Description:

William E. Gladstone
London, England, May 6, 1852
William E. Gladstone Declines Solicitation for Contributions
ALS
WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE, Autograph Letter Signed, to Williams, May 6, 1852, London, England. 2 pp., 4.5" x 7.125". On black-bordered mourning stationery; expected folds; very good.

Future British Prime Minister William E. Gladstone wrote this brief letter to a minister who had sought his support. Gladstone cited the number of demands upon his resources as the reason he could not give to the minister's cause.

Complete Transcript
"6 Carlton Gardens
May 6, 1852
Sir
In reply to your letter of M 1st I regret that the number of claims made upon me in comparison with my means does not allow me to offer any contribution towards the purpose which you have in view.
I remain Rev. Sir your faithful servant
W E Gladstone
Rev D. Williams

[verso:] To save the trouble of copying I beg to return the list of subscriptions."

William E. Gladstone (1809-1898) was born in Liverpool, England, to Scottish parents, and graduated from Christ Church, Oxford, in 1831. He first entered the House of Commons in 1832 as a High Tory, which became the Conservative Party under Robert Peel in 1834. He served as a minister in both of Peel's governments and in 1846 joined a faction that merged into the Liberal Party in 1859. His politics, which emphasized equality of opportunity and opposed trade protectionism made him popular with the working class. Between 1868 and 1894, he served four non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister, for a total of more than 12 years (1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1886, 1892-1894). He left Parliament in 1895 and is often considered one of the greatest prime ministers in British history.

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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  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 7.125"
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