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84 pp. (8vo) 22.7x14.5 cm (9x5½), disbound from larger volume with remains of stitching on spine, recently resewn. First Edition.

First and only edition of one of the classic early American texts on freedom of the press and individual freedom in general. Thomson writes in opposition to the sedition law, which he focuses as an attack on the freedom of the press. The sedition law was one of the "alien and sedition" acts passed by the Federalist congress in 1798 to curb the influence of Jefferson's Republican (now Democratic) party. These laws, which among other features included new powers to deport foreigners as well as making it harder for new immigrants to vote, so turned the public against the Federalists that they lost the election of 1800 and were replaced by Jefferson and his supporters. Sabin 95584; Shaw & Shoemaker 1409