Byron, George Gordon Noel, Lord

complaining that he is in a "torpid stupor", perhaps through bathing in chill water, and discussing Blessington's possible purchase of his schooner, the Bolivar ("...I would take a great deal less than the cost, - and let you have what furniture you want for her, - if you choose to make an offer..."), with a postscript about borrowed clothes ("...the robe does fit..."), 3 pages, 8vo, integral autograph address leaf, Genoa, 1 June 1823, in a purpose-made case with blue morocco spine and blue boards, seal tear resulting in loss of two words, remains of mount

Paul Francis Webster; his sale, Parke Bernet, 28 April 1947, lot 14 (portion; together with a copy of English Bards and Scotch Reviewers in which the letter was then laid in)

Byron's Letters and Journals: Volume 10, ed. Marchand (1980), p.192 (portion only)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

Byron's letter written on the day of his last meeting with Charles, Earl of Blessington (1782-1829), and his wife Margaret (1789-1849). The Blessingtons were glamorous dilettanti whom Byron befriended in Genoa in 1822 and became regular companions in the months that followed. Byron was able to persuade Lord Blessington to buy his schooner as he prepared to depart for Greece. According to Lady Belssington's Journal of Conversations with Lord Byron, at the meeting that followed the evening after this letter was written, Byron "seemed to have a conviction that we met for the last time, and yielding to the melancholy caused by this presentiment, made scarcely an effort to check the tears that flowed plentifully down his cheeks".