ARCHIBALD. A COLLECTION OF 2 LETTERS , ONE MAP AND 42 PHOTOGRAPHS

describing the extreme violence and chaotic scenes of this first stage of the Xinhai Revolution ("Revolt, slaughter, rapine, and incendarism, hitherto unequalled in the world's history except perhaps by the French Revolution, is that has been taking place in Hankow during the past week..."), the initial rebel victory, their orderly behaviour, killing of looters and systematic murder of Manchurians, news of a likely Imperialist counter-attack, the second letter describing the battles leading to the recapture of Hankou by Imperial forces, burning of the city, and tactical errors of the revolutionaries, but nonetheless predicting a rebel victory, with occasional corrections in ink and later proof-corrections in pencil where apparently marked up for publication, 15 pages, 4to, headed stationery of The Caledonian Press, Hankow [sic], 15 October and 5 November 1911[with:] sketch-map of the foreign concessions of Hankou and surrounding territory at the conflux of the Han and the Yangtse rivers, showing the positions of the rebel and Imperial armies, red and black ink, 5 November 1911[also with:]

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."

John Archibald (d.1927), for whom see lots 238 and 242, lived for 53 years in Hankou, an ancient town now subsumed into the megacity of Wuhan. At the time of writing these letters he was the editor of the Central China Post.