Isabel BURTON (1831-1896)

Autograph Letter Signed (“Isabel Burton”) to “Dear Mr. Irwin”, explaining that her husband “was taken suddenly dangerously ill” and “cannot be spoken to”.

1 page 8vo with integral blank leaf, Hotel Windsor, Cannes, 3 March [1887].                      

“My husband was taken suddenly dangerously ill 2 hours before our departure last Sat 26. He cannot be spoken to & I am incapable of ought but his bedside. Write what you like and I will forward it . . .” In a postscript she adds “If I can I shall move him Monday or Wednesday by slow stops towards Trieste. This Riviera disagrees with him. Direct Trieste.”

On 23 February, while the inhabitants and visitors slept, Cannes was hit by an earthquake, followed by a series of aftershocks. The Burtons reacted with remarkable cool-headedness, declining to join in the general panic. However, over the next days it became clear that Sir Richard was far from well. He had, in fact, suffered a mild stroke, which may or may not have been provoked by the stress of the quake. A few days later, this was followed by a heart attack, witnessed by a distraught Isabel. It was generally suspected that these problems were the result of syphilis, which Burton had contracted many years earlier. He was well aware that his health would never recover, but he and Isabel, accompanied by a doctor, made their way back to Trieste in slow stages, arriving there at the beginning of April. The prognosis had been that Burton could expect to live for another five years. In the end, he lived for three and a half years.

Tears at the folds have been repaired. The letter is slightly dusty, but nevertheless in clear and legible condition.

Delivery

Autographs can be delivered worldwide. Delivery costs are calculated at the time of order and items will be sent by the most appropriate means, depending on your location and the value of the item. This will usually be by Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK and Royal Mail Tracked outside the UK. 

The current delivery charges are:

• UK:

  Royal Mail Special Delivery £9.00

• Europe:

  Europe Royal Mail Tracked £15.00
  EU customers should note that, following brexit, local VAT and customs duties may apply to their purchases. 

   USA:

• Royal Mail Tracked £25.00

  Rest of the World:

• Rest of the World Tracked £20.00

   

Export Licensing

Customers should be aware that all letters and documents over 50 years old require an export licence, which may delay delivery by anything from one to three weeks. Signed photographs are not subject to export licence regulations, and can be sent immediately.

There is no charge for the export licence and I will take care of the application, the only inconvenience to you will be the delay.

Authenticity

The authenticity of the letters and documents offered is guaranteed.

Payment

Online sales orders

Payments made via the website are processed by Shopify Inc and can be made using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Telephone sales orders

Items may be purchased by phone. Please contact me using the website Contact Form and I will call you within 48 hours to discuss your requirements. Payment for purchases ordered by phone can be paid upon receipt of the invoice and must be paid within 7 days. Phone orders can be paid by cheque (in pounds sterling only) or bank transfer.

Items will be reserved for one week following the order confirmation and will be dispatched either within 7 days after full payment has been received, or after any required export licenses have been granted.

Returns Policy

Should you be in any way dissatisfied with your purchase, items may be returned within six weeks of delivery and a full refund will be made upon receipt of the returned item. The item must be received by Richmond Autographs in the same condition as when dispatched.  For full details, please read our Terms and Conditions.