catalog, representing about 16,000 volumes. Supersedes the catalog of 1815 (Jefferson's library) and its supplements." This copy was presented on behalf of the Government by Samuel Smith (1752-1839), military commander during the War of Independence and the 1812 War, and at that time Senator of the U.S. Congress, in his capacity of president pro tempore of the Senate in reciprocation of the Duke's gift of "the catalogue of his library" (Charles O'Connor's two-volume Catalogue of the Manuscripts in the Stowe Library, 1818-1819, already listed on p. 244 of the catalogue). On the first flyleaf there is a scribal dedication "To the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos, with the best respects of his most obt. Serv. (signed in autograph:) 'S. Smith, President pro tem. of the U. States Senate.' City of Washington, March 3d, 1831". It is accompanied by an autograph letter signed from Smith addressed to His Highness, the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos (2 pages, 8vo), which reads: "Sir, Through Mr. Hughes the Library of the U. States received a catalogue of your library. May I (be) permitted to have the honor to present your highness with the Catalogue of our library. It has been found (sic) since the burning of 1814. It is increased annually by our appropriation of 5000 dollars. I have the honour (sic) to be your highnesses Most Obedient Servant, S. Smith Washington 3 March 1831." The Duke has added below the address (the leaf of which is laid down on the inside front cover): "From the Organ of the Republican Government!!! B & C" He was apparently amused to be addressed as Highness, the title due to a Royal or foreign prince, instead of "Your Grace", the address due to a British duke.