Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Felix

replying to a request for a recommendation for a music teaching post, confessing that he overestimates his influence in such matters, and that when on the rare occasion that he was asked to recommend a music teacher, he found to his annoyance, after much to-ing and fro-ing that his choice was not successful, noting that in the last year there has been no similar case, but offering him his full support at the next suitable opportunity ("...Seit mehr als einem Jahr ist mir nicht ein einziger Fall vorgekommen, und so fürchte ich, wie gesagt, daß Sie auf meine Empfehlung u. meinen Einfluß zu grosse Hoffnungen gegründet haben...")

2 pages, 8vo (21.5 x 13cm), integral autograph address-panel, Leipzig, 30 December 1840, seal tear and small tear with loss to lower outer corner of integral, some spotting

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."

UNPUBLISHED. The letter is recorded in the Sämtliche Briefe, vii, no.2936 (untraced) from an auction catalogue: Hoepli & Oppermann, Basel, 28/30 May 1934. Jacob Michael Poley was a member of the Leipzig Gewandhaus orchestra.