Description:

Benjamin Disraeli Crimean War-Dated ALS Re: How the "Crown may interfere on the question of Peace or War" and "H of C. jabber"

A 4pp autograph letter signed by future British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) as "D" at the bottom of the last page. Written on June 1, 1855 at Disraeli's residence Hughenden Manor in Buckinghamshire, England. On bifold stationery, the first page blind embossed "Hughenden Manor" at top. Expected paper folds and a 1.5" long closed tear located along the bottom of the bifold seam. Discretely numbered in the top right corner by a former collector or archival repository. Uneven toning, else near fine. 4.5" x 7.125."

In the spring of 1855, Disraeli wrote this letter to Spencer Horatio Walpole, his Conservative colleague in the House of Commons. This letter is listed as #2752 in the published collection of Disraeli's correspondence edited by M.G. Wiebe, "Volume VI, Benjamin Disraeli Letters, 1852-1856" (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, Inc.), p. 423. See this book for further details and some interesting editorial notes.

In full, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"June 1, 1855.

My dear Walpole,

The country is so deplorable, that we shall return to G.G. tomorrow. If therefore you happen to be in town on Sunday, pray call on me. Jolliffe, I hope, comes to me after Church; 2, o'clk, + if you cd meet him, it would be very advantageous.

Turn yr thoughts to the point, how far the Commons in their address to the Crown may interpret on the question of Peace or War +c, +c. I have not that Hatsell here, but I paid no lack of precedents in Burnet +c wh: cd prove that the privilege of Parlt. in this respect is apparently, without limit. I wish I had known this before = what I said on the subject was H of C. Jabber, wh: Pam, who never knows anything, instantly confirmed. It was all wrong + shows one shd never speak except proven one's own study + research.

I hope Mrs. Wal: is well.

Ever yours

D."

In this significant letter, Disraeli asks his correspondent's opinion about Queen Victoria's official position concerning the Crimean War (1853-1856). The conflict pitted the Russian Empire and Greece against the Allied forces of the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France, and Sardinia. It was mainly precipitated by anxiety over Russian territorial expansion at the expense of the waning Ottoman Empire. The war had been raging for over 18 months in June 1855, and popular support in Britain was flagging, especially after the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854 revealed weaknesses in British military leadership. Yet the new Prime Minister, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, wanted to double down on the war effort.

The war thus divided Conservatives like Disraeli and his friends Walpole and Jolliffe against Liberals like Lord Palmerston. Disraeli introduced the idea of negotiating peace in a May 25, 1855 speech in the House of Commons. The debate opened up a larger discussion of the balance of political power in a constitutional monarchy. How much power could a monarch wield in determining war or peace? Was the role of Parliament independent or advisory?

Disraeli's letter refers to major players in British politics:

- "My dear Walpole"

Spencer Horatio Walpole (1806-1898) was a fellow Conservative politician in the House of Commons who was then representing Cambridge University. Walpole served two terms as Home Secretary, first in 1852, and then in 1858-1859. Walpole would serve 36 years in Parliament between 1846-1882.

- "Jolliffe"

William Jolliffe, the future 1st Baron Hylton (1800-1876) was a fellow Conservative politician in the House of Commons who served almost uninterruptedly between 1830-1866, including as a parliamentary undersecretary and secretary.

- "Pam"

Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784-1865) was a Liberal politician in the House of Commons who served as Prime Minister between February 1855 - February 1858 and later between June 1859 - October 1865. Lord Palmerston's nickname was "Pam."

Disraeli's letter underscores the importance of legal precedent and supplemental research when preparing parliamentary opinions. He refers to two resources, John Hatsell's "A Collection of Cases of Privilege of Parliament" (1776) and Bishop Gilbert Burnet's "History of My Own Time" (reprint 1823) which discussed the nature and limits of royal prerogatives. Without consulting such resources and therefore contextualizing current debate, politicians could fall victim to "H of C. jabber" (House of Commons jabber) which was both unreliable and inaccurate. A more detailed discussion of Disraeli's resources is provided in M.G. Wiebe's "Volume VI, Benjamin Disraeli Letters, 1852-1856."

In the letter, Disraeli promised Walpole that he would shortly return to "G.G.", Disraeli's townhouse at 1, Grosvenor Gate at the intersection of Park Lane and Upper Grosvenor Street in London. Disraeli lived at Grosvenor Gate between ca. 1839-1872.

The letter demonstrates how Benjamin Disraeli was front and center in political debates about the Crimean War; the way in which he approached difficult existential questions about the balance of political power and royal prerogative; and the extent to which he was interconnected with other major British politicians of the era.

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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