# - Garibaldi, Giuseppe.

written by English and Spanish officers to Captain John Bingham of the HMS Acorn at Yaguari; Garibaldi's letters signed ("J. Garibaldi"), mainly in English, including one autograph letter in French and another in idiosyncratic English, seeking arms, assistance and provisions, including gunpowder and bread, for his "Nacional Squadron" at Salto, in exchange for intelligence about the situation at Salto and Paysandu, discounting rumours that Urquiza has defeated Paz and triumphally reporting the former's retreat from Corrientes and other victories, commending Bingham's capture of two Argentine whale boats, and regretting the defeat of Joseph Mundell's forces (denied by Mundell); together with about 40 letters in Spanish including several by Javier Gomensoro, Victoriano Camacho, Vicente Viña and others discussing arms and provisions (including livestock) and the capture of deserters and pirates, exchanging intelligence about Garibaldi's adversary Manuel Oribe, and requesting the return of their own ships; together with letters to Bingham by British officers, lists of French subjects and of English subjects on the Isla de Bisquino and in the town of Mercedes



c.110 items in all, folio (c.33 x 23cm.), some integral address leaves, with a contemporary English translation of Garibaldi's letter in French, and another of a letter by Oribe, on guards, contemporary brown paper wrappers (inscribed: Capt E Bingham, H.M. Ship Acorn, Rio de Janeiro, South America...), Salto, Guabillu, Yaguari, Montevideo and Mercedes, chiefly 15 November 1845 to 13 July 1846, some tears and creasing at the leading edges (not really affecting the Garibaldi)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

...I adress you thrugh the Mediam of Liet^t Dench whose galant Service j'recomand to you, likewise the officers and men, under his comand...we are very much in want of stores and provisions, bread especialy which if you have any to spare you whould relieve me greatly by sending it to mi the first oportunity...

These are the earliest letters by Garibaldi we have traced at auction during the last thirty years. Autograph material by him in English, particularly of this importance, is uncommon. Garibaldi was fighting with his volunteers on behalf of the Uruguayan government, resisting the forces of ex-president Manuel Oribe and his Argentine backers. He hoped for support from the British, who were concerned to keep control of sea-trade in the region.