[Dryden, John]--Henrietta, Countess of Pomfret

CALLIGRAPHIC MANUSCRIPT by the Countess of Pomfret in a fine and delicate round hand, on vellum, text on rectos only, greenish-brown ink heightened in red and gold for emphasis, each page with elaborate coloured and gilt borders incorporating wreaths, floral sprays and swags, birds, and lions' heads, surmounted by the Princess Royal's arms in lozange, with the Pomfret coat of arms on the facing verso, silk floral endpapers, in contemporary green velvet, gilt edges, 52 pages, 4to, 1733, in a modern bespoke folding box, lacking ties and with some wear to covers and spine, old auction catalogue entry laid down on front free endpaper, splitting at gutter

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 BEAUTIFUL RELIC OF THE COURT OF GEORGE II. Henrietta Louise, née Jeffreys (1698-1761), was married to Thomas, first Earl of Pomfret. The couple both held positions at court and were favourites of Queen Caroline. This gift to Caroline's eldest daughter Anne, Princess Royal, probably marked her betrothal to William IV of Orange-Nassau. The Countess of Pomfret was a keen diarist with wide-ranging intellectual interests. Another calligraphic manuscript by her was sold in these rooms in 1999 (Books and Manuscripts from the Fermor Hesketh Library at Easton Neston, 15 December 1999, lot 296).