Lot 118

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Description:

William Gladstone 2x Signed ALS & FF Forwarding Mail Accidentally Delivered to Him to His Rival Disraeli, then Prime Minister!

A 1p autograph letter signed by former British Prime Minister William Gladstone (1809-1898) as "W Gladstone" at lower right. Written in London, England on March 11, 1875. On bifold stationery paper embossed with Gladstone's address, "11, Carlton-House-Terrace, S.W." at top. The inner pages are blank. Expected paper folds and a few scuffs at bottom, else near fine. Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope, engrossed in Gladstone's hand and free franked by him as "W Gladstone" at lower left. Bearing a lovely embossed impression of the British royal seal verso. The envelope is letter-opened and partly ripped at top. The letter measures 4.5" x 7.125" while the envelope measures 5" x 3.5."

This must have been a difficult moment for William Gladstone; symbolically relinquishing control and acknowledging his replacement by forwarding state paperwork, sent to him only by accident, to his great political rival and successor as British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881). Gladstone had served as Prime Minister between December 1868 and February 1874, and indeed, he would serve two more terms as Prime Minister in the 1880s and 1890s. Yet in March 1875, his nemesis Disraeli was at the helm. Disraeli would continue as Prime Minister until April 1880.

Gladstone wrote this letter to Montagu Corry, 1st Baron Rowton (1838-1903), Disraeli's private secretary between 1866 and Disraeli's death in 1881.

"Dear Mr Corry

The accompanying letter and work appears to be intended for the Prime Minister and I trouble you with them accordingly

Yours faithfully

W Gladstone."

The transmittal envelope is signed and inscribed by Gladstone as: "Private + Immediate / The Right Hon. / B. Disraeli MP / W Gladstone."

Gladstone’s four premierships during Queen Victoria's reign were conservative: he lobbied for less central government, free trade, reduced public spending, and election reforms. On specific domestic issues, Gladstone favored both paternalistic and laissez-faire approaches; he walked London streets reclaiming “fallen women," yet also advocated home rule for Ireland. His 60-year political career left an indelible mark on Victorian domestic and foreign policy. To his supporters, he was “The People’s William”; to detractors like Disraeli, he was “God’s Only Mistake."

Gladstone resided at 11, Carleton House Terrace between 1857 and 1875.

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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January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
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