RHODE ISLAND, Colony of.. The Charter Granted by His Majesty King Charles II, to the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence-Plantations in New England, in America ... [Bound with:] Acts and Laws of the English Colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence-Plantations, in New-England, in America. Newport: Samuel Hall, 1767. Folio. (11 1/4 x 7 inches). 15, [1, blank], [2], 3-272, [2]pp. Publisher's marbled paper wrappers. Hazard (early signature at head of title).

Rare American printing of the laws of Rhode Island: from the library of the Hazard family.

The laws of Rhode Island were first published in Boston in 1719, with the second revision following in 1730, being the first to be published in the colony, printed by Benjamin Franklin's older brother James. Preceding the present printing of the laws, i.e. the fourth revision, is a printing of the colonial charter of Rhode Island, renowned for its religious toleration and protection of the Native Americans. A separately-issued 46pp. Table (printed the following year) is occassionally found bound in the rear, but is not present here; this copy with the rare final leaf, often lacking, comprising a resolve of the session of May, 1767 repealing an Act passed in 1746 requiring all freemen to take an oath against bribery and corruption. According to the records of the General Assembly, only 200 copies were printed of this edition.

This copy from the library of the Hazard family, among Rhode Island's most influential first settlers and possibly belonging to Jonathan Hazard (1744-1824), who served in Washington's army during the Revolution, a member of the Continental Congress, and later as a member of the state House of Representatives and a delegate to Constitutional Convention.

Alden 374; ESTC W6505; Evans 10749; Sabin 70514.