- 124
Besant, John
Estimate
300 - 500 GBP
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Description
- Besant, John
- Narrative of the Expedition under General Mac Gregor against Porto Bello: including an Account of the Voyage... by an Officer [John Besant], who miraculously escaped. London: C. and J. Ollier, 1820
- paper
FIRST EDITION, small 8vo, 56pp., original blue boards, uncut, printed paper label on the upper cover, expertly rebacked
Condition
A good copy, expertly rebacked
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
MacGregor had gone to Caracas in 1811 to aid in the struggle for South American independence. He served under Simon Bolivar (having married his niece), leading his troops with brilliant success.
"In late 1817 he embarked for England to recruit men for Bolívar's army. He had little difficulty enlisting unemployed, discharged servicemen in London and Dublin by promising them lavish rewards of cash and land in America. However, instead of sailing to rendezvous with Bolívar, MacGregor in 1819 launched two ill-judged independent forays against Spanish strongholds in Panama and Colombia. Each ended in disaster, with great loss of life [as related here]" (ODNB).
Rare. There are no records of this work selling at auction on ABPC or AE. The work is sometimes listed under Gregor MacGregor, the commander of the expedition.