MANUSCRIPT LETTER, PROVIDING A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF THE NILE, 5 OCTOBER 1798

giving a detailed account of the Battle of the Nile, which he describes as the "combat le plus étonnant qui ait jamais existé", reporting enthusiastically on the battle and its impact on Napoleon's ambitions, and with other news from London, including an ink and watercolour sketch of the order of battle, in French, 4 pages, folio, integral address panel, London, 5 October 1798, postal markings, seal tear, a portion of the second leaf neatly conserved, some spotting and nicks "...brave amiral NELSON. [...] Nelson qui sentoit sans doute qu'il seroit perdu a voulu prendre sa revenche ; pour cela il a hasardé le tout pour le tout et la manœuvre la plus hardie a eu le succès que son audace seule pouvoit luÿ procurer. Cet evenement est de la plus grande consequence, il peut electriser les puissances continentales, sauver l'Italie et assurer la perte de BUONAPARTE. Sa marche à Suez devient aujourd'huÿ une chimère, reduit à rester dans le Delta, à se fortifier à Damiette ; à y eprouver l'insalubrité de lair à la rentrée des eaux du Nil ; les mauvaises eaux qui deja font des ravages dans son armée, l'indisposition general du paÿs, et celle de son armée ; l'impossibilité d'avoir des secours, la difficulté de communiquer avec la France, et la declaration de guerre de la Porte, tout cela dis-je assure à l'insolent et trop heureux conquérant de l'Italie, le sort que meritoit depuis longtems, son ipocrisie et sa jactance..."

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."

This detailed account of the Battle of the Nile was written two months after the battle. Both author and recipient were evidently émigrés from revolutionary France.