Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm, Baron von. Autograph letter signed to Benjamin Walker, "Steuben," 19 September [1794]

STEUBEN, FRIEDRICH WILHELM, BARON VON

AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED ("STEUBEN") TO BENJAMIN WALKER, RELAYING HIS FRUSTRATIONS OVER A "PROJECT A LA FRANCAIS" AND WISHING FOR A "GOOD AMERICAN FARMER" ON HIS LAND

1 ½ pages (8 ⅞ x 7 ½ in.; 224 x 189 mm) on a bifolium, "Steuben," 19 September [1794], with integral autograph address leaf to "Col. Benjamin Walker Esq | New York," and reception docket; horizontal and vertical folds, some see-through, large seal tear not affecting text, three adhesive residue spots to address leaf. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Steuben on horseback.

"All this nonsense makes a man really sick"

Steuben remained in America following the Revolution, residing in New York City and summering north of Utica on the land granted to him for his military service. The present letter, an entreaty to one of the Major General's closest wartime aides-de-camp, reflects Steuben's worsening financial state in the month's leading up to his death. "This letter will be handed to you by Chas. de Breteau ... He wants land, he wants monney [sic] to clear it, to stock it ... all this nonsense makes a man really sick, and so I am, after all remonstrances against his project, after the disagreeable confession of my own poverti [sic]... If you can convince him of his Error in making such a bargan [sic] you will do a kindness to him and relieve me of a great disquietude."

Condition Report:
1 ½ pages (8 ⅞ x 7 ½ in.; 224 x 189 mm) on a bifolium, "Steuben," 19 September [1794], with integral autograph address leaf to "Col. Benjamin Walker Esq | New York," and reception docket; horizontal and vertical folds, some see-through, large seal tear not affecting text, three adhesive residue spots to address leaf. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Steuben on horseback.

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.