Description:

Benjamin Disraeli's Last Illness Described by His Closest Friends in a Fascinating Archive of About 20 Items

An archive recounting the last illness, death, and funeral of British politician Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881). In the first group of correspondence dating from the Spring of 1881, Disraeli's close friends Sir Philip Rose and Montagu Corry, 1st Baron Rowton send regular bulletins about Disraeli's declining health to his friends and neighbors from Buckinghamshire, the Reverend & Mrs. Blagden. The second group of correspondence in this archive does not mention Disraeli specifically, but is related to the Blagden family.

The archive contains nearly 20 letters, envelopes, telegrams, and other documents written by a half a dozen authors, ca. 1881-1934. Condition is generally very good to near fine, with expected folds and light wear. Isolated closed tears, loss, and weathering. The average size of the letters is 4.5" x 7.125."

After Disraeli's second term as British Prime Minister ended in April 1880, his health deteriorated. He had suffered from chronic asthma and gout over many years, but developed bronchitis in March 1881. His condition alternately improved and worsened over the following month. Disraeli died at his Mayfair, London home of 19, Curzon Street on the morning of April 19, 1881 at the age of 76. Public grief was universal, from Queen Victoria, distraught from losing one of her favorite advisers, to even William Gladstone, Disraeli's greatest political rival.

The archive is not exhaustively described and should be closely inspected. Please refer to catalog images for further details.

The archive is comprised of:

First Group

This group comprised of 9 letters, telegrams, and an invitation to Disraeli's funeral service at Hughenden Church, ca. April 6, 1881 - June 2, 1881, were almost all addressed to Reverend Henry Blagden (1832-1922) and his wife Isabella Blagden née Searight (1844-1923). Blagden served as the Vicar of Disraeli's local Anglican congregation, Hughenden Church (now St. Michael and All Angels' Church) between 1868 and 1893. Arranged in chronological order.

- 19, Curzon Street, London, April 6, 1881. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Sir Philip Rose, 1st Baronet (1813-1883), Disraeli's old friend, adviser, and lawyer for the Conservative Party. In a letter addressed to Reverend Blagden, Rose writes: "I am thankful to be able to report a decided progress. The disease has been arrested, and only weakness remains…we may now hope by God's blessing that he may be restored for a few years more…"

- 19, Curzon Street, London, April 7, 1881. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Sir Philip Rose and addressed to Mrs. Blagden.

In part, "The hopes I telegraphed to you last night have been cruelly disappointed. Lord B had a relapse in the night of so alarming a character that Lord Barrington + I were hastily summoned by the Doctor at 3.30 and reached the House soon after 4. - We remained in the adjoining room, within hearing + at times within sight of our dear friend + at the time with but a slender hope that he would again rally… It was very very painful to hear him crying out 'Let me go home, let me go home, you don't know what you are doing in keeping me here +c.' God grant his Home may be one of perfect Rest…"

George Barrington, 1st Viscount Barrington (1824-1886) was a fellow Conservative politician.

- Two telegrams dated April 12 and April 15, 1881, both sent from Sir Philip Rose to Mrs. Blagden and accompanied by an original transmittal envelope from April 8th. Containing health bulletins.

- 19, Curzon Street, London, April 14, 1881. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Montagu Corry, 1st Baron Rowton (1838-1903), Disraeli's private secretary between 1866-1881. Rowton wrote in part, "How I have begun to hope! The breathing is decidedly better & even other symptoms."

- 19, Curzon Street, London, April 18, 1881. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Sir Philip Rose and addressed to Mrs. Blagden. Rose described the wasting effects of his friend's illness: "his cheeks have sunk considerably. His voice was low and feeble…"

- 19, Curzon Street, London, April 22, 1881. A 2pp autograph letter signed by Sir Philip Rose and addressed to the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. Regarding the wish to keep Disraeli's funeral as private as possible.

- An invitation to Disraeli's funeral services at Hughenden Church on April 26, 1881 issued to the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire.

- 1 Cromwell Road, June 30, 1881. A 4pp autograph letter signed by Sir Philip Rose and addressed to the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. Regarding Sir Rose's poor health.

Second Group

A group of miscellaneous correspondence, 10 pieces, addressed to Reverend Blagden, Mrs. Blagden, and other family members, ca. 1888-1934. Some of the letters relate to the Blagdens' departure to another parish.

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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