Cobden, Richard.

mostly concerning the American Civil War and the Emancipation Society ("...For myself, I can see no issue out of the Civil war, but through a process of exhaustive blood letting & expenditure of treasure, to say nothing of the consequent demoralization which will leave the new world...", 28 August 1861), British public and Parliamentary opinion in favour of the South, the blockade of the warring states, Lincoln's re-election in 1864 ("...they could not have a better leader than the president who first unfurled the flag of freedom..."), black Unionist troops ("...They will never be kicked & cuffed again by the South after they have been drilled & regimented..."), also one copy letter, 56 pages, mostly 8vo, 30 August 1859 to 1 September 1889; with John Bright, 18 autograph letters signed, to William Evans, discussing the American Civil War, British public and political opinion on the cause of Emancipation ("...As to Gladstone, he lives in the tainted atmosphere of Office & of aristocratic society..."), Liberal politics and Evans's attempts to gain a Parliamentary seat in 1868 Parliament, with one letter of condolence to his widow, 68 pages, 8vo, 18 October 1862 to 25 September 1881; also with an autograph letter signed by Baptist Noel, three other related letters, and press clippings

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."

A cache of letters by leading British radicals on the American Civil War. William Evans, a businessman who had spent much time in the USA, was the Chairman of the Emancipation Society, established to counter widespread British support for the South.