Second Post-Civil War Legislature
A Journal of the Proceedings of the Senate of the State of Florida at the Second Session of the Legislature
Notes: The record of the state senate's second legislative session after Florida had adopted a Reconstruction constitution. Much of the journal is occupied by disputed election results. In his message to the legislature, the Republican governor, Harrison Reed, offers encouraging words about the post-Civil War progress being made: "The newly enfranchised citizen of color sits side by side with his white fellow, without antagonism, in the Cabinet, the halls of legislation, the jury box, and on the Boards of Commissioners... The change since your last session is marvelous, and calls for grateful recognition" (p. 7).
Reed's view of Florida's racial future was overly optimistic. In just a few years, the legislature would enact numerous discriminatory laws, ushering in the era of Jim Crow and the KKK.
This legislative session opened on January 5 and ended on February 1, 1869.
The Senate journal is followed by administration reports from the Comptroller and other state officers. 164 (journal), 20 (reports) pages.
Edition + Condition: Front cover (self wrapper) cracked and repaired with tape on the verso; last leaf chipped; else contents generally very good. Finely bound in three-quarter's leather and marbled paper-covered boards. The spine has raised bands and is stamped in gilt. A truly lovely period-style binding.
Publication: Tallahassee, FL: Edward M. Cheney, State Printer, 1869.
Item No: #361609
Price: $200