This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
[ITINERANT PERFORMERS] DAVID PARRY, AGED 35 YEARS … HUMBLY BEGS LEAVE TO PRESENT YOU AN ACCOUNT OF HIS MISFORTUNES. London: J.V. Quick, Printer, 36, Bowling green Lane, ca. 1831. Letterpress handbill for a traveling orator. Set in various types, with a decorative border of ships, illustrated with a woodcut of Parry driving a cart.
In his account, Parry states that after sailing from Liverpool to Quebec, he slipped through a crack in the ice while climbing ashore in Gaspee Bay and was trapped for two days. Two men from another vessel happened to discover him, and his legs were amputated “by the carpenter & sailors, with common instruments, as there was no surgeon on board.” 101/8 × 7¼". Hinged to mat board. Scattered spotting; discoloration and soiling to lower corner.