Conrad, Joseph

explaining that he has been away for the first time since his serious illness earlier in the year and that his wife "who has been nursing me for 3 months singlehanded", is now very weak ("...Perhaps you don't know that the poor woman has been greatly handicapped for the last six years by a very painful lameness...") so they are now leading a retired life, 1 page, 4to, headed stationery of Capel House, near Ashford, Kent, 1 July 1910, some residue from previous mount on verso

Collected Letters, IX, p.146

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."

Jane Catherine Cobden-Unwin (1851-1947) was the wife of Thomas Fisher Unwin, Conrad's first publisher (see lots 13 and 14 for letters to Unwin). She was the daughter of the radical politician Richard Cobden and was herself a supporter of progressive causes such as women's suffrage. Conrad was evidently replying to a letter of sympathy following the terrible early months of 1910, when a serious mental breakdown with fits of delirium, in which Conrad conversed with characters from Under Western Eyes, were accompanied by severe bouts of gout.