Letter from Mrs. Latrobe to Mrs. Dolley Madison

Lower right corner gone; creases.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Autograph letter signed ("M E Latrobe"), 1 page, no place or date, to Dolley Madison, politely, if rather boldly, inviting herself and her daughter to take tea with the First Lady, who had worked closely with Benjamin Latrobe to complete and decorate the White House. Mrs. Latrobe writes, My dear Mrs Madison if you are alone this evening--that is, without invited company, I will with your permission bring my little Julia and take tea with you! Mr. Latrobe has gone to the Marble Quarries for some days and I shall enjoy nothing so much as in his absence an hour or two in your Society. In a postscript, Mrs. Latrobe urges Mrs. Madison again to let her know if she is previously engaged.