Communication from the President of the American Antiquarian Society by its President to the Members . . . Together with the Laws of the Society as Revised

Worcester, (Mass.): Printed by William Manning, 1814. 8vo. 210 x 125 mm., [8 ¼ x 5 inches]. 12, 8 pp.  Removed from pamphlet volume.  Remnants of leather spine, final leaf partially loose to text block; title-page discolored, some foxing and light staining throughout. Established October 24, 1812 by Isaiah Thomas, this is the second annual report, which includes  revised by-laws that governed the Society.  The first twelve pages, written by Thomas, outline in five sections the mission and goals of AAS.  He begins by discussion what should be collected.  He views the product of the printing press to include books, pamphlets, newspapers, broadsides and discuss how different an American library will be when compared to the great institutions of England and Europe.  He suggests that membership should be from all the principal towns and cities in the United States.  These representatives should collect local history with the goals of presenting collections from all over the country to the Society.  Be more organized as an institution and have regular meetings so new collections and ideas can be reported to all the members.  Finally to include into membership "gentlemen who reside in various parts of Europe, the Eastindies and China." He concludes with reiteration of the goals of the society:  "Our principal objects are to COLLECT and PRESERVE - that which commands our attention . . ." The final eight pages record changes to the governing body and the by-laws. (Inventory #: 797)