Lot Essay
[2], 37, [1] pp.
![CALIFORNIA. [NEVE, FELIPE DE (1724-1784).] Reglamento para el Gobierno de la Provincia de Californias. Aprobado por S.M. en Real Orden de 24. de Octubre de 1781. Mexico: Felipe de Zuniga y Ontiveros, 1784.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/NYR/2017_NYR_14998_0038_001(california_neve_felipe_de_reglamento_para_el_gobierno_de_la_provincia041537).jpg?w=1)
![CALIFORNIA. [NEVE, FELIPE DE (1724-1784).] Reglamento para el Gobierno de la Provincia de Californias. Aprobado por S.M. en Real Orden de 24. de Octubre de 1781. Mexico: Felipe de Zuniga y Ontiveros, 1784.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/NYR/2017_NYR_14998_0038_000(california_neve_felipe_de_reglamento_para_el_gobierno_de_la_provincia095056).jpg?w=1)
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CALIFORNIA. [NEVE, FELIPE DE (1724-1784).] Reglamento para el Gobierno de la Provincia de Californias. Aprobado por S.M. en Real Orden de 24. de Octubre de 1781. Mexico: Felipe de Zuniga y Ontiveros, 1784.
The first edition of the first printed laws of Upper California is a testimony to California’s unique and long history of secular governance. These laws written by Felipe de Neve, governor of the Californias in 1779, remained in use throughout the Spanish colonial period and the Mexican period until American occupation with a few land-holding regulations remaining in effect as late as the Gold Rush. Though the laws were put into effect in October of 1781, they were not printed for distribution to relevant public officials until March of the following year. In the 15 ordinances found in this document Neve sought to administer California more efficiently. With this new legislation Neve worked to improve Californian defenses and to guard against potential forays by the English or French in the north. In support of this objective Neve also moved his residence from Loreto to Monterey in 1777, establishing the new capital in Alta California. Notable, is Neve’s ordinance mandating the curtailment of the religious power of Fra Junipero Serra’s Franciscan missionaries. The successfully restriction of the mission’s powers opened the door to the addition of presidios and civil settlements, most eminently Los Angeles in 1781. The prospective settlement of Los Angeles (not named) as well as the founding of San Jose ("San Joseph") is described in Article 14. Also included within Neve’s laws is the enactment of several anti-corruption measures and, most significantly, a treatise on the privileges and duties of California settlers. Barrett Baja California 4359; Cowan II, p 526; Howes C-60; Medina 7503; Wagner Spanish Southwest 166; Zamorano 62.
Folio (284 x 186mm). Woodcut arms on title-page (upper right corner with dampstain, manuscript number partially erased on title, last leaf bound a bit . Modern leather.
The first edition of the first printed laws of Upper California is a testimony to California’s unique and long history of secular governance. These laws written by Felipe de Neve, governor of the Californias in 1779, remained in use throughout the Spanish colonial period and the Mexican period until American occupation with a few land-holding regulations remaining in effect as late as the Gold Rush. Though the laws were put into effect in October of 1781, they were not printed for distribution to relevant public officials until March of the following year. In the 15 ordinances found in this document Neve sought to administer California more efficiently. With this new legislation Neve worked to improve Californian defenses and to guard against potential forays by the English or French in the north. In support of this objective Neve also moved his residence from Loreto to Monterey in 1777, establishing the new capital in Alta California. Notable, is Neve’s ordinance mandating the curtailment of the religious power of Fra Junipero Serra’s Franciscan missionaries. The successfully restriction of the mission’s powers opened the door to the addition of presidios and civil settlements, most eminently Los Angeles in 1781. The prospective settlement of Los Angeles (not named) as well as the founding of San Jose ("San Joseph") is described in Article 14. Also included within Neve’s laws is the enactment of several anti-corruption measures and, most significantly, a treatise on the privileges and duties of California settlers. Barrett Baja California 4359; Cowan II, p 526; Howes C-60; Medina 7503; Wagner Spanish Southwest 166; Zamorano 62.
Folio (284 x 186mm). Woodcut arms on title-page (upper right corner with dampstain, manuscript number partially erased on title, last leaf bound a bit . Modern leather.