Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address and Alexander Hamilton’s Federalist Papers Come to Auction

The upcoming sale at RR Auction will feature Thomas Jefferson’s first inaugural address to Congress, from March 4, 1801. Printed on silk, the rare broadside by Jefferson is an affirmation of the principles of American politics and philosophy. Jefferson argued that the divisive 1800 election reflected a real revolution in terms of government principles and its form as of 1776. The new president had to adopt both a conciliatory and authoritative tone in his first official address, which is considered a seminal speech in American politics. His inaugural address presented a statement of American ideals in memorable and moving language— notably the phrase “entangling alliances.” About five copies of President Jefferson’s inaugural speech are known to exist. 

Another top lot in this sale is a first edition copy of The Federalist. Also known as the Federalist Papers, this book is a collection of 85 essays written between October 1787 and May 1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. It was written in support of the new Constitution, which the Federal Convention adopted on September 17, 1787. In addition to New York, The Federalist played a significant role in establishing the Federal Constitution throughout the country. Interested collectors can also consider Albert Einstein’s signed letter on Unified Field Theory, Abraham Lincoln’s signed first edition of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, and John Quincy Adams’ signed letter on slavery. A total of 100 lots are available in this event. To view the complete catalog of the Remarkable Rarities sale and to find other online auctions, visit Bidsquare.