Tratado de amistad, límites y navegación concluido entre el Rey Nuestro Señor y los Estados Unidos de América

[Peace treaty between the United States and Spain]

1796. Madrid. Imprenta Real. 4to, (250 x 170 mm). Title page, 54 pp., 2 folding plates with the models of the navigation Passports. Modern calf, front board with an enthusiastic painting of a ship navigating the Mississippi, spine flat lettered and tooled in gilt, within case. Mild foxing, both passports with tears at gutter, but overall fine.

First edition of the important peace treaty signed between Spain and the young United States on 27 October 1795: Manuel Godoy signs for the Spanish side and Thomas Pinckney for the United States.

 

The Treaty was fundamental for the young Republic and the future of Spanish possessions in North America, the articles defined the limits of Florida and Louisiana, establishing the limits between the United States and Spanish territories in North American, and securing for the United States the combined rights for the navigation of the Mississippi and the right to deposit at the mouth of the River. It also allowed American citizens to use New Orleans as a port of deposit and exports without paying taxes. The text is presented in two columns in parallel Spanish and English texts.

 

Dealing with the native population is also addressed, each State was to make sure the Indians stay within their boundaries and refrain from celebrating treaties with them. The two plates are entitled: Modelo del Pasaporte, ó Patente de Mar que se concede á los Buques para navegar en Europa, citado en el Artículo XVII, and Modelo del Pasaporte, ó Patente de Mar que se concede á los Buques para navegar en América, citado en el Artículo XVII.

 

Rare, only two copies with the Passports have appeared at auction in the last 50 years.

 

Palau, 339329; Sabin 96587.

1796

$9,500.00