PARR (Samuel, 1747-1825, D.C.L., Headmaster and Latinist)

Autograph letter, unsigned, but "with Dr Parrs respects" in his hand in the address, all with transcription, to his friend the Revd Mr Corry, saying he "had written the enclosed when your's came, so I shall enclose it - I answered, that I cannot accept your Brother's v. polite invitation to meet you to day - he had cleared up my misconceptions about Smith ... Benton is with Prendis. He will come back with Mr Dawes - I shall see him & communicate your very kind message", adding his "very best Comp[liment]s to Mrs Corry" and that he "will write to Mr Fry and Brother", written on the cover sheet of a letter to Dr Parr, perhaps addressed in Corry's hand, 2 sides 9" x 7½", no place, probably Hatton, Warwickshire, no date but watermarked small blank portion held by seal

Dr Parr achieved fame as "the Whig Dr Johnson", being known for his appetite for debate and for holding to his friends even when he vehemently disagreed. A schoolmaster at Harrow, he was disappointed of the headship and opened a rival school in Stanmore. He had a wonderful felicity in Latin, and was often applied to for dedications and monumental inscriptions. He wrote the epitaphs for Dr Johnson, Burke, Fox and other statesmen. A good country pastor at Hatton from 1783, he had many friends among the dissenting clergy, including the scientist Dr Priestley and the Revd J. Corrie, who may well be his present correspondent.

Item Date:  1810

Stock No:  53040      £100

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