Pope, Alexander

regretting that he had not been at home when Mallet and his wife had called the previous evening but hoping that a visit could be arranged in the coming days (“...I expect Lord Bollingbroke this week, but am not certain his day will be so soon as to morrow, as he intends to stay five or six days. If you can dine with him without hurting you, I'll send you word what day...”), 1 page, 8vo, [Twickenham], integral address leaf, “Tuesday night” [?March 1743], splitting at fold, seal tear

The Correspondence of Alexander Pope, ed. Sherburn (1956), vol. IV, p.451

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."

David Mallet (1701/2-1765) was a poet and playwright who had befriended Pope in the late 1720s. He lived in Putney, only a few miles from Twickenham, and the two men remained close until Pope's death. Mallet was also closely associated with Pope's eminent guest, Viscount Bolingbroke - he was Bolingbroke's literary executor at his death in 1751. This letter is one of the last of about twenty surviving letters by Pope to Mallet, and dates from after Mallet's second marriage in October 1742.