Long Autograph Letter Signed ('Eastnor') from John Somers Somers-Cocks, 2nd Earl Somers, to Sir James Carmichael-Smyth, Governor of the Bahamas, discussing a number of questions including the Reform Bill.

1p., 4to and 12pp., 12mo. The 4to leaf, in which the others (in three bifoliums) were wrapped, carries a black wax seal (damaged on opening) and the address 'His Excellency Major Genl Sir James Carmichael Smyth Bt. Bahama Islands.' Very good, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed to 'My dear Sir James'. He begins by reporting that his family is 'no longer living at the Priory, [...] but we are established, at least our home is established at leamington, where we have built & completed a pretty hunting Box. - We find that place very convenient not only for that amusement but also from its situation'. He goes on to discuss his sons' education. He reports that Dr Longley is bringing Harrow 'into high repute', while 'Charter House has been going down hill & the numbers are much reduced. I heard yesterday from Major Head that your son is now in Devonshire & wet when he hear of him there. - The Major has been again very busy about his Lasso Harness, - and has found the Blues & Life Guards excellent food for practicing upon'. On the subject of politics Eastnor considers 'that this country is not only at present pretty far affected by insanity but likely to go still further. The Duke's great mistake in my humble opinion was "a want of humbug", or in other words possessing more honesty than was consistent with the government of a Country situation as this is, - he did not sufficiently brike the Press - or touch with gentle words influential people'. He now discusses the 'Ultra Tories', the Whigs, and the Reform BIll. 'They, the Whigs, found it was necessary to court popular opinion to keep themselves in, and they have done so with a vengeance by their Reform Question, and by the Dissolution of Parliament [...] on they go, altho I verily believe, horribly frightened at the state into which they have brought the Country. [...] For the last three weeks, we have been fighting night after night in the Committee'. He comments that he is 'heartily tired of London in the Dog Days', before returning to the political question: 'I am inclined to think that the agricultural districts are changing heir ideas about the Bill, but that the Manufacturing districts are as anxious for it as ever'. Regarding the continent he reports that 'the new fortresses in the Netherlands are to be razed, or at least some of them, & a French Squadron is in possession of Lisbon - Leopold is King of Belgium & to marry a daughter of the King of the French - so much for publick news'. He concludes with family and local news.