^Lot 483 Robert Burns

Eminent Scottish poet and songwriter (1759–1796) who was a seminal figure of the Romantic movement and whose verses and songs (including ‘Auld Lang Syne’) take a place among the most durable and beloved works in the history of Western literature. Unsigned manuscript fragment in Burns’ hand on an approximately an 8 x 2 slip clipped from a financial document, a penciled notation in another hand indicating a date of November 19, 1788, and the text reading: “sum of thirty six pounds one shilling & sixpence sterlg. being the first half of the sum he owes me for the crop he bought of me in Ellisland farm of this year’s growth in terms of bargain.” The document is signed at the conclusion by the other party in the transaction, David Kelley. In very good condition, with top edge irregularly trimmed (slightly touching a few words), slip mounted to same-sized piece of paper, toning, and a few light stains. Accompanied by a recent color portrait print.