- 7
Hamilton, Sir William.
Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Two autograph letters, to William Compton
- ink on paper
discussing tension in Naples following the overthrow of the short-lived Parthenopaean Republic including criticism of King Ferdinand, speculating on the wider European political situation, and also writing of personal affairs of himself and his wife with several references to Lord Nelson ("...our great ambition woud be to return home with our glorious Hero of the Nile, our Dear Friend..."), 11 pages, 4to, Palermo, 26 September 1799 and 12 February 1800, one letter splitting at fold, slight dust-staining
Informative letters from the controversial final years of Hamilton's mission to Naples "...If Lord Nelson & my advice was attended to the Court wou'd already have been at Naples; and a General Pardon have taken place after a sufficient number of Examples had been made and the City purged of its foulest humours..."
Informative letters from the controversial final years of Hamilton's mission to Naples "...If Lord Nelson & my advice was attended to the Court wou'd already have been at Naples; and a General Pardon have taken place after a sufficient number of Examples had been made and the City purged of its foulest humours..."
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
William Hamilton and his wife were crucial in persuading Nelson to take his widely criticised role in the Neapolitan counter-revolution of 1799. In these letters, however, Hamilton's support for the restored monarchy is somewhat lukewarm. His correspondent, William Compton, had been a fellow resident in Naples.