POLITICS

British free trade politician. Offprint from Hansard's Parliamentary Debates, entitled 'Speech of William Ewart, Esq., M.P., on moving resolutions in favour of education. In the House of Commons, Friday, July 17th, 1846.' Printed by G. Woodfall and Son. In letter apologises for late acknowledgment of his correspondent's. 'I have been almost unable to answer the many letters received by me. | I did not fail duly to present the Petition. And I beg you to assure the Petitioners that I feel honoured by having had the charge of it.' Two items,

British statesman, several times Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (DNB). Intimate and interesting communication beginning 'I have only time to say in answer to your obliging note, that I shall be most happy to take you by the hand as soon as is convenient to you, as I trust in God that my poor wife after a most severe fever is this day beginning to recover.

Grubby and stained envelope addressed to Williams with "With a bag." in top left-hand corner. "The proof of your remembrance of your kind promise to me reached me just as I was leaving London, for a few days in this region. | I place your volumes on the shelves of my humble library with real satisfaction: for I am very pleased to have such a Token of your approval of my enterprize, and of your willingness to cooperate in making it a success. I hope to open - without any "ceremony" - possibly even in this month". Before they begin work he will ask him to visit Rowton House again.

Says that Chequers has been "thoroughly photographed twice since our alterations" (1910 and 1917), but that she would be glad to allow Shorter to have other photographs taken. Country Life does not give the Lees copies of these photographs, but does sometimes allow other newspapers to reproduce them. "I remember very well the luncheon at Lord Curzon's about a year ago - Would you care to come to see Chequers before we leave?" The Lees acquired Chequers in 1909, the Chequers Estate Act was passed in 1917 and the couple left in 1921.

Baron Stanley of Alderley, statesman (1802-1869). 22 ALSs and ANSs (“S” or “Stanley”)and 1 AL, third person, 1-4pp., all 8vo except one (4to), to (S. Lucas), political journalist and author, mainly 1853, some undated or n.y., some not mentioning Lucas but almost certainly to him. Stanley is a contributor and more to a journal of which Lucas ispresumably the editor. Their brief, since Stanley was a Whig politician,was presumably to support the Whig cause. (See, however, the ALS toDisraeli described below.) He discusses the articles he is preparing or hasprepared (subjects including: J.W.

Politician and philanthropist (1787-1871). His correspondent has asked him if he will interest himself in the general Turnpike Act during the present session. He says that no interest has been shown in such a thing in Parliament.

Politician (1790-1866). One page, 12mo, on mourning paper. "My dear Sir / As the writer of the enclosed refers to you I hope you will excuse me for giving you the trouble of reading his letters with a view of knowing your opinion of his <?> & character". Signed "Mounteagle". Discoloured and with much of mount still attached to verso.?>

Politician (1822-95), son of the Tory prime minister Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). A biofoliate letter which has been cut into an irregular shape by an autograph collector. The first leaf, 1½ inches by 4½: recto, "Drayton Manor / Oct. 31. 1862 <...>"; verso, "<...> to the stopping of his <...>. Second leaf, 4 inches by 4½: recto, "<...> by great convenience to me & I am extremely obliged. / I am yours most truly / Robert Peel". Paper ruckled, and with glue stains from mounting to the verso of the second leaf, which is docketted.

Conservative politician (1818-87). 2 pp, 12mo. In the handwriting of an amanuensis. "I have promised Mrs Moncrieff, the writer of the enclosed letter, to mention the name of Silas to you. / If you could see your way to meeting her wishes, I should feel grateful to you on her behalf. I am not personally acquainted with Mr. Silas." Signed "Iddesleigh". Creasing from paperclip, and with four pieces of gummed paper adhering to the recto of the blank second leaf.

Politician (1826-93). 2 pp, 12mo. "Sir / In answer to your letter of the 2nd: I agree that the Charing Cross Hotel will be a suitable place for the Kentish Liberal Unionists to meet, and the hours you mention seem convenient: as to the day I think it had better be early in March than February, as there is a better chance of attendance later." Grubby, and with three pieces of gummed paper from mounting adhering to the recto.

Statesman (1831-1907). One page, 12mo. "Dear Sir / Please send my parliamentary papers to Portland Place henceforward. / Yours faithfully / George J Goschen". Traces of mount adhering to blank verso.

Liberal politician (1823-98). 4 pp, 12mo. "The Railway people object strongly to the Post Office Clause in my Railway Bill, & are going to move an amendment to strike it out in Committee. I think it wd. be well if you wd. send somebody to represent the P. O, and to meet two or three Railway Managers here, in order, if possible, to come to some agreement. / If your man wd. write to Mr. Malcolm of the Bd. of T. tomorrow, he wd. arrange for the interview on an early day, perhaps Monday". Biographical cutting attached at foot of verso of second leaf.

(c.1813-1900), wife of the Liberal Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone (1809-98). 2 pp, 12mo. "I am very sorry your note has not been answered. The truth is I am overwhelmed with applications & it is with very great regret that I must refuse your request. / I hope to be in Wells soon & in any case I could not make another engagement." Two spots of glue from previous mounting adhering to the reverse.