Description:

William Gladstone
London, England, May 13, 1843
William Gladstone ALS: "on account of my Parliamentary duties"
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter signed by British statesman William Gladstone (1809-1898), as "WE Gladstone" on the second page. May 18, 1843. 13, Carlton House Terrace, London, England. On bifold paper. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds. The inner pages and outer leaf are blank. Else near fine. 4.875" x 7.625." Provenance: Ex-Parke-Bernet Galleries, 1965.

Gladstone wrote this letter to Reverend Herbert Kynaston (1809-1878), a fellow classmate from Christ Church, Oxford (both men had received their degrees from there in 1831). In the letter, Gladstone explained that he had thoroughly enjoyed one of Kynaston's speaking engagements until it was necessary to leave because of "Parliamentary duties." At the time, Gladstone was sitting in the House of Commons and served as the President of the Board of Trade (1843-1845).

Gladstone wrote in full, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"13 C.H. Terrace
May 18. 43

My dear Kynaston

I was extremely pleased with your speeches today and very much regretted the necessity for absconding in the middle on account of my Parliamentary duties, which arose in consequence of your being unable to commence at the usual hour.

It occurred to me that a copy of the last Newcastle Examination papers (which have just reached me in duplicate) at Eton might not be uninteresting to you.

With my best compliments to Mrs Kynaston

Ever sincerely yours

WE Gladstone

Rev. H. Kynaston."

The "Newcastle Examination papers" from Eton College referred to test papers for the Newcastle Scholarship. Established in 1829, the Newcastle Scholarship was a series of written examinations covering Greek and Latin literature, Ancient History, and the Bible, among other topics. The highest-scoring student was offered a cash prize scholarship.

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: 4.875" x 7.625"
  • Medium: ALS

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