Description:

Benjamin Disraeli 3 Signed Envelopes, with Vicar's Archive of 7 Letters to Son

A group of eight envelopes, five hand-addressed by Benjamin Disraeli, with three signed on the address page at the lower-left corner "D." All addressed to Reverend and Mrs. Henry Blagden, the vicar of Hughenden. Most of the envelopes are mourning stationery.

Accompanying the envelopes are seven letters, along with a handwritten biographical manuscript. Five of the letters are from Reverend Blagden to his son, Neville, dating from 1886 to 1900, relating to Neville's studies at Oxford University. All are boldly signed "Henry Blagden." The remaining two letters were composed by Richard Bragg Blagden, dated November 12 and December 20, 1775, from Petworth, Sussex. Bragg Blagden (1715-1781) was a prominent local clergyman of Chichester. Excerpts from the letters include the following:

6pp, dated October 16, 1886; Hughenden Vicarage: "…the memory of my own start at Cambridge & experiences of College Life came vividly back to me - but this one thing cheered me; both dear mother & I feel such perfect confidence in you. In all your school life, we have never had anything but comfort over your conduct & steadiness & with all my soul I hope, pray, & believe that you will maintain this priceless possession all through your career, for nothing will bring you such sure & lasting happiness…"

4pp, dated February 23, 1889; Hughenden Vicarage: "…My Church History Lectures drag most terribly. I have done four out of the six, can you tell me where I can find the best account of the part wh. the University took in the Great Educational Movement of the 14th Cent?..."

2.25pp, dated January 9, 1900; Brighton: "I am indeed glad to hear that you have decided to accept Greenham for I am well assured that you have not done so without earnestly asking for guidance, & now that it has been vouchsafed, it is a pure matter of faith that you should follow it, & never allow a doubt of the rightness of yr. choice. Be assured, our most earnest & prayers will be with you…"

With the letters is an 8pp, no place, undated manuscript. It is a handwritten biography of Benjamin Disraeli, written in an unknown hand. The short biography references Disraeli's connection with the Vicarage and his last days before his death. Reading in part: "From 1869 when he appointed Revd HB to the living. The Manor & Vicarage being close together with Park, his warm friendship was valued, matters of historical interest being shared in common…In 1872 his great sorrow fell upon him the death of Lady B, who had been his inseparable companion (see Letter) & she shared in his love Hughenden/spending many hours inspecting the woods, superintending the Church &c…In 1880 the retirement from active work caused him to be more at Hughn he said the peace enabled him to realize beauties he had scarcely observed before in the hurry of Parliat life 'I feel in a state of apathy!' About March 18th he took a severe cold, sitting out in the Flower Walk in the Park, the wind was bitter but the sun warm. During four weeks of suffering (see papers) he passed peacefully away on Ap 19th. Universal desire of the Queen & nation was expressed that he shd be laid in Westr Abbey but in respect of his own expressed wish, he was buried in the Vault he had built in Hughn Ch. Yard, where rest the bodies of Lady B, his Bro. James & Mrs. Brydges Willyams, his friend of early days…"

Two unidentified small photographs also included in the lot. The letters have flattened mail folds, with varying degrees of toning, soiling, and foxing throughout. Boldly signed by Blagden. Light edge toning and foxing to the biographical manuscript. Heavy foxing to the first page. The envelopes have expected wear, with light toning and soiling.

Hughenden Church, now called St. Michael and All Angels' Church, is located in Buckinghamshire, England. Disraeli is closely associated with this Anglican church: he lived at nearby Hughenden Manor between 1848 and his death in 1881; he was interred in the churchyard there, and Queen Victoria erected a monument in the church chancel to her former Prime Minister in February 1882. Reverend Henry Blagden (1832-1922) served as the Vicar of Hughenden Church between 1868 and 1893. Blagden proved himself a conscientious prelate, overseeing fundraising for much-needed repairs of the church and also establishing village schools. Over the 16-year period of their relationship, Disraeli would serve two terms as British Prime Minister, in 1868 and between 1874-1880.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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