Description:

Benjamin Disraeli
London, England, August 1868-March 1872
Benjamin Disraeli Group of 5 Handwritten Letters, 14pp, 1868-72, Ex-Forbes
Archive
A group of five letters penned by British politician Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) to Irish politician William Johnston (1829-1902) during Disraeli's later career. Inscribed on Disraeli's personal stationery, the letters range in date from August 1868 to March 1872, for a total of 14+ handwritten pages. Disraeli's signature appears in these letters and envelopes as "B.Disraeli" or "D". All are accompanied by their original transmittal envelopes. The average size of the letters is 4.5" x 7". Condition is generally very good to near fine, with expected folds and creases. Minor soiling, toning, and scattered foxing. During this period of his correspondence to Johnston, Disraeli would conclude his third term as Chancellor of the Exchequer and would begin his first term as British Prime Minister. Ex-Steve Forbes Collection.

The archive comprises, in chronological order:

1.) Hughenden Manor, August 23, 1868. Unsigned. One partial page measuring 4.75" x 4". In full: "Confidential / I acknowledge the receipt of your letter & I receive it in the same spirit in wh: it is written."

2.) Hughenden Manor, December 8, 1869. 4pp. Signed "B.Disraeli" and marked "confidential". In part: "The leader of a party in a house of Parliament is never 'nominated': the selection is always the spontaneous act of the party in the House in wh: he sits. It was so in the case of Lord Cairns, who yielded, most unwillingly, to the general wish, Lord Salisbury being one of the warmest of his solicitors. It was so in my own case: Lord Derby never appointed me to the leadership, but the party chose to follow me & the rest ensued...I make no doubt our friends in the House of Lords will, in due season, find a becoming chief, but our interposition will not aid them..."

3.) Hughenden Manor, January 7, 1871. 4pp. Signed "B.Disraeli" and marked "confidential". In part: "I used my utmost influence at the General Election to prevent your being opposed, & I was...supported in this endeavour by Lord Cairns & Lord Mayo. The result proved that the leaders of the party have no influence at Belfast, & that important results depend on local persons & passions...When you were returned, under circumstances disastrous to the Conservative party, I did not hold you responsible for them, I looked forward with hope...to your removing by your conduct in the House all prejudices & misunderstanding...I more than regret to learn that these troubles have not closed..."

4.) Grosvenor Gate, February 20, 1872. 3pp. Signed "B.Disraeli" and marked "Private". In part: "I think you are quite justified...in calling the attention of the House to the subject of the Derry Celebrations & asking its opinion in the form of a resolution..."

5.) Grosvenor Gate, March 5, 1872. 3pp. Signed "B.Disraeli" and marked "Private". In part, as a postscript: "That the conduct of H. Majesty's Government in allowing party processions in the case of the inauguration of the statue of the late Smith O'Brien...while prohibiting the Derry procession, evinced a spirit of partiality, wh. in the opinion of this House, is highly to be condemned."

WITH: William Johnston's transcription of Disraeli's letter to him, written from Ballykilbey House on August 30, 1868, noting that the Conservative Party leaders are seeking a candidate to oppose Disraeli in the General Election and expressing a lifelong admiration for Johnston. 3pp.

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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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