- 270
# - Audubon, John James.
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Fine long autograph letter signed ("John J. Audubon"), to a subscriber and friend in York, Elizabeth Fothergill
informing her that John Heppenstall of Upperthorpe, Sheffield, will send her the first 24 numbers of "our little Work" [probably the first octavo edition of Birds of America], for which he had been mistakenly informed he had a subscriber in Sheffield ("...as these numbers were proofs I hope that you will be pleased with them...the continuation of the numbers up to no. 46 or 47 will be forwarded to you by way of London in a few weeks..."), and giving instructions for payment; he also reports receiving letters from her nephew "along with a Box containing several Valuable quadrupeds", sends her family news ("...our House 9 Miles from this City is growing fast towards being finished. We hope to remove to that lovely spot on the 1st of May next..."), invites her to spend a summer with them and "partake of...this Land of abundance" ("...we have an Oyster Bank within 40 yards of us...Abundance of the finest fish that the noble Hudson River affords, and the shades of superb Pines, Tulip trees and Chestnut trees that any one can wish to have, and all this within 9 miles only of the constant turmoil, humbug and fallacy of this World! We have called our New Place, 'Millies Land' in honour and regard to my own ever dearly beloved Wife Lucy..."), and gives a detailed description of the house and its idyllic surroundings, concluding with a reflection on the reported distress in England and, by contrast, the opportunities of America ("...the one who will work for one week, may actually receive as much as will suffice for him and his if he has any for one month – If you believe me, there is no Country thus far equal to ours in the World!...")
"...Think of the moon bright rays falling upon the tranquil waters of the Hudson, and create to your minds eye, the whole group, sitting in the front Piazza, drinking their refreshing Cups of Tea, laughing and gay, and listening as the red of day declines behind the opposite hill, to the trill notes of my beloved 'Wood Thrush'!..."
3 pages, 4to, integral address panel, postal marks, New York, 28 December 1841, remains of seal in black wax, seal tear, traces of mounting (not affecting text)
"...Think of the moon bright rays falling upon the tranquil waters of the Hudson, and create to your minds eye, the whole group, sitting in the front Piazza, drinking their refreshing Cups of Tea, laughing and gay, and listening as the red of day declines behind the opposite hill, to the trill notes of my beloved 'Wood Thrush'!..."
3 pages, 4to, integral address panel, postal marks, New York, 28 December 1841, remains of seal in black wax, seal tear, traces of mounting (not affecting text)
Condition
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."
"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."