F. MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY, AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED TO ERICH VERKENIUS, 22 JUNE 1838

ABOUT TWO OF HIS LATEST COMPOSITIONS, THE VIOLIN SONATA IN F, Q 26, AND THE SERENADE AND ALLEGRO, OP.43 (MWV O 12), describing his homeward journey and his joy at seeing his wife and first-born child again, the latter now grown 'fat and round', mentioning Ferdinand David, noting that he feels better now that he been able at last to get some proper sleep, although he still feels somewhat exhausted and must rest a good deal, discussing at length arrangements for the forwarding of some musicians' compositions which he has agreed to look at, noting that he has been quite busy since his arrival, expressing his wish that he [Verkenius] might a commission a work from him, so that he might be able to express his gratitude for their friendship ...Ich bin seit meiner Rückkunft ziemlich fleissig gewesen, habe eine Sonate für Clavier und Violine fertig gemacht, u. ein Adagio u. Rondo für Clavier. Ich wollte, Sie bestellten sich einmal ein Stück bei mir, damit ich mich doch auf irgend eine Weise erkenntlich zeigen könnte...  3 pages, 4to (23 x 20.2cm), autograph address panel, some later pencil and blue crayon annotations, small seal tear, not affecting text, postal stamps, Berlin, 22 June 1838, light browning

Sämtliche Briefe, vi (2012) 2035: published from a transcript

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."

Verkenius was the President of the Committee for the Lower Rhine Music Festival.  After conducting at Cologne, Mendelssohn spent the summer in Berlin, where his wife Cécile met his family for the first time. Mendelssohn's first child Karl Wolfgang Paul (1838-1897), mentioned here, had been born earlier the same year, on 7 February.