Uncommon Books and Unusual Manuscripts from Thomas Cullen
- by Michael Stillman
Currier & Ives print of Lincoln assassination.
Item 22 is an 1846 apprenticeship contract between William Brown, of Chatham, Northumberland County, New Brunswick, Canada, and Thomas Maltby, a carpenter. Brown signed a seven-year apprenticeship contract to work for Maltby and learn the trade. However, William Brown was not committing himself to the labor. The contract was signed on behalf of his son, George Brown. $100.
Young Brown may have had it easy. Item 63 is a diary of farmer Abner Woodward of Mount Holly, New Jersey, from 1840-1857. Woodward owned several farms as well as being a landlord. Included among his workers were some indentured servants. In 1843 he notes, "Joel Smith bound himself to me aged ten years eight months until he arrives to the age of twenty one years." It wasn't easy being a kid in those days. $700.
Item 27 is a sad Currier & Ives print. It depicts The Assassination of President Lincoln in 1865. John Wilkes Booth fires his pistol from behind the President as an unaware Lincoln and his wife watch the play in front of them. $125.
You may reach Thomas Cullen, Rockland Bookman, at 716-662-2082 or tomcatt@roadrunner.com
