Two letters from Warren Hastings to Sultan Muhammad Said, Governor of Malacca, with accompanying letter of explanation, India, 1781

Comprising two letters in Arabic, the first 17 lines to the page in black ink on gold-sprinkled paper, with outer margins filled with gold flowers, ruled in gold; the second 17 lines to the page in black ink, on paper decorated with applied gold leaf squares, both letters signed 'W Hastings' and mounted on paper, remnants of envelope with seal impressions, mounted on blue paper, accompanying letter in English dated 1852 written in copperplate in dark brown ink

"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."

These two letters, each written in Arabic by Warren Hastings (1732-1818), the Governor General of India, provide a fascinating insight into the administrative affairs of the European Colonies in south-east Asia in the eighteenth century. At the time of writing these letters, the small Malaysian state of Malacca was ruled by the Dutch, who had previously wrestled control of the port city from the Portuguese in 1641. However, in 1824 the Anglo-Dutch Treaty resulted in the Dutch ceding Malacca to the British, who administered their control via the East India Company.

In the present two letters, Warren Hastings expresses a desire for "a good understanding between the two governments which the French & Dutch were endeavouring to interrupt" (as explained in the explanatory letter in English). The letters also contain information regarding various on-going conflicts in India, "in which French Dutch & English were concerned."