First Anglo-Burmese War.

Siamese translation of the text within a red and gold decorative frame, attested ("A true translation") and signed by James Low, also signed by R. Ibbetson as Secretary to the Government of Prince of Wales Island [Penang], with a red wax impression of the seal of the government of Prince of Wales Island, later endorsed and signed by James Low ("A [Siamese] Copy of the Declaration of War by The British & The Burmese the Counterpart of one given by me to the [illegible] when sent as Envoy"), one sheet (740 x 540mm, watermark "Stacey Wise & Co 1819"), [1824], fold tears

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."

AN ATTRACTIVE AND UNUSUAL RELIC OF BRITISH DIPLOMACY IN THE FAR EAST IN THE 1820S. The First Anglo-Burmese War began when the Madras Presidency of the East India Company issued a Declaration of War against the Burmese court at Ava on 5 March 1824, following a series of skirmishes and disputes on the Malayan border. At this point James Low was sent on a diplomatic mission to try and enlist Thai support for the British. James Low (1791-1852) was a Scot serving in the army of the East India Company who had been transferred to Penang in 1818. He had become an authority on the Thai language, publishing a number of works including A Grammar of the Thai or Siamese Language (1828), which is the earliest surviving example of Thai print. This translation of the British declaration of war was produced by Low to explain British actions to the Thai court. Low's mission was unsuccessful, but he did produce a valuable and detailed report of his expedition through southern Thailand.