1 page (8 x 5 in.; 203 x 126 mm), Windlesham, Crowborough, Sussex, 6 January 1916, on letterhead with his address; formerly folded, some marginal soiling. Accompanied by a photographic portrait.

Sold at Sotheby's 15 November 1988, lot 1644 (unnamed consignor)

formerly folded, some marginal soiling
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.

"Why should we not buy all the German ships in American ports?"

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle helped organize a local volunteer force, covered the war as a correspondent, and later wrote a six-volume history of The British Campaign in France and Flanders (1920). In the present letter he is doubtless writing to a contact in the Admiralty, with a useful suggestion to restock Britain's inventory of merchant shipping: "I had an idea recently which perhaps is worth sending on — since even if it is impracticable it can do no harm. We are short of merchant shipping. Why should we not buy all the German ships in American ports? It could no doubt be affected through an American intermediary without the seller knowing who the real p🍌urchaser was. It is trading with the enemy but if the value of the ships to us is greater for war purposes than the money to them, it is surely good ꦡpolicy."