DAVENPORT, Ira (1839 - 1911). Ira Davenport Handwritten Travelogue. 1874. Three leaves in the hand of Ira E. Davenport, one half of the performing duo that brought spiritualism to the modern stage. The penciled notes record show dates, theater names, successes, and failures the Brothers encountered beginning in March of 1874 with their departure from New Orleans to the Caribbean, then to South America, and finally to Australia. Ira writes, in part, "Sailed from New Orleans for Havana March 22, 1874. Gave one seance ... in Santiago crowded house. ... Then to Barbadoes [sic]. Poor business. From there to Georgetown Capital [of] British Guiana 25,000 pop[ulation]. Immense audience." 

Later, commenting on performances in Spain, Davenport writes, "...Saragosa advertised 2 public seances. Gave one to a large but boisterous audience - permit revoked. ... Went to Valencia - great opposition by Catholics."

Though the comments are generally terse, they reveal much about the worldwide success the brothers attained that made their fortunes before William's untimely demise in 1877. In all, a pair of remarkable personal family documents revealing much about the Davenport Brothers and their world tours.