2 1/2 pages (7 3/8 x 4 1/2 in.; 186 x 115 mm), Lasswade [Scotland], 27 December 1847; some spotting in upper margins and lower outer corner, final blank leaf stained at top and bottom from mounting, central fold with residue of mounting without loss. Accompanied by a reproduction of a drawn portrait.

some spotting in upper margins and lower outer corner, final blank leaf stained at top and bottom from mounting, central fold with residue of mounting without loss.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

De Quincey refuses an invitation with elaborate courtesy.

In January 1840 De Quincey's eldest daughter, Margaret began to take charge of her father's affairs and moved the family to Mavis Bush Cottage, Lasswade, 7 miles from Edinburgh. There he continued to contribute historical and political essays to Blackwood's Magazine. In🌜 the present 🌞letter he replies to the Directors of the Glasgow Athenaeum who had invited him to their festival.

"I should not have suffered any business, or a much greater distance, to interfere with my attendance on this interesting occasion, equally attractive by the nature of the purposes which it commemorates &mdas𒐪h; and by the gathering of distinguished men that it will be the means of assembling. But, unfortunately for myself, an illness of a very depressing character, though departed as regards itself, has left behind a nervous agitation making it painful for me to enter any scene of excitement ... I must at the same time,ౠ present my acknowlegements to the Directors for their unanimous resolution of granting me free access to their Reading Rooms and Lectures during any visit of mine to Glasgow for six months dating from the 23rd of November 1847. I need scarcely say how valuable this privilege will be to me in the very probable event of my soon visiting Glasgow again for a couple of months."