First North Carolina Printing of the CSA Constitution

[First North Carolina Printing of the CSA Constitution] Constitution for the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America

[Confederate States of America (CSA)]

Publication: [Raleigh, NC]: Syme & Hall, 1861. First Edition.

Notes: A scarce early separate printing of the first (provisional) Constitution of the Confederate States of America, in original condition. This document was published for use at the North Carolina state convention that opened on May 20, 1861, and formalized the state's secession from the Union and its joining of the Confederacy under this constitution.

The Confederate States Constitution was printed a number of times and in a number of places in 1861; all are scarce and important documents from the most tumultuous time in American history. Much of the CSA Constitution adapted the articles and amendments of the US Constitution; it also incorporated the 1803 federal law banning the slave trade: "The importation of African negroes from any foreign country other than the slave-holding States of the United States is hereby forbidden" (Section VII.1). This version does not prohibit the Confederate Congress from abolishing slavery; that was added to final constitution a year later.

This edition was published just a few weeks after the outbreak of the Civil War. As part of the formation of a new government in North Carolina, a "convention of the people" was called with 120 elected delegates who met from May 20 to June 28, 1861, when this CSA constitution was printed.

Copies appear to be recorded in three libraries (along with many microfilm versions): Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill (in the vault), and the Virginia Historical Society. REFERENCE: Parrish and Willingham Confederate Imprints, 3380.

[1] 2–13 [14–16: blank] pages.

Edition + Condition: Some spotting to the first page, else a very good copy in self-wrappers; stitched as issued.

Item No: #364025

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