[Sir James Graham, Home Secretary.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J R G Graham') to the Attorney General [Sir Frederick Pollock], discussing action to be taken on the 'Charities applicable to Education' following a debate in the House of Commons.

2pp., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, with slight discoloration to reverse of second leaf, which also bears traces of mount along one edge. Addressed, on reverse of second leaf, to 'The Attorney General | &c &c &c | J R G Graham'. This letter - an unusually detailed survival for a communication from one officer of state to another during this period - concerns a House of Commons debate on the 'Moral and Religious Education of the Working Classes', held on 28 February 1843, and extensively reported in The Times, 1 March 1843, pp.3-4. During the debate frequent references were made to conditions in Manchester, of which Engels must have been aware while the writing his 'Condition of the Working Class in England' between September 1844 and March 1845. Graham writes: 'We had a discussion on Education in the H. of Commons on Tuesday night. Charles Buller and Sir George Grey both spoke of Charities applicable to Education, and referred to a Bill on the Subject to be introduced by Ld. Cottenham. I think they both had heard of your measure in Parker's hand, and wished to forestall it. We had better advance it's [sic] preparation: and as soon as you return to London we must look to it carefully, and consider it in Cabinet. I was disposed to think, that the sooner we

forward this measure the better, if it be well matured and quite sound in Principle. | I should not be disposed to push this doctrine of

too far: for instance I would not apply to Education Funds destined for charitable Doles, even tho' this appropriation may not be the most useful or desirable.' Action was clearly taken: among the notices of motions in the House of Commons order book on 3 April 1843 is 'Sir George Grey. - Bill for the better application of certain charitable trusts for the purposes of education.'