ix, [1], 482 pp. 1 vols. 4to
1850 · San Jose [i.e., New York]
by (California)
San Jose [i.e., New York]: J. Winchester, State Printer, 1850. ix, [1], 482 pp. 1 vols. 4to. Contemporary calf, expertly rebacked, retaining original backstrip and gilt leather labels, new endsheets. Calf a bit rubbed. Stains in the early and late parts of the text, else rather clean internally. A good copy. ix, [1], 482 pp. 1 vols. 4to. The first published volume of the statutes of California. Herein are contained some of the basic laws establishing the government and civil operations of the state, including naturalization laws, the acts incorporating San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and other cities, and acts regarding the militia, internal improvements, marriage rights, etc.
Chapter 1 of the Laws establishes the Public Archives; chapter 2 creates the office of the State Printer.
Although the title page bears a San Jose imprint, these laws were actually printed in New York. "The Legislature of 1850, in consideration of having the Statutes and Journals printed at a reduction of 50% from the price of its contract with the State Printer, agreed to allow them to be printed in the east. When Winchester received his appointment, he agreed to this condition and had them printed in New York by J. Craighead of Fulton Street" - Wagner. Cowan, p.610; Wagner, California Imprints 147; Greenwood 167 (Inventory #: 251930)
Chapter 1 of the Laws establishes the Public Archives; chapter 2 creates the office of the State Printer.
Although the title page bears a San Jose imprint, these laws were actually printed in New York. "The Legislature of 1850, in consideration of having the Statutes and Journals printed at a reduction of 50% from the price of its contract with the State Printer, agreed to allow them to be printed in the east. When Winchester received his appointment, he agreed to this condition and had them printed in New York by J. Craighead of Fulton Street" - Wagner. Cowan, p.610; Wagner, California Imprints 147; Greenwood 167 (Inventory #: 251930)