The Laws of the Territory of Louisiana. St. Louis: Joseph Charles, 1808 [but 1809].

The first substantial North American book printed west of the Mississippi River, from the library of St Louis’s fourth mayor. According to Streeter, "though these Laws have the imprint date 1808 and are No. 1 in the American Imprints Inventory for Missouri, a statement on p. 373 of Frederick Bates, Secretary of Louisiana, regarding the Laws, is dated 29 April 1809." Sabin 42246; Howes L504; Streeter 1838.

Octavo (212 x 125mm). Lacking title and 2 leaves, Ccc2 and Hhh3, with title in facsimile bound in and xerox facsimiles of other two leaves laid in (leaf S2 with major paper flaw affecting marginal notes and a bit of the main text, some light dampstaining and spotting). Modern sienna morocco by Sangorski and Sutcliffe. Provenance: marginalia indicating which laws had been repealed (some trimmed) – John Fletcher Darby (1835-1841, fourth mayor of St Louis and Missouri congressman; inscription on interior page).