GULLY, JOHN INK SIGNATURE (1835)

John Gully (21 August 1783 – 9 March 1863) was an English prize-fighter, horse racer and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1832 to 1837. Gully was visited in prison by a friend, Henry Pearce, a well-known prize fighter who was nicknamed "the Game Chicken". An informal match was arranged between them, which took place in the prison; as a result, Gully's debts were settled. On 8 October 1805, Gully was again matched against Henry Pearce, before the Duke of Clarence (later William IV of the United Kingdom) and numerous other spectators. After fighting twenty eight rounds, which occupied an hour and seventeen minutes, he was beaten. In 1807, he twice fought Bob Gregson, the Lancashire giant, for two hundred guineas a side, winning on both occasions. The foremost prizefighting reporter of the period, Pierce Egan, recorded their battle of 14 October 1807: ‘Gregson’s strength was manifest to his opponent, who endeavoured to ward off its potent effects by his thorough knowledge of the science, and Gulley put in another dreadful facer, which made the claret fly in all directions, when Gregson fell' (Boxiana, vol. I). Having bought Ackworth Park near Pontefract, he was Member of Parliament (MP) for the Pontefract constituency from December 1832 to July 1837. In 1862 he purchased the Wingate Grange estate and collieries. A street in Wingate, County Durham is named after him. Gully died at Durham on 9 March 1863. His body was returned to Ackworth where he was interred with his daughter. Offered here is an ink signature of John Gully.
This is an ink signature, signed in fountain pen on blank white paper and dated March 31, 1835. Glued to an album page with Gully's name atop. One fold. Minor edge wear. Date stamped outside Gully's signature. 3" x 5 3/4."