40

Benjamin Disraeli

Two Autograph Letters Signed, "D." or "B. Disraeli," to Under-Secretary of State for Home Affairs Gathorne Gathorne-Hardy or Philip Prothero Smith.

The first, as Chancellor of the Exchequer: "I hope you are ready for the debate tonight. About ten o'ck would, I think, be a good hour for you." The second, as Leader of the Opposition, urging him to return to office because of his power to "appeal with success, at this moment, to the Constituency of Truro." Together 5 pages, 8vo, "Downing St" or "Hughenden Manor" stationery; right edge of first reinforced with tissue, remnants of mounting along center vertical fold of second, folds.

[London], 29 March 1859; Hughenden, 31 August 1871.

  • Notes: On March 29, 1859, debate was adjourned on the second reading of The Reform Bill. Benjamin Disraeli's efforts to enfranchise the working class were not realized until the passage of the Reform Act in 1867, the same year that Gathorne Hardy became Home Secretary.
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April 9, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
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