- 2
Hume, David
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description
- Hume, David
- Two autograph letters signed, to Thomas Cockburn
- ink on paper
the first informing Cockburn that he cannot purchase the annuity previously discussed and asking if instead he could inform him of "a good Bond" that will meet his terms; the second letter informing him that he is "very well pleasd with the Bond you mention; and send you on this Lead a Bill on Coutts & Coy for three hundred pounds" and asking him to send the bond "to my sister in Jacks Land", 2 pages, 4to, the earlier letter with integral address leaf with remains of red wax seal impression, postal markings and free frank signature of James Veitch, MP, docketed, Lisle Street, Leicester Fields, London, 23 December 1758 and 30 January 1759, the earlier letter rendered fragile from damp with tears and some paper loss (not affecting text)
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."
Catalogue Note
These two unpublished letters show Hume making arrangements for his personal finances with a prominent Scottish lawyer. Thomas Cockburn (1723-87) of Rowechester, Berwickshire, became Deputy Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. During the period covered by these letters Hume was lodging in London checking the proofs of his History of Great Britain, the work that would provide him with financial security for the rest of his life. As he was away from his Edinburgh home, Hume asks that the Bond be sent to his sister Katherine. Brother and sister lived together in a small house in Jack's Land, in the Canongate area of Edinburgh's Old Town, and shared their financial arrangements.