Second Post-Civil War Legislature
A Journal of the Proceedings of the Assembly of the State of Florida at Its Second Session
Notes: The record of the state assembly's second legislative session after Florida had adopted a Reconstruction constitution. 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.
The longest sections of the journal are occupied with state-funded schools, railroad issues, and a long motion to censure the governor.
This legislative session was "begun and held at the Capitol in the city of Tallahassee, on Tuesday, January 5th, 1869" and ended on February 1, 1869.
The Assembly journal is followed by administration reports from the Comptroller and other state officers. 164 (journal), 20 (reports) pages.
Edition + Condition: Front cover (self wrapper) spotted and chipped; last leaf with a long crack; contents otherwise 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: #361610
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