The American Lawyer and Business-Man’s Form-Book

A manual for the guidance of any and every man in business transactions, in a manner prescribed by law and the usage of trade. [pg. 3]

This fascinating mid-century volume was authored by Delos Beadle and published in New York by Phelps, Fanning & Co. in 1853. It provides a wealth of information to help entrepreneurial spirits across the United States navigate the complex world of law and business transactions.

According to the title’s cleverly designed by-line, the book “contains forms and instructions for Contracts, Arbitration and Award, Assignments, Chattel Mortages, Bills of Sale, Bills of Lading, Bonds, Exchange, Drafts, Promissory Notes, Orders, Receipts, Due-BVills, Conveyances, Deeds, Mortages, Indentures, Satisfactions, Releases, Dower, Leases, Landlord’s and Tenant’s Agreements, Composition with Creditors, Charter of Vessels, Building, Letters of Credit and License, Marriage, Articles of Partnership” – and that’s only the first half!

Of particular interest are the thirty-two double page maps that cover each state as well as the entire U.S. A transitional depiction of the Western Territories, the new state of California, and even the apparent beginnings of a transcontinental railroad are all presented on the maps, which offer a fascinating contemporary snapshot into the geography of America as it rapidly expanding during the 19th century.