Hamilton, Emma.

an indenture tripartite between Emma Hamilton, Francis Giffard of Upavon, Wilts, and Edward Howard of Golden Square, Soho (a trustee chosen by Giffard), by which Giffard purchases an annuity of £300 from Emma Hamilton in return for the capital sum of £3000, the annuity being secured against Merton Place, bequeathed to her by Nelson, and detailing three previous agreements between her and Giffard, also signed by Giffard (in pencil) and Howard, with a receipt for the sum of £3000 on the reverse signed and witnessed by Sarah Connor and Francis Oliver, 5 vellum membranes (each about 590 x 660mm.) with green ribbon ties and red wax seals, docketed, 24 July 1807, folded with dust staining where exposed



The indebted Emma pledges Nelson's home. "...Whereas the right honourable Horatio Viscount Nelson ... gave and devised unto the said Dame Emma Hamilton ... his Capital Messuage at Merton in the County of Surry and the Outhouses Offices Gardens and pleasure Grounds belonging thereto..."

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Emma Hamilton fell into a spiral of debt after the death of Nelson, and the year after securing this loan she was forced to sell Merton Place. Her witnesses both had close and long-standing relationships with Emma: Sarah Connor was her cousin and acted as Horatia's governess; Francis Oliver had been Sir William Hamilton's secretary in Naples and then Nelson and Emma's go-between, but was later to quarrel with Emma and was probably responsible for the publication of Nelson and Emma's love letters (two letters by Oliver were sold in these rooms on 17 July 2008, lot 10, for £1300).