Six Books from the Library of John McKinly (1721–1796), elected in 1777 as Delaware’s First “Governor.”

Captured by the British, books from a prominent Delawarean’s library

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A collection of 18th century books from the library of Ulster-born John McKinly (1721–1796), elected in 1777 as Delaware’s first “governor.” (The word “governor” in quotes as at the time the elected position known as the “President of Delaware” or Delaware’s first Chief Magistrate.) DELCAT returns no physical copies for any of the books listed below.

McKinly’s tenure was brief. He was captured by the British later in 1777 after The Battle of Brandywine. He was imprisoned on British prison ships and later paroled for Benjamin Franklin’s son, William Franklin, the Loyalist Governor of New Jersey.  A physician, McKinly helped found the Delaware Medical Society in 1789. He also served on the Newark Academy’s board of trustees, which school subsequently evolved into the University of Delaware. McKinly’s autograph is rare to auction; the last example we find being upon a manuscript circular sold at Sotheby’s in 1985, signed also by George Read and Thomas McKean.

1. [G.T, of Staple Inne et al.]. The Practick Part of the Law: Shewing the Office of an Attorny, and a Guide for Solicitors in all the Courts of Westminster… London, 1702. Third Edition. Ex-libris: Wilmington Institute. Contemporary binding; full blind-tooled sheep; lacking spine label. Upper board detached; loss to title leaf (not affecting text) and to following leaf. Provenance: “Jno. McKinly, Wilmington” seen twice within. Two ownership inscriptions by “John McClughan 1754”, likely a Delaware colonial militia officer. McKinly served as Sheriff of New Castle County, Chief Burgess of Wilmington, and Delaware Assemblyman (including Speaker) before becoming Delaware’s president.

2. Jacob, Giles. A Treatise of Laws; Or, A General Introduction to the Common, Civil, and Canon Law. In Three Parts… London, MDCCXXI [1721]. Ex-libris: Wilmington Institute. Contemporary binding; full blind-tooled sheep with spine label. Upper board detached and lacking lower board. Provenance: “Jno. McKinly, Wilmington” twice within. McKinly served as Sheriff of New Castle County, Chief Burgess of Wilmington, and Delaware Assemblyman (including Speaker) before becoming Delaware’s president.

3. James, R., M.D. The Modern Practice of Physic; As improv’d by the Celebrated Professos, H. Boerhaave, and F. Hoffman… London, MDCCXLVI [1746]. Volume Two only (of two). Ex-libris: Wilmington Institute. Contemporary binding; full sheep; lacking spine title label. Provenance: “John McKinly M.D.” seen twice within ( one dated 1758) and “Jno. McKinly, Wilmington” seen once. McKinly, a physician, was in 1758 Chief Burgess of Wilmington.

4. Ball, James, M.D. The Modern Practice of Physic: Or, A Method of judiciously Treating the Several Disorders Incident to the Human Body…In Two Volumes. London, MDCCLX [1760]. Volume II only (of two). Ex-libris: Wilmington Institute. Contemporary binding; full sheep; title label. Provenance: “John McKinly Wilmington” seen twice within and “John McKinly, Esqr.” seen once. McKinly was a physician and a militia officer during the French and Indian War of 1754–1763.

5. Hutcheson, Francis, LLD. A Short Introduction to Moral Philosophy… Glasgow, MDCCLXXII [1772]. Fourth Edition. Two volumes in one (continuously foliated). Ex-libris: Wilmington Institute. Contemporary binding; full sheep; with contemporary[?] manuscript spine label; upper board almost detached; lower board detached. Provenance: “John McKinly” seen twice within. Text includes much on natural rights, liberty, and other political topics. In 1773–1774, before the American Revolution, McKinly served as a member of the Delaware Committee of Correspondence.

6. Hales, Stephen. A Treatise on Ventilators. herein an account is given of the happy effects of many trials that have been made of them, which has occasioned their being received, with general approbation and applause, on account of their utility in many ways, to the benefit of mankind, viz.: in refreshing the noxious air of ships, hospitals and mines ... in refreshing the air, and keeping up, and regulating, the warmth of melon and cucumber frames, and hot green-houses : and in several other useful improvements… London: Printed for Richard Manby, and sold by J. Pridden…1758. 8vo. 2 vols. in one. 111, [1], [folding plates I-II]; 346, [Index, 3], [folding plates III-V]. Ex-libris: Wilmington Institute. Contemporary binding; quarter sheep; blue paste paper boards. Provenance: “Jno. McKinly, Wilmington” seen twice within. Spine dried; light foxing; plates very good to near fine. The last auction record we find for this book was worn and broken, sold in 1980 by Sotheby’s, hammer $700. One defective copy is currently offered online for $750. It is interesting to note that McKinly, a physician, was interested in healthy ventilation practices.

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