24 volumes, large 8vo (265 x 165 mm). Half-titles, illustrated. EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED BY THE ADDITION OF APPROXIMATELY 360 PLATES AND 87 DOCUMENTS (see below). 20th-century navy blue crushed levant gilt, top edge gilt, others uncut. Provenance: Mrs. D. C. Cleveland (presentation inscription window-mounted to half-title); H. W. L. Cleveland (note).

PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE EDITOR JARED SPARKS: "Mrs. D. C. Cleveland, with the kind regards of Jared Sparks."  With an additional inscription of H. W. L. Cleveland memorializing the gift of these volumes from his mother to him.  [Also with:] SPARKS. Autograph letter signed ("Jared Sparks"), to A. B. Durand.  Cambridge, 26 July 1833. Sparks writes the engraver about the engraving of the plates for the work: "You had better send me a proof of the profile, before you finish it..."

ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS NEATLY BOUND IN THROUGHOUT, INCLUDING CORRESPONDENCE FROM SEVERAL AMERICAN HISTORIC FIGURES, including: WASHINGTON, Bushrod, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Autograph endorsement signed ("Bushrod Washington"), Richmond, July 4th 1795. Accomplished lower margin of 3 1/2-page manuscript document signed by John Taylor, 30 June 1795. "I concur in opinion with Col. Taylor upon the principle points which arise in this case; except that I am inclined to think that only a half of the £3,000 will be considered as land, and the Balance as slaves & stocks..." -- MORRIS, Robert, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of the Confederation, and the U. S. Constitution. Autograph note signed. Philadelphia, 30 October 1794. Regarding a payment to Thomas Fitzsimmons. -- McHENRY, James, Signer of the U. S. Constitution. Autograph note signed ("James McHenry"). Baltimore, 1 April 1804. Regarding a payment to David Caldwell. -- PINCKNEY, Charles, Signer of the U. S. Constitution. Manuscript document signed as Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to the Court of Madrid. -- STODDERT, Benjamin, first Secretary of the Navy. Autograph letter signed ("Ben Stoddert"), to an unnamed recipient. Georgetown, 7 January 1793. -- And others.  Complete list available on request.