first edition Pamphlet
1799 · Portsmouth NH
by Payson, Seth, A. M., pastor of the church at Rindge
Portsmouth NH: John Melcher, printer to the state, 1799. Pamphlet. 23p., calendared paperstock with deckle edges, bare signatures fastened with thick old thread through stab-holes, floret devices open and close the text. Entire pamphlet was at one time folded lightly in quarters, concluding leaf (verso blank) has suffered some crumpling and short closed tears, item now reasonably flat. A better than reading copy. Laid in is a scrap of old paper from the same stock bearing an impression of the device that opens our text, here enclosing the legend "Election Sermon, 1799" plus holograph figures that suggest this is Melcher's receipt for the job. Note that pagination is so ordered that the pamphlet starts with title at "p.3," may indicate an absent half-title. (Inventory #: 170745)