Stuart, Charles (later Baron de Rothsay).

autograph manuscript with extensive daily entries forming a complete narrative of a seven-month journey beginning in the Western Isles, travelling to Jura, St Kilda, and Lewes, then returning to the mainland and onwards to Denmark, visiting Zealand and Copenhagen, then around southern Sweden including to Malmö, Kristianstad, Jönköping, Linköping, Stockholm, Uppsala, and Gothenburg, overland to Christiania (Oslo) in Norway, exploring the surrounding countryside including the silver mines of Kongsberg, to Laurvig (Larvik), and home (delayed by shipwreck off the coast of Norfolk), 217 fols (c.430 pages), the principle text on the rectos with additions, notes, dates, and places on the facing versos, corrections and revisions throughout, with 16 additional related documents inserted including passports, letters of passage, sketch maps, printed maps with route marked, and musical notation of two Gaelic folk tunes, 11 July 1799 to 13 February 1800, folio, calf, boards lightly scuffed

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."

An exceptionally informative, varied, and detailed unpublished record. Stuart writes of hearing Gaelic folk songs on St Kilda ("...Our Rowers entertained us much during the whole passage by their incessant talking & from time to time sang Gaelic songs in chorus the melodies of which we all agreed to be both uncommon & beautifull they beat time with their oars..."), being shown the treasures of the University Library at Uppsala, including the famous Codex Argentus, and vividly describes travelling by sledge through snowy Norwegian mountains on Christmas Day and enjoying the festive hospitality of local villagers.

Charles Stuart (1779-1845) had just completed his studies at the University of Glasgow and was shortly to enter the diplomatic service. His companions on this journey included his close friend Henry Brougham (later Lord Chancellor), the artist George Sanders, and the physician and botanist James Millar.