Colonial America
1744-1758 Acts of Assembly Province of Pennsylvania
1774-Dated, Acts of Assembly, Province of Pennsylvania for 1744-1758, Large Volume, entitled, "Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the Province of Pennsylvania," Philadelphia: printed by Henry Miller, 1774, internally Choice Very Fine.
This large, original printed book measures 14.5” x 10” and contains 856 historic pages. It has the complete Pennsylvania records from October 15, 1744 to September 30, 1758, containing all of the Votes of the Assembly, Speeches by various governors of the period, Treaties with Indians and various issues with the tribes, plus correspondence with governors of other colonies, and messages to and from the King of England. Within, Benjamin Franklin's name appears many times, including special sundry payments including for Authorized Issues of Paper Money, which were printed for the colony by Franklin in his famous print shop.

Of historic note, pages 280-81 records a letter in French (with English translation) from the Commandant of the French forces in Ohio discussing the recent visit of George Washington who had ordered delivered a letter to the French from Governor Dinwiddie. This letter shortly predates the French and Indian War. On pages 638-39 is the record of the start of the Pennsylvania Hospital, showing Benjamin Franklin as president. It lists all expenses, and a 14 month list of patients' names and ailments, including "Negro Plato, lunatic, cured and discharged August 9th."

The back book plate reads, "Property of Washington County Historical Society, presented Nov. 1905." It has its original board covers, being intact and in rough worn condition, the front being loose, the back fully attached. The internal pages are bold, well printed and quite nice, crisp with some minor expected toning. Pages 225-236 are partially disbound, and all of the pages are present, with no tears or omissions. A remarkable, historic American Colonial era official record of the Province of Pennsylvania.