Considerations on the Embargo Laws, Boston, 1808

1808. A Copy of Daniel Webster's First Publication Owned by One of His Associates [Webster, Daniel (1782-1852)]. Considerations on the Embargo Laws. [Boston, 1808]. 16 pp. Octavo (9-3/4" x 5-3/4"). Stab-stitched pamphlet in recent plain wrappers. Moderate toning, light foxing to a few leaves, "109" and early owner signature of Moody Kent to head of title page. $750. * Only edition. This was Webster's first publication, written when he was 26. It expresses the opposition of New England Federalists to the Embargo Act of 1807, which prohibited American ships from trading in foreign ports. Devised by President Jefferson, this act was intended to punish Britain and France for interfering with American trade while those nations were at war with each other. It was deeply resented in New England and other states that depended on maritime trade. Webster argues that the embargo is unconstitutional because Congress only has the power to regulate commerce. It does not have the power to stop it. Moody Kent [1779-1866] was a successful lawyer and leading citizen who practiced in Deerfield and Concord, New Hampshire. A lifelong bachelor, he was a notable philanthropist who left a large part of his estate to the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane. Kent, Webster and Webster's brother, Ezekiel, also a lawyer and politician, were professional and political associates. See Webster, The Writings and Speeches of Daniel Webster (1903) 16:25, 32, 33. Sabin, A Dictionary of Books Relating to America 102257. Cohen, Bibliography of Early American Law 7560.