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Civic Classics Collection

A special collection that supports ASU's mission of civic education

The American Founding

The Federalist
"The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, as Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787." 2 volumes bound in1. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Published in New York by J. and A. McLean in 1788.
First collected edition containing 85 essays originally published anonymously in New York newspapers. Collected edition features revisions and corrections by Alexander Hamilton. This book contains both volume 1 with essays 1-36 and volume 2, essays 37-85 bound together in 18th-century mottled calf. Spine with leather title panel with gilt lettering and gilt volume numbers in fourth compartment. Gilt borders on spine.
The Federalist was written in order to convince New Yorkers and Americans generally that they should ratify, or give formal consent to, the Constitution, making it officially valid. Many feared that the proposed Constitution... Continue reading
Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia
"Notes on the State of Virginia." Witten by Thomas Jefferson. Published in London by John Stockdale in 1787.
1st edition. A pirated French translation appeared in 1785. The authorized edition was published in Great Britain in 1787.
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George Washington's First Inaugural Address
“Inaugural Address of His Excellency the President [Washington] of the United States, to Congress, April 30, 1789". In "The American Museum for May, 1789." Philadelphia: Printed for Mathew Carey for the year 1798. 1799.
George Washington's Farewell Address
“President's Declination to the People of the United States Delivered by George Washington, September 17, 1796." In the "Independent Chronicle: Universal Advertiser." Boston, Massachusetts. Volume 28, Number 1620, Monday, September 26, 1796.
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George Washington’s Farewell Address is one of the most important statements in American history. It was prepared by . . .Continue reading
George Washington's Resignation Address
"Address of President Washington on His Resignation to the People of the United States." In "The London Times," Wednesday, November 9, 1796, Number 3735.
Alexander Hamilton's Reynold's Pamphlet
"Observations of Certain Documents Contained in No. V & VI of 'The History of the United States for the Year 1796,' in Which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury is Fully Refuted." Written by Alexander Hamilton. Printed for John Fenno by John Bioren in Philadelphia in 1797.
James Thomson Callender's Sketches of the History of America
"Sketches of the History of America." Written by James Thomson Callender. Published in Philadelphia by Snowden & McCorkle in 1798.
Facts and Documents Relevant to Alexander Hamilton's Death
"A Collection of Facts and Documents Relative to the Death of Major General Alexander Hamilton with Comments..." Published in New York by Hopkins and Seymour in 1804.
Daniel Webster's Discourse in Commemoration of Adams and Jefferson
"Discourse in Commemoration of the Lives and Services of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, Delivered in Faneuil Hall, Boston, August 2, 1826." Written by Daniel Webster. Published in Boston by Cummings, Hilliard and Company in 1826.
 

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