Rare account of this infamous American and Canadian thief and escape artist. Walter Bates was the sheriff of Kings' County, New Brunswick. Smith was an incredible genius in faking illness, devising puppets and tools, and in feats of strength such as breaking an iron collar around his neck. He has been called a "19th Century Houdini". The first edition was published in 1816; all early editions are rare. Sabin 3947 (1st).