Verdi, Giuseppe

written in a characteristically sarcastic manner, remarking on the quite unnecessarily voluminous packet he had received, making him expect to find inside it a diploma or something equally grand, rather than such a useless letter, commending him on enriching the Italian Post Office by putting ten stamps in it, wishing rather that he employed his much-vaunted skills as a man of affairs in securing better deals with the doctor, local traders, the house staff, stable-boys etc, to all of whom he allows far too much leeway, so that they look quizzically at him asking "why do you let your manager act like this?"; Verdi asks him to reply by simply sending a telegram, informing him whether the works are suspended and if the weather is still cold, which would be more helpful than his last telegram saying "Letter received and understood" ("...tu sembri edificato dei tuoi frequenti viaggi, ma se tu avessi saputo fare per esso ribassare il prezzo al Cremonese, o le idee a Barattieri, allora ne vedrei anch'io l'utilità...perchè questa gente non può a meno di dire "Infine il uomo d'affari tratta come Lui?!"...Cosa it pare? Di questo riparleremo!...")

3 pages, 8vo, no place, 16 February 1875

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

Mauro Corticelli was a theatrical agent, working for Adelaide Ristori, who became very friendly with Giuseppina Strepponi.  She hired him as estate manager at Sant' Agata during 1867-1879, but the composer never respected or trusted him, and with good reason as it transpired.  See F. Walker, The Man Verdi (1962), pp.273, 444 & passim