Plain Matters of Fact, Undenied and Undeniable. One at a Time - "Constructive Journies."
Richmond, VA: Richmond Enquirer, 1828. 57 pp. Sm. 4to. Paper-covered boards, red morocco spine label, gilt title. First edition thus. A very good unopened [uncut] copy with armorial bookplate on front pastedown, notations on verso of second blank, light scattered foxing on first few leaves and fore edge of later leaves. Amer. Imprints 33355. Anderson: William Branch Giles, p. 242. Item #40945
Published as a series of twelve pieces critical of Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams in the Richmond Enquirer of 1828. Though the author of first eight pieces was given as "Quaerist" and the next three were signed "Publicola," the author was William Branch Giles (1762-1830), a congressman, senator, and political writer, and an active anti-Federalist. "After Adams and the Federalist majority in Congress enacted the Alien and Sedition Acts, Giles left Congress in protest. He thought that, through these acts, the Federalists were attempting to make it a crime to criticize and to oppose them. He believed the acts clearly compromised the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and, by extending the legal jurisdiction of the federal government, threatened states' rights," (ANB). Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams were guilty of the same error he argued. Provenance: John and Clara Brockenbrough (bookplate).
Price: $300.00