- 4
Paine, Thomas.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Autograph letter signed, to John Hustler
Writing to establish "if any degree of relationship exists between Mr Hustler and the writer", explaining that his maternal grandmother's maiden name was Hustler and detailing previous investigations into family history, then briefly outlining his own personal history and current employment ("...At present I am engaged, or rather amusing myself in Constructing an Iron Bridge at Mssrs: Walker's Iron Works, after the plan of an Arch intended for a river in America of four hundred feet span..."), 3 pages, 4to, integral address panel, postal markings and remains of red wax seal impression, Rotherham, 12 July 1789, seal tear, fold-tears professionally repaired
"...As to myself the chief part of my time of late years has been spent in America, to which Country I intend to return as soon as I conveniently can..."
Tom Paine introduces himself to a distant relation. This curious letter reveals the great radical agitator and American Patriot investigating his family history. Presumably out of caution when writing to a stranger, he emphasises the respectability of his background. He amiably discusses the Hustler family arms and avoids any hint of revolutionary politics; one would hardly guess from his understated comment about having spent time in America that he had been the revolution's great propagandist. The date of the letter imparts an even greater historical irony to Paine's wish "in about a month's time to go to France": these words were written just two days before the fall of the Bastille, which set in train events that would not only bring Paine to Paris, but take him away once and for all away from England, engineering and family history, and firmly back into the ferment of revolutionary politics.
"...As to myself the chief part of my time of late years has been spent in America, to which Country I intend to return as soon as I conveniently can..."
Tom Paine introduces himself to a distant relation. This curious letter reveals the great radical agitator and American Patriot investigating his family history. Presumably out of caution when writing to a stranger, he emphasises the respectability of his background. He amiably discusses the Hustler family arms and avoids any hint of revolutionary politics; one would hardly guess from his understated comment about having spent time in America that he had been the revolution's great propagandist. The date of the letter imparts an even greater historical irony to Paine's wish "in about a month's time to go to France": these words were written just two days before the fall of the Bastille, which set in train events that would not only bring Paine to Paris, but take him away once and for all away from England, engineering and family history, and firmly back into the ferment of revolutionary politics.
Condition
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."
"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."