America.

Letter to the Most Noble Thomas, Duke of Newcastle, on certain points of the last importance to these Nations. London: H. Whitridge, 1746, first edition
[Egmont, John Perceval, Earl of] An Examination of the Principles, and an inquiry into the Conduct, of the Two B*****rs... London: A. Price, 1749, fifth edition, revised and corrected, with half-title, half-title and final leaf torn and repaired
[Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of] An Apology for a Late Resignation in a Letter from an English Gentleman to his Friend at the Hague. London: John Freeman, [1748], first edition
A Letter to Lord Robert Bertie, relating to his conduct in the Mediterranean, and his defence of Admiral Byng. London: R. Griffiths, 1757, first edition, with half-title
[Alexander, William, later Earl of Stirling] The Conduct of Major Gen. Shirley, late General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in North America. London: R. and J. Dodsley, 1758, first edition, with half-title, final table leaf, [Sabin 80544]
[Shirley, William, attrib.] Memoirs of the Principal Transactions of the Last War between the English and French in North America. London: R. and J. Dodsley, 1757, first edition, [Sabin 80550
[Franklin, Benjamin] The interest of Great Britain considered, with regard to her colonies, and the acquisitions of Canada and Guadaloupe. To which are added, observations concerning the increase of mankind, peopling of countries, &c. London: T. Becket, 1760, first edition, additional 2pp. at the end, [Sabin 35450; Ford 268; Howes J26], final leaf torn at inner margin; 8vo (190 x 128mm.), later half calf, marbled boards, top edge gilt, some leaves slightly torn or soiled

James Maidment, armorial bookplate; probably acquired by the 5th Earl of Rosebery at the sale of Maidment's library by Thomas Chapman & Son, Edinburgh, April-May 1880 

The antiquary James Maidment (1793-1879), an ancestor on his mother's side of the Dutch patriot John van Olden Barnveldt, attended Edinburgh University between 1810 and 1816 and was called to the bar in June 1817. A specialist in genealogical inquiry, he subsequently became a good friend of Sir Walter Scott and other men of letters, and wrote many works on Scottish historical, literary and antiquarian subjects. Often published anonymously and in limited editions, some of these had bawdy or erotic content, and soon became rarities. Maidment assembled a fine library of over 5,000 titles. The sale of his surviving library in Edinburgh in April and May 1880 took place over fifteen sessions, raising around £4,500.

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

The pamphlet on the Conduct of Major Gen. Shirley is sometimes attributed to Shirley himself, but ESTC and Sabin record that it was probably written by his secretary William Alexander, later Earl of Sterling. It relates to the war in America and the attack on Niagara.

Benjamin Franklin's The Interest of Great Britain Considered is now firmly credited to him, having previously been attributed to Richard Jackson, although, "as Franklin himself seems to have acknowledged, he received some help from his friend and ally..." (The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, 1966). In assessing the likely British victory in the French and Indian wars Franklin debates which is the most valuable territory for Britain to retain: Canada or Guadeloupe.