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PATTERSON, the Auctioneer.
In my boyish days, I was much noticed by that walking-library, Samuel Patterson, when he was an Auctioneer, and residing in King-street, Covent-garden, after he had left his rooms in Essex-street, in the Strand, formerly the residence of Sir Orlando Bridgeman.[1] Patterson was originally a Stay-maker; he was a most amiable man, and the best book-catalogue-maker of his time. He was the earliest auctioneer who sold books singly in lots; the first bidding for which was six-pence, the advance three-
- ↑ "The late Mr. John Nichols favoured me with the following card, which may now be considered as a great rarity. Mr. Patterson, at Essex-House, in Essex-street, in the Strand, purposes to set out for the Netherlands, about the middle of the month of May, and will undertake to execute commissions of all sorts, literary or commercial, in any part of Flanders, Brabant, or the United Provinces, with the utmost attention and integrity, upon reasonable terms. Neither is it incompatible with his plan, to take charge of a young gentleman, who is desirous of improving by travel; or to be the conductor and interpreter of any nobleman or man of fortune, in that, or a longer tour, during the summer and autumn vacation from his usual business. To be spoke with every day, at Essex-House aforesaid. 27th March, 1775."
