Johnson, Samuel--Forbes, Sir Willliam, 6th Bt

petitioning Johnson to revise his epitaph of Oliver Goldsmith for Westminster Abbey, and to translate it into English, written within a circle and with 12 copy signatures around the outer margin including of Edmund Burke, Joshua Reynolds, Edward Gibbon, R.B. Sheridan, and William Forbes, one page, with a note on the verso in Forbes's hand ("...I copied this from the original in the hands of the Bishop of Limerick [...] a fac Simile of the Subsription is in Mr Boswell's Life of Johnson: but the remonstrance itself, which is written (tho' not composed) by me, is not a fac Simile..."), 305mm circumference, late 18th century, framed and glazed, torn at folds

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."

Forbes sent a copy of the round robin to James Boswell, together with an explanation: 

"This jeu d'esprit took its rise one day at dinner at our friend Sir Joshua Reynolds's. All the company present, except myself, were friends and acquaintance of Dr. Goldsmith. The Epitaph, written for him by Dr. Johnson, became the subject of conversation, and various emendations were suggested, which it was agreed should be submitted to the Doctor's consideration. But the question was, who should have the courage to propose them to him? At last it was hinted, that there could be no way so good as that of a Round Robin, as the sailors call it, which they make use of when they enter into a conspiracy, so as not to let it be known who puts his name first or last to the paper. This proposition was instantly assented to; and Dr. Barnard, Dean of Derry, now Bishop of Killaloe, drew up an address to Dr. Johnson on the occasion, replete with wit and humour, but which it was feared the Doctor might think treated the subject with too much levity. Mr. Burke then proposed the address as it stands in the paper in writing, to which I had the honour to officiate as clerk." (Boswell, Life of Johnson, eds. Hill & Powell (1934), vol. III, pp.83-84).