Benjamin Disraeli Letters: 1868, Volume 10 1442648597, 9781442648593

Table of contents :
Cover
Contents
Illustrations
‘At Last’
Disraeli Making His First Speech as Prime Minister
‘The New Head Master’
‘Rival Stars’
‘Dizzy’s Difficulty, or Mrs. Erin’s Pigs’
‘Paddy’s Bad Tooth, or Doctors Differ’
‘Battle of the Spurs’
‘New Guy Fawkes, or Dizzy’s Chef-D’œuvre’
‘A Crisis!’
‘The Political Leotard’
‘The Rising Tide’
‘Ben and his Bogey’
‘Rival Actors’
‘A Political Parallel’
‘Ixion out of Heaven’
‘Schoolmaster Bright “Educating” Master Gladstone!’
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Editorial Principles
Disraeli Chronology 1868
Abbreviations in Volume Ten
Chronological List of Letters 1868
Letters
Appendices
I: Pre-1868 Letters Newly Found
II: The Disraeli government of 1868
III: Disraeli as Prime Minister enters the House
Recipients, Volume Ten
Index to Volume Ten
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Z

Citation preview

Benjamin Disraeli Letters: 1868

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Benjamin Disraeli Letters

The Disraeli Project, Queen’s University at Kingston

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V O L U ME TEN 1 8 6 8

Edited by michel w. pharand General Editor

ellen l. hawman Co-editor

mary s. millar Consulting Editor

sandra den otter Consulting Editor

m.g. wiebe Editor Emeritus

University of Toronto Press Toronto, Buffalo, London

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©  University of Toronto Press 2014 Toronto  Buffalo London www.utppublishing.com Printed in the U.S.A isbn 978-1-4426-4859-3

Printed on acid-free, 100% post-consumer recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Disraeli, Benjamin, 1804–1881 [Correspondence] Benjamin Disraeli letters / edited by J.A.W. Gunn ... [et al.]. Includes bibliographical references and index. Contents: v. 10. 1868. isbn 978-1-4426-4859-3 (v. 10) 1. Disraeli, Benjamin, 1804–1881 – Correspondence.  2. Prime ministers – Great Britain – Correspondence.  3. Great Britain – Politics and government – 1837–1901.  i. Gunn, J.A.W. (John Alexander Wilson), 1937–  ii. Pharand, Michel Walter  iii. Wiebe, M.G. (Melvin George), 1939– iv. Title. da564.b3a4 1982   941.081092   c820-941697

This book has been published with the help of a grant from the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, through the Awards to Scholarly Publications Program, using funds provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. University of Toronto Press acknowledges the financial assistance to its publishing program of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

University of Toronto Press acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund for its publishing activities.

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C O NTENTS

Illustrations | vi Acknowledgements | vii Introduction | viii Editorial Principles | xxiii Disraeli Chronology 1868 | xxv Abbreviations in Volume Ten | xxxi Chronological List of Letters 1868 | xxxv Letters | 3 Appendices | 471 i  Pre-1868 Letters Newly Found | 471 ii  The Disraeli government of 1868 | 477 iii  Disraeli as Prime Minister enters the House | 485 Recipients, Volume Ten | 487 Index to Volume Ten | 490

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ILLUSTRATIONS

‘At Last’ | li Disraeli Making his First Speech as Prime Minister | lii ‘The New Head Master’ | liii ‘Rival Stars’ | liv ‘Dizzy’s Difficulty, or Mrs. Erin’s Pigs’ | lv ‘Paddy’s Bad Tooth, or Doctors Differ’ | lvi ‘Battle of the Spurs’ | lvii ‘New Guy Fawkes, or Dizzy’s Chef-D’œuvre’ | lviii ‘A Crisis!’ | lix ‘The Political Leotard’ | lx ‘The Rising Tide’ | lxi ‘Ben and His Bogey’ | lxii ‘Rival Actors’ | lxiii ‘A Political Parallel’ | lxiv ‘Ixion out of Heaven’ | lxv ‘Schoolmaster Bright “Educating” Master Gladstone!’ | lxvi

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A C K N O W LE D G EMENTS

We again acknowledge with gratitude our deep indebtedness to the sources of our financial support, both public and private, as listed in previous volumes, especially the continuing support of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and of Queen’s University. We remain indebted to the individuals and institutions named in the earlier volumes, to which lists we add: Georgia Carley, Queen’s University; Sheila Cornett, Queen’s University; Mary S. Millar, Queen’s University; Arthur Milnes, Kingston, Ontario; Ginger Pharand, Queen’s University; Robert Pitt, Warwickshire County Record Office; Richard Ratzlaff, University of Toronto Press; Deanne van Tol, Queen’s University; Donald J. Waters, Program Officer, Scholarly Communications and Information Technology, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; M.G. Wiebe, Queen’s University; Judy Williams, University of Toronto Press; the anonymous assessors of the typescript of this volume and the editors at University of Toronto Press.

Research for this volume was funded by a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

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INTR O D U C TI O N

‘I have written so much to day that I am almost blind & can’t guide my pen any more’ (5065), Disraeli told Lord Stanley on 21 August 1868. Indeed, Disraeli’s surviving correspondence in 1868 is so copious that, for the first time, our Benjamin Disraeli Letters series devotes an entire book to that year alone, one that proved to be an annus mirabilis: on 27 February, Disraeli, Jewish by birth but a baptized Anglican – yet perennially vilified by anti-Semites – became England’s fortieth prime minister. Within a few days of taking office, he is reported to have said, ‘Yes! I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole!’ (Fraser 52). Volume x contains 773 letters. The main body addresses 119 recipients and is made up of 655 letters, of which 510 have never before been published and 50 published only in part. In addition, 118 for which there is evidence are described at the end of the Chronological List. Appendix i contains 7 letters to 7 correspondents from the years before this volume. Other appendices include a comprehensive list of the office-holders in Disraeli’s 1868 government (Appendix ii) and an extract from The Inner Life of the House of Commons (1897) that provides an eye-witness account of Disraeli’s first entrance into the House of Commons as prime minister (Appendix iii). In 1867, Disraeli as chancellor of the exchequer had struggled with the intricacies of electoral reform; in 1868, now prime minister, he struggles with those of the Irish Church. Our understanding of Disraeli’s stance on ecclesiastical matters is much enhanced in this volume. We gain unique insight into how he handles a number of sensitive Church appointments, not without occasional opposition from the Queen. However, in 1868 we also see a strengthening of the close ties that Disraeli, during the last few years, had forged with the Queen and her private secretary, General Grey. He was, Disraeli told him, ‘a counsellor & friend’ (4689), and he continued to serve as a valuable conduit for the opinions of a sovereign who increasingly treated Disraeli as a confidant. (This volume contains 143 letters to the Queen and many of her replies.) For his part, Disraeli continued to hold her in high regard. At Osborne on 23 January, he found her ‘most gracious & agreeable’ and she spoke with him ‘witht. reserve or formality’ (4682, 4683). Another, more intimate, facet of Disraeli’s personality revealed in this volume is his undiminished affection for Mary Anne, as evidenced by their correspondence over ten days during Disraeli’s first visit to Balmoral. Clearly three decades of mar-

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riage had done little to abate their emotional kinship. In fact one might say that Disraeli’s ongoing devotion for his wife culminates in his request to the Queen for a peerage for Mary Anne, who duly becomes Viscountess Beaconsfield as the year closes. On the political front, 1868 was fraught with a number of familiar challenges for Disraeli. The navy’s overspending on repairs to old wooden vessels that had irked him in previous years (see ix 4175&nn1,2&5, 4216, 4251 and 4316&n1) resurfaced. When first lord of the admiralty Henry Lowry-Corry impressed upon Disraeli ‘the absolute necessity, if we are to maintain our position as a naval power, of increased expenditure on the building and outfit of ships of war’, Disraeli in turn informed Derby that the admiralty’s ongoing demands for an increase in ironclad ships could be effected only ‘by the vulgar expedient of a large increase of the Navy estimates’, adding that ‘the management of the Admiralty, with regard to ship-building’ was to be ‘decried & distrusted’ (4686&n2). He warned Lowry-Corry that unless the principles administering the vast sums voted annually for the navy were changed, the House would ‘abolish the present machinery of administration. What is the use of these squadrons [of wooden ships]? They can neither avenge our honor nor protect our material interests’ (4697). The contretemps was resolved on 15 February, when the cabinet adopted ‘all my views’, Disraeli told Derby: ‘three additional iron-clads immediately to be laid down; a reserve of seven iron-clads secured by the end of this year’ (4729). He told the Queen that ‘the Naval Estimates have been re-constructed; & without any material increase of expenditure’ (4730). Yet his exasperation continued: the admiralty ‘have exhausted, quite, my energy & temper’, he complained to Malmesbury on 1 September (5078). Three weeks later, in his address to his constituents at Chichester, admiralty secretary Lennox had to defend Navy spending against Liberal charges of extravagance (5074n4). Also vexing were the ‘Alabama claims’ stemming from American charges that Britain had violated its 1861 proclamation of neutrality during the Civil War by building warships that had sunk more than 150 Union vessels (68 by the Alabama alone). Disraeli, confident of success, told the Queen that Stanley, the foreign secretary, had handled the issue (on 6 March) ‘in so complete & unanswerable a style, that the debate may be described as being closed’ (4789). And although he would assure Derby in September that Stanley ‘has a chance of settling’ the matter (5098), it would be resolved only in 1872, when an international arbitration commission would order Britain to pay the United States $15.5 million in damages (4653&n4). Disraeli was also annoyed during this period by a few personal conflicts. His troubled relationship with Chelmsford, the lord chancellor – ‘he does nothing for the party’, Disraeli had complained in 1867, ‘& is so insensible of ... his own demerits!’ (ix 4492) – would terminate abruptly. Following Derby’s resignation in February, Disraeli informed Chelmsford that ‘it is not in my power to submit your name for the custody of the great seal to the queen – in the list of the new Ministry.’ Chelmsford protested that he was not aware that he had ‘failed in any instance in the discharge of my duties’ (4754&n1). To Disraeli’s request that he resign the great seal (4763), Chelmsford groused that ‘the mode in which my dismissal ... was communicated to me ... has cast a slur upon my reputation’. Disraeli replied that there had been a ‘total misapprehension of my communication’ (4771&n1) and also reassured the

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Queen that Chelmsford’s letter to him had been ‘candid & apologetical’ (4772) – which, in part, it had been. But when Disraeli on 1 March apprised him that the Queen would confer upon him the Grand Cross of the Bath, Chelmsford grumbled that the distinction was ‘entirely unsuited to the position of an ex-Chancellor’ and suggested instead ‘the dignity of an Earldom’ (4774&n1). Disraeli duly told the Queen of Chelmsford’s ‘preposterous’ suggestion (4776). Nothing would come of it. Disraeli’s displeasure with The Times editor John Delane was even more unequivocal. Having accepted Disraeli’s offer of the chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster on 21 September, but wishing this ‘kept Confidential’ (5103&n2), Lennox got into ‘a most dreadful funk’ when The Times announced the appointment the following day. He had confided in Delane ‘under most confidential secrecy’, he told Disraeli (5129&n3). ‘Delane is ... my most inveterate foe’, Disraeli replied; ‘nothing can exceed the systematic malignity of his articles agst my governmt., & myself especially’ (5154&nn1&3). Lennox remained at the admiralty, while Col Thomas Taylor became the new chancellor. But these were minor distractions compared to the signal triumph of the outcome of the ambitious expedition into Abyssinia (see ix 4482n3 and 4521n4), headed by Sir Robert Napier (4668n2): on 13 April British forces captured the fortress at Magdala, thanks in part to new Snider-Enfield rifles (4695&n3). Upon learning the news two weeks later, Disraeli boasted to Gladstone of the ‘triumph of our arms in Abyssinia’ (4890). That victory – obtained at great expense (see 4875&n8 and 4907n1) but ‘wiping out’, Disraeli told the Queen, ‘all the old stories of Crimean blundering’ – would earn Napier a vote of thanks in the House, a peerage and a pension (4936&nn1&2, 4951&n4, 4961, 4985, 4986n1, 4987&n1). In August Disraeli hosted a gala reception for Napier at Hughenden (5070&n4), where one of the guests was the new American foreign minister, Reverdy Johnson, whom Disraeli found ‘selfpossessed, & turns out genial’ (5073). The largest triumph, of course, was Disraeli’s rise to the premiership, a trajectory unwittingly influenced by Derby’s declining health. Disabled at Knowsley with another attack of gout and unable to write, Derby dictated letters to his wife, his son Frederick Stanley and his secretary Viscount Barrington – although according to Frederick ‘the mere reading or dictating of a letter on business raises his pulse’ (4766n2). Barrington reported to Disraeli on 15 January that gout was affecting Derby’s right hand and foot, and on the 17th that his liver was ‘out of order’ (4668nn1&3). Just as ‘we are preparing for an active campaign’, Disraeli told Abercorn, Derby ‘is again in the gout, & sharply’ (4673). Although Derby told Disraeli on the 28th that he hoped to leave his bed ‘in a day or two’ (4686n13), on 13 February he lamented: ‘Parliament sitting, and I still lying here like a useless log!’ Having intimated to the Queen that he might step down, Derby was gratified, he told Disraeli, that ‘She by no means contemplated the break-up of the present Government as the result of my retirement.’ Disraeli reassured him that ‘all shall be done ... to maintain, unimpaired & unsullied, your interests & influence’ (4725&n1). On 18 February, Stanley informed Disraeli that Derby had indeed decided to resign (4734n1), and the next day Derby told Disraeli ‘of the absolute necessity’ of his stepping down, despite the ‘increased difficulties in which it will place you’ (4736&n1). Disraeli replied that although he had ‘never contemplated, nor desired’

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the premiership, ‘I will not shrink from the situation ... & mainly count, when you are convalescent, on your guidance & support’ (4737). On the 25th, Stanley in the Commons and Malmesbury in the Lords announced that the Queen had accepted Derby’s resignation and that Disraeli was forming a new ministry (4750&n1). ‘I shall not kiss hands ... until I have your sanction’ (4746), he promised Derby. Receiving Derby’s telegram the next day – ‘My heart is quite relieved’ he told Barrington (4755&n2) – Disraeli duly thanked the Queen for ‘the high honor’ conferred upon him (4756). She replied offering ‘cordial support in this arduous task’ and praising Disraeli’s ‘own talent & successful labours’ in attaining his ‘high & influential position’ (4757n5). Disraeli left for Osborne on the 27th, but not before telling Derby ‘that, in the position in wh: I am so unexpectedly placed, I consider myself ... only your Deputy’; Derby replied that Disraeli had ‘fairly & most honourably’ reached ‘the highest round of the political ladder’ (4759&n5). ‘All is sunshine here – moral & material’, Disraeli wrote to Corry from Osborne on 28 February (4765). The previous evening at 7:30 pm the Queen ‘came in, radiant with smiles, & holding out her hand, saying “You must kiss hands” wh: I did, immediately & most heartily, falling on my knee, & saying I kissed her hand in faith & loving loyalty’ (4766). On the 29th Disraeli delivered up the seals of the office of chancellor of the exchequer, which were received by George Ward Hunt – a promotion, he told Delane, ‘carped at by commonplace minds, who seemed shocked at the sudden elevation’ (4762n1, 4770). As he explained to Abercorn (4769), who would remain lord lieutenant of Ireland, and also to the Queen, Disraeli wished to ‘allot to [his colleagues] the same offices, wh: they previously filled.’ Some new appointees included Hunt, with his ‘sagacity of the elephant’ (4757); Sclater-Booth, with his ‘capacity of labor’, as treasury secretary (4775); Gerard Noel as parliamentary secretary to the treasury (5163); Sir Michael Hicks Beach as poor law board secretary (4810); Colonel Taylor as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (5163); the Duke of Buckingham as lord lieutenant of Buckinghamshire (4841); the Duke of Wellington as lord lieutenant of Middlesex (4898); and Frederick Stanley as a civil lord of the admiralty, Lord Stanley noting that his brother was ‘a little nettled at the place having been asked for him by Ld D[erby] as in fact it was, without his knowledge or consent’ (5022&n1). John Wilson Patten, appointed chief secretary for Ireland – ‘he has accepted most unwillingly’, according to Derby (5103n8) – would serve only two months. Disraeli’s new cabinet would comprise Hunt (chancellor of the exchequer), Cairns (lord chancellor), the Duke of Marlborough (president of the council), Malmesbury (lord privy seal), Gathorne Hardy (home secretary), Stanley (foreign secretary), the Duke of Buckingham (colonies), Sir John Pakington (war), Lowry-Corry (admiralty), the Duke of Richmond (board of trade), Lord John Manners (works), Sir Stafford Northcote (India) and Lord Mayo (Ireland). ‘I purpose to say very little tomorrow on taking my seat’, Disraeli told Derby (4784). On 5 March at 4:30 pm, Disraeli for the first time entered the crowded House (with overflowing galleries) as prime minister (see Appendix iii). He said, very simply, that he looked forward to ‘an important debate on the whole condition of Ireland’ and that he would do his utmost to facilitate the opposition ‘in bringing forward

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their Motions’. His brief speech, he told the Queen, had been ‘very guarded, &, in that respect, so successful, that it prevented all discussion’ (4788&n1). There would be much discussion in the House during the months to come, however. By far the most important issue preoccupying – and frustrating – Disraeli in 1868 was indeed the ‘condition of Ireland’. One troublesome matter, for example, was the long-standing controversy over a proposed charter for the Catholic University of Ireland in Dublin (see ix 4060n4). In late 1867, Disraeli had inferred from Cardinal Cullen’s remarks that ‘there would be no question about endowment’ if a charter were granted (4654). On 4 March 1868 the cabinet unanimously adopted Mayo’s scheme as, in Derby’s words, ‘the only practicable solution of the Question’ (4784n1), despite his doubts about Irish clerics approving it (4654nn3&4). The scheme, Disraeli told the Queen, would provide for a charter only if ‘the Governing body contained such a decided Lay representation as would prevent its being a mere sacerdotal institution’ (4786). Archbishop Manning on the 16th told Disraeli that if the government ‘oppose the endowment, I hope the Charter will still be given. May I suggest that it would be both important & grateful to the Irish if the Archbp of Cashel, & the Bishop of Clonfert were to come over & discuss the details?’ (4819n1). In June, however, Mayo informed the two clerics that their proposals were ‘irreconcilable with those entertained by the Government’ and the scheme was withdrawn (4980n1). While Ireland continued to languish under age-old iniquities – at Disraeli’s suggestion, a commission would be set up to enquire into Irish landlord-tenant relations (4714&n2, 4784) – England was still reeling from the previous year’s Fenian attacks, in particular the explosion at London’s Clerkenwell prison in December (see ix 4624nn1&2). ‘At present’, Disraeli wrote to Derby on 1 January, ‘all that the Fenians have done is to strengthen your government’ (4653). Not surprisingly, Mayo’s bill to extend the suspension of Habeas Corpus in Ireland was passed swiftly: it was introduced on 14 February and given royal assent on the 28th (4726&n3). Yet Fenianism remained a threat even abroad, as borne out by the attempted assassination of the Duke of Edinburgh, at Sydney on 12 March, by a reputed Fenian sympathizer (4890&n1). In order to subdue Irish-English turbulence, Abercorn in early March had suggested to Disraeli an Easter visit by the Prince of Wales to Ireland, where he would be ‘even safer, as regards the Fenians’ than in London, and could be installed as a Knight of St Patrick in the cathedral. Disraeli sent Abercorn’s letter to the Queen, who cautioned that ‘any encouragement of [her son’s] constant love of running about ... is most earnestly & seriously to be deprecated’, a nod to Abercorn’s suggestion that the Prince attend the races at Punchestown (4791&nn1&3). ‘A visit of the Heir Apparent to Ireland ... is an affair of State’, Disraeli told Grey, who in turn reassured the Queen that the races, according to Disraeli, were quite respectable (4792&nn1&5). The Queen wished only that her son’s installation be announced as the occasion for the visit, ‘not the Races’, wrote Grey (4797n2). Disraeli then suggested to the Queen that the Princess of Wales would add ‘grace, & even gravity’ to the sojourn (4812) and thought that the royal couple’s visit ‘shd. be conducted with becoming eclat’. Grey replied that the Queen did feel that ‘some extra splash seems necessary’, given her frequent visits to Scotland (4827&nn4&7).

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On 10 April she told Disraeli that she ‘unwillingly yielded’ to the proposed visit, but wished the government to know that she ‘holds them responsible for all that takes place & for any risk wh. may be incurred.’ Disraeli humbly suggested the inexpediency of doing or saying anything that might give the impression that the Queen ‘disapproved of the visit’ (4861&nn1&5). ‘This affair has given me much trouble’, Disraeli admitted to Derby, ‘& the matter appeared to me, at one time, more serious, than the Irish Ch:’ (4799). Nonetheless, the visit was a success and, amidst unprecedented splendour and pageantry, the Prince of Wales was created a Knight of St Patrick on 18 April in St Patrick’s Cathedral (4792n3). In early March, Derby had warned Disraeli that ‘the forthcoming discussions upon the Irish Questions’ would constitute his ‘greatest danger’ (4784n1), and he was proven correct. Contentious debate on the ‘State of Ireland’ began on the 10th, with Cork mp John Maguire, in a ‘Celtish rant of two hours’ (Disraeli told the Queen), moving the appointment of a committee to examine the condition of Ireland, a dejected country nursing against England what Maguire called a ‘vengeful feeling born of misgovernment’. Mayo’s three-and-a-half-hour reply proposed various measures that Disraeli told her ‘seemed to be favorably received’ (4805&nn1-3). Debate continued on the 12th, with Hardy denouncing a resolution for the disestablishment of the Irish Church as ‘political baseness and cowardice’ (4806n4), and on the 13th, with John Bright belittling Mayo’s scheme for a charter to the Roman Catholic University as ‘grotesque and imbecile’ (4807n1). Disraeli wrote to Derby on the 14th that he had heard that Gladstone was ‘in a furious rage’ (4811). Two days later, debate closed with Gladstone, ‘extravagantly violent’ (noted Hardy), calling the Irish Church ‘an insult to every Roman Catholic’, and Disraeli countering that the government was prepared to introduce a reform bill for Ireland, Maguire withdrawing his motion. Immediately following adjournment at 2 am on the 17th, Disraeli wrote to the Queen about the ‘great night: Mr Gladstone announced his intention of bringing forward a motion for the abolition of the Irish Ch:’. He predicted a forthcoming ‘social revolution’ and, reiterating his appeal to the House, advised that the question was ‘too grave ... to be decided witht. the opinion of the nation being taken’ (4821&nn1&2). But Grey cautioned Disraeli the next day that the Queen wished ‘to avoid any allusion ... to an intention of appealing to the Country’ (4826n1). Disraeli assured Grey of the ‘unswerving unanimity’ of his party, whose members agreed ‘that the main question must be ultimately relegated to the Hustings.’ The situation, while ‘very grave’, was ‘not critical ... I think we shall steer the Ship in safety’ (4826). Grey replied that the Queen, although anxious ‘that nothing like a threat of Dissolution should be prematurely used in debate’, which would ‘increase Party violence’, had no wish to ‘fetter’ Disraeli in acting on the Irish question (4826n4). On the 19th, Disraeli wrote to Cairns that, given Gladstone’s ‘clear & distinct issue’, ‘the State should adopt & uphold religion as an essential portion of the Constitution’, suggesting an amendment declaring ‘it was the first duty of the State to acknowledge & maintain the religious principle in an established form &c’ (4828). The next day he informed the Queen that he believed Gladstone’s motion (postponed until the 23rd) would result in the Church becoming ‘both disestablished & disendowed. The principle is very dangerous’ (4830). Gladstone had become

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‘disturbed and restless’, he told Derby (4831). On the 23rd, he duly informed the Queen of Gladstone’s ‘uncompromising, violent, & elaborate proposition’: that ‘the Irish Ch: shall be instantly dis-established’ and ‘gradually disendowed’, and that there be ‘an Address to the Crown, praying Yr Majesty to place at the disposal of Parliament Yr Majesty’s interest in the temporalities of the Ch:’. He warned the Queen that ‘we are embarking on stormy waters’ and that Gladstone’s motion would fuel in some quarters ‘the abhorrence of Popery, the dread of Ritualism, & the hatred of the Irish’. The Queen replied with fears that Gladstone’s declaration would indeed ‘revive & inflame the old sectarian fears’ and cautioned Disraeli against ‘saying anything ... to encourage a spirit of retaliation amongst the Protestants – or to revive old Religious animosities’ (4835&n5). Writing to Lord Dartmouth, Disraeli expressed his firm belief in ‘that sacred union, betn Ch & State wh: has hitherto been the chief means of our civilisation, & is the only security for our religious liberty’ (4837). Following his repetition of these comments in the House on 3 April (see 4852n3), the Pall Mall Gazette chastised Disraeli for evoking ‘the most inflammatory passions of the nation’, calling him ‘a Minister who seeks support in a kind of incendiarism as formidable as any attempted by the wildest Radical in our times’ (4837&n3). On the 24th, after a mid-day cabinet meeting, Disraeli informed the Queen that Cairns had ‘analysed Mr Gladstone’s Resolutions with penetrating power. It is impossible they can stand’; it had been agreed to meet the motion with an amendment to be moved by Stanley (4838). Having learned of the amendment from Richmond, Derby told Disraeli that he thought it implied ‘rather more of concession than pleases me’ (4839n3). ‘Is the Irish Church again to be the battle-field’ of ‘party contentions’? Edward Bouverie had asked the House on 5 March (4788n3). It would be. On the 30th, the first night of debate on the ‘Established Church (Ireland)’, Gladstone asserted that the Irish Church ‘should cease to exist as an Establishment’ and Stanley, in a hesitating speech, moved an amendment to reserve any proposition for ‘disestablishment or disendowment ... for the decision of a new Parliament.’ To the Queen, Disraeli reported that Gladstone’s two-hour speech had been ‘scarcely of his highest class’ and that Stanley had ‘somewhat disheartened his friends.’ The next day’s Times called Stanley’s speech ‘a death-warrant’ and Grey would tell the Queen that Disraeli’s letter had confirmed his impression that the government might face ‘a signal defeat’ (4845&nn1,2&5). Also that day (31st), following a second night of debate, Disraeli informed the Queen that Hardy had made ‘one of the greatest speeches’ he had ever heard. Coming very close to calling Gladstone’s resolutions unconstitutional, Hardy had said he would ‘not consent to the anomaly that Church and State should be dissevered in Ireland and remain connected in England’ (4846&n1). On 2 April, following a third night of debate, Disraeli reported to the Queen that ‘real debating’ would commence on the 27th, and that ‘tho’ the struggle may be historically long, [it] is very hopeful’ (4851). The fourth night of debate began on 3 April, the House adjourning on the 4th at 3:15 am after dividing on Stanley’s amendment (defeated 330 to 270) and Gladstone’s motion (carried 328 to 272). ‘Mr Disraeli does not believe that there is any substantial power in this display’, he wrote to the Queen at 3:30 am, asserting that he had ‘pointed out to the House, the significant

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alliance of the Ritualists, & Irish Papists’. Disraeli had spoken at length: Gladstone’s ‘vast and violent’ course was based on ‘utterly and absurdly fallacious’ premises, as there was no ‘Irish crisis’, and it was the very connection between Church and State that enabled the government ‘to rule the nation’. His assertion that ‘High Church Ritualists and the Irish followers of the Pope have been long in secret combination, and are now in open confederacy’, however, had elicited laughter. Hardy thought Disraeli had been ‘obscure, flippant & imprudent’ (4852&nn1&3). Upon returning from Windsor on 8 April, Disraeli reported to Cairns that the Queen considered ‘the present state of affairs ... as very grave’ (4856). Following the Easter vacation, Parliament resumed on the 20th and Disraeli told the Queen the House had been ‘tranquil’ that evening (The Times would underscore Gladstone’s absence and Disraeli’s silence). He outlined for her at great length his proposed course of action: if Gladstone’s resolution were carried, Disraeli would move to adjourn and, after issuing a statement on the government’s position, would ‘feel the opinion of the House’ as to a convenient time to appeal to the people. He was confident he could ‘lead the House to adopt the just & truly sensible view’ that this appeal ‘shd. be to the popular voice as represented & registered in the new Constituency.’ He believed that the nation would decide against Gladstone’s policy (‘an additional reason why the appeal shd be made’) and warned of ‘a ‘threatened revolution, for it is not less.’ Replying from Osborne on the 22nd, the Queen pressed Disraeli about ‘his not “feeling ... for the opinion of the House,” ... but that the Government should consider this for themselves, & announce the decision which they may think it right to submit to the Queen, in a manner that shall show no hesitation or doubt as to the policy they mean to pursue’ (4875&nn2&10). Meanwhile, Disraeli had written to her on the same day that the real issue was her supremacy, which ‘depended on the Union of Church & State; & that the disestablishment of a branch of the Church was a proportionate diminution of the Royal Supremacy’. He believed ‘the mass of the nation’, when informed, ‘wd. feel that their religious liberty entirely, & their civil freedom ... were involved in the Royal Supremacy’ (4878). ‘The fate of the Established Church’, he had told Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of Oxford, ‘will depend upon the opinion of the country ... during the next eight months’ (4869). Debate in committee on Gladstone’s motion to disestablish the Irish Church began on the 27th, with General Peel arguing that severing Church from State in Ireland would lead to a similar dissolution in England (4893&n2). On the 28th, Charles Buxton derided Disraeli’s ‘ragged regiment of reasons’ for opposing Gladstone’s motion; Charles Newdegate asserted that the Liberals represented ‘the spirit of Ultramontanism’; and Lord Royston accused the opposition of ‘holding a pistol at the heads of the Church party’ (4895&nn2,4&8). Debate closed on 30 April (the House adjourning at 3 am on 1 May) with Gladstone’s motion being carried 330 to 265 and Disraeli inveighing against the ‘retrograde’ resolution (4902&n1). At Osborne on 1 May he outlined for the Queen a dire scenario: ‘The Church will either become ... more powerful, than the State, or it will break into sects & schisms, & ultimately be absorbed by the tradition & discipline of the Ch: of Rome. The Queen’s supremacy being destroyed, the sole security for our Religious liberty, & one of the main securities for our civil rights, will be subverted. This will be a revolution: & an

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entire abrogation of the English Constitution.’ He suggested immediate dissolution and an appeal ‘to the New Constituency’ – and, if need be, his government’s ‘immediate retirement’. The Queen replied the next day that she could not hesitate ‘to sanction the dissolution of Parliament ... in order that the opinion of the Country’ be taken, but until then would not hear of any resignations (4903&n4). On the 4th, summarizing to the House his audience with the Queen at Osborne (including her refusal of his resignation), Disraeli stated that he had been advised ‘that it would be possible to make arrangements’ for dissolution in the fall. He wrote to the Queen at midnight that a ‘violent, but, for him, weak’ Gladstone had withdrawn his ‘offensive motion’ that government business be suspended and replaced by continued debate on the Irish Church (4906). On the 5th, Disraeli was upbraided by Gladstone (‘in a white heat’, wrote Hardy) for remarks made in the Lords the previous day by Richmond, who ‘tells us that leave for a dissolution had been obtained by the Government beforehand in anticipation of events’ (4908&nn1&4). Richmond’s observations, Disraeli told the Queen, had been ‘certainly not very constitutional & quite inaccurate’, and he reiterated to the House that leave for dissolution had been confined solely to the question of the disestablishment of the Irish Church (4910&n5). Disraeli on the 7th reported to the Queen on that evening’s ‘rather fiery’ debates following Gladstone’s four resolutions: that ‘“the Established Church of Ireland should cease to exist as an Establishment ...”’; that ‘“it is expedient to prevent the creation of new personal interests by the exercise of any public patronage, and to confine the operations of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners of Ireland to objects of immediate necessity ...”’; that the Queen ‘“place at the disposal of Parliament, Her interest in the temporalities of the Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, and other Ecclesiastical Dignities and Benefices in Ireland, and in the custody thereof”’; and that ‘“... the Grant to Maynooth and the Regium Donum be discontinued ...”’ (4914&n1). Disraeli on the 8th answered the Queen’s apprehensions of ‘further complications’ with his assurance that never before had ‘the unity, & even the enthusiasm, of the Tory party been so marked as at this moment’. He would safely ‘steer the vessel of the State into port’ (4918). His reports to her would remain, for the most part, optimistic. ‘All is well; the long menaced attack has failed’, he wrote on 14 May following Gladstone’s first reading of the Established Church (Ireland) Bill, ‘“to prevent, for a limited time, new appointments in the Church of Ireland, and to restrain, for the same period, in certain respects, the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for Ireland”’ (4923&n1). The bill was read a second time on the 22nd – with Hardy’s motion for a six-month postponement defeated 312 to 258 (4938&n1) – and a third time on 16 June, when it was passed without a division. (It would be defeated 197 to 92 in the Lords on 29 June.) Dissolution was now imminent. Cairns had warned Disraeli on 30 May that ‘if the Govt. appear to hang back in urging on a Dissoln.’ the public would accuse it ‘of using the present anomalous position of affairs as a means of delaying the great appeal to the Country’ (4945n3). ‘We are bothered a good deal about the dissolution’, Disraeli wrote to Derby that day, but if it came ‘in November, & meeting of Parliamt in Jany, I think we may be satisfied’ (4947). On 4 June he informed the Queen that ‘Cabinet today deliberated on the measures necessary to expedite the Dissolution’,

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the Queen replying that she hoped the session would end quickly, ‘for it is sure to be disagreeable’ (4951&n9). The session would end with her prorogation speech, Disraeli writing to Cairns that it seemed to him ‘impossible, that the Irish Ch: shd. not be mentioned in the speech, altho’ we have introduced no measure on the subject’. Cairns replied with a handwritten draft that closed with the Queen’s hope that the election ‘will strengthen the Constitution in Church & State & preserve unimpaired the Protestant Settlement of Her Realm’ (4998&n1). The Queen returned the draft to Disraeli with a suggestion ‘to say something implying that with the strongest determination of maintaining the Protestant Religion, there is no intention to pursue an ultra and illiberal policy as regards Church matters.’ In cabinet the next day (28 July), Stanley noted, ‘we agreed to substitute other words drafted by Cairns, which if somewhat unmeaning are at least free from objection.’ The speech, delivered by Cairns at prorogation on the 31st, would close with the Queen’s hope ‘that, under the Blessing of Divine Providence, the Expression of their [the people’s] Opinion on those great Questions of public Policy which have occupied the Attention of Parliament and remain undecided, may tend to maintain unimpaired that Civil and Religious Freedom which has been secured to all My Subjects by the Institutions and Settlement of My Realm’ (5019&8). The stresses and tensions of the session had taken their toll on the Queen’s health. On 29 May she had lamented to Disraeli ‘how much harm all this irritation has done her’ and how she must recover or ‘become seriously ill’ (4942n2). She was suffering from violent headaches, according to her physician, Sir William Jenner (4952n6), and on his recommendation she decided to spend a month in Switzerland. ‘Yr Majesty will rarely be troubled by a box’, promised Disraeli on 11 July (4994). Setting off on 5 August and travelling incognita as the Countess of Kent (5032), the Queen began her holiday with a diplomatic faux pas only two days later, when she declined, while in Paris, to return a visit from the Empress Eugénie. Lady Ely wrote to Disraeli from Lucerne that the Queen had ‘felt too tired’ to do so (5038n6). ‘Our embassy are disgusted, and the French court sore’ (5032n2), Stanley reported from Paris to Disraeli, who quickly reassured the Queen that she had ‘acted quite rightly’, as a visit from her ‘wd. have been quite inconsistent with the incognito agreement’. He suggested, however, that on her return she ‘might by some slight act, gracefully dissipate this malaise’ (5035). Privately, he told Cairns that the Queen’s ‘outrage’ was ‘to be deplored’ (5038), writing to Malmesbury and Lonsdale that ‘the non-return’ of the visit ‘rankles’ (5078, 5079). Yet the Queen’s silence continued: ‘The great lady lives on the top of her hill and makes no sign’ (5073n4), Stanley told Disraeli on the 29th. Aside from the Irish Church bill, Disraeli and the Queen were preoccupied with numerous other Church-related matters. These included new legislation – an Ecclesiastical Titles Repeal Bill (4808&n2, 4813&n4, 4815&n3, 4822&n3 and 4927n1), which would become law only in 1871, under Gladstone – and new Church appointments. ‘Bishoprics, once so much prized, are really graceless patronage now – they bring no power’, Disraeli wrote to Derby on 11 March; yet there were ‘several mitres about to tumble’ (4804&n4). Ecclesiastical appointments were delicate matters because much depended on a candidate’s politico-religious predilections. Disraeli

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was concerned that his choices, he told the Queen, should please ‘the temperate, orthodox, Ch: & State party’ and ‘gratify the Conservative party generally’ (4847). He reassured her, for example, that one candidate ‘would not offend the High Ch:, would satisfy the Low, but would rejoice all temperate & earnest supporters of Church & State’ (4886), and that another was ‘High Church, but quite sound’ (4905). He told her that the new Bishop of Peterborough should combine ‘unquestionably Protestant principles’ with ‘learning, personal piety, administrative ability, & ... a genial pastoral experience’ (5075&n8); the appointment would go to William Connor Magee, suggested by Manners for his ‘sustained eloquence’ (5115n1) and ‘entirely’ approved of by the Queen (5153n2) and by Mayo (5158n5). But the Queen and Disraeli did not always agree on a candidate’s suitability. On 14 August, in recommending the evangelical (and intensely anti-Catholic) Hugh Boyd McNeile for the deanery of Ripon, Disraeli advised her that it was ‘highly important ... that sympathy should be shown with the Evangelical party in the Church.’ Sir Thomas Biddulph replied that the Queen feared McNeile’s ‘hostility to the Roman Catholic Church’ would stir up ‘ill-feeling among the Roman Catholics’ (5040&n6). ‘There is no hope of conciliating the Roman Catholics’, Disraeli countered on the 19th; McNeile’s preferment would remedy the notion that the Protestants ‘consider they have been neglected, & more than neglected, by the present Government’ (5057). Although the Queen consented (5067&n3) and Disraeli replied on the 31st that the appointment had been received in ‘Church sections with no disfavor’ (5075), she told him on 7 September that ‘Dr. McNeile’s Appt. was not liked by moderate men’ and that it was ‘not necessary or advisable to make more of a similar nature’. What she wanted was ‘moderate, sensible clever men, neither Evangelical or Ritualistic in their views to be appointed to the high Offices in the Church’ (5075n8). Disraeli replied with a defence of McNeile’s appointment ‘as a safety valve’ against ‘Ritualism & Rationalism’, dismissing the post as merely a ‘mock Deanery’ (5089). Although Derby thought the appointment ‘a hazardous bid for the extreme Low Church’ and told Disraeli, ‘I don’t think I should have ventured on it’ (5098n1), Disraeli thought it ‘has been a coup’ (5103). Manners would report that ‘the High Churchmen [were] already not very pleased’ (5115n1). A more significant disagreement arose over the See of Canterbury, vacant by the death of Archbishop Charles Longley, whose successor, Disraeli cautioned the Queen, should not be ‘intimately connected ... with either of the two great parties in the Church’ but be ‘conciliatory, yet calm & determined’. He recommended Charles Ellicott (Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol) as one who refrained ‘from any connection to the High Church Confederacy’. The Queen, however, was adamant that Ellicott ‘would not command the confidence of the Church or the Country’; she believed that Archibald Tait (Bishop of London) was ‘the only fit man’ for the position (5196&n5). Disraeli immediately informed Derby, who replied that he had no confidence in Tait’s judgement, but thought Ellicott had ‘a foolish voice and manner which make him appear weaker than I believe he really is’ (5201&n11). In a long reply to the Queen on 4 November, Disraeli asked if Tait would be ‘a fit coadjutor’ in his efforts to unite ‘in common action the legitimate High Church & Evangelical parties’. A man ‘obscure in purpose, fitful & inconsistent in action,’ Tait was ‘a prey to constantly conflicting convictions’ who had ‘forfeited the confidence

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of the High Church & the Evangelicals’. The Queen replied that she was ‘still of opinion that [Tait] would be the proper Person – indeed the only proper Person – to succeed the late ArchBishop ... Under no circumstances, however, wd the Queen approve of the promotion of Dr Ellicott’ (5206&n4). On the 12th, Disraeli duly offered the Primacy to Tait (5214), who would be enthroned on 4 February 1869. In addition to Irish Church and ecclesiastical matters, a large amount of Disraeli’s correspondence in 1868 is taken up with replies to a flood of requests for pensions and honours. Many claimants flaunted their right to a title or expressed resentment at having been previously passed over (4738nn1,2&6). Prominent railway director Edward Watkin, for example, who was to have been knighted in 1867 (see 4656&n1), caused Disraeli much ‘trouble & anxiety’ (4665). He wrote to the Queen on 1 August endorsing the knighthood for ‘services, rather secret, with reference to Canadian politics’ (5024), and letters patent were finally prepared (5027). Many requests were granted and, following the November elections, many distinctions offered and accepted (4664, 4776, 4800, 4820, 4874, 4928, 5084, 5176, 5182, 5235, 5241, 5267, 5276). In one case Disraeli may have had personal reasons for promoting a claimant: Andrew Montagu – described to Derby as ‘a man of immense wealth & influence’ – had once bought out Disraeli’s enormous debts (4738&n9). However, not a few supplicants were diplomatically placated – ‘if I remain in power, I will, if the occasion offers, give [your claim] a just, and even kind, consideration’ (5048) – while some requests were declined outright (4836, 4879, 4992, 4996). ‘The country has not supported me’, he told two claimants following the elections (5234, 5272). Near the end of a debilitating session, Disraeli complained to Cairns that his was ‘the life of a Galley Slave’ (5002) and to the Queen that ‘Parliamentary work has been so protracted, severe, & exhausting; amounting frequently to upwards of twelve hours a day’ (5003). The rest of the year would be equally trying. ‘We work at the elections with ceaseless energy’ (5022), he told Derby immediately after prorogation. In June he had sent out a circular letter asking cabinet colleagues to pledge £1,000 toward ‘a Fund, to aid the legitimate [election] expences of candidates’ (4971). ‘I have induced [them] to subscribe a minimum sum of ten thousand pounds,’ he told Beauchamp, ‘tho’, if they follow my example, it will reach a greater amount’ (4973). By 17 October, he was grumbling to Lonsdale that his party’s resources, ‘always too limited, are now very low. I have given to the good cause all I receive from the country – but others have not followed my example as fully as I could wish’ (5171). Disraeli’s electioneering was interrupted by a first visit to the Highlands – he was at Balmoral 18 to 28 September – which began with ‘a gale of wind, with gusty showers’ the night he arrived (5108) and ‘howling wind ... & gusty rain’ (5107) the next day. ‘I have suffered much from biliary derangement, wh: weakens, & depresses me’, he told Mary Anne on the 20th (5113). He remained ‘out of tone’ (5123) for much of his visit, even with remedies from his physician, Frederic Quin, which ‘did their work’ (5128), he told her. By the 26th he was still ‘greatly suffering’, despite the medication that had ‘saved me from diarrhea ... [whose] attacks leave me weak & depressed’ (5138). Yet Disraeli still managed to enjoy his stay and was frequently invited to dine with the Queen and her entourage. He even took forays into the Scottish countryside, visiting Garawalt Falls (‘magnificent, & heightened by the rain’) and Invercauld (5120), Braemar (5123) and Abergeldie (5127), and even

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the secluded royal lodge on Loch Muick (5138), which the Queen called ‘a wild romantic spot’ (5153n2). Mary Anne was ‘surprised that dearest you have the time to write so many letters’ (5121&n4), and indeed there are 41 extant letters by Disraeli written from Balmoral. ‘I rise always at seven, & except to dress, never leave my table till noon’, he explained to her; ‘the Queen often sends me ½ a doz: boxes in the course of the day’ (5138), and others arrived regularly from Downing Street. Church matters were foremost on Disraeli’s agenda, and immediately upon his arrival the Queen had enjoined him to remember ‘that any Ultra Protestant Appt. or at least any Extreme Evangelical one’ would bring ‘into the Church men who by their natural illiberality will render the Church in itself more & more unpopular.’ She went on to name a number of ‘fit men for the vacant posts’, and Disraeli duly thanked her for her ‘remarkable power of judgment’ (5109&n1). As for the upcoming elections, Disraeli’s stance with the Queen was nothing short of buoyant. He had written to her (at Lucerne) on 21 August forecasting a ‘triumphant’ outcome to the ‘great Protestant struggle’ (5064), and from Balmoral on 21 September he reported to Stanley that he had told her ‘the truth – ... the new electors in the counties were reported as singularly conservative’ (5116). On the 27th he gave the Queen ‘the last & most authentic information’, received from an election committee, that if ‘Dissolution occur tomorrow’ he might count on obtaining 330 seats (5142&n1). And on 28 October, he told her that according to a recent estimate from a solicitor ‘reputed to have the most accurate & extensive electioneering knowledge in England’, the government ‘may reasonably calculate on the return of 320 supporters’ (5194). While at Balmoral, Disraeli also worked at revising his address to Buckinghamshire electors, adopting suggestions by Cairns (5110n1, 5111&n1, 5117), Corry, Hardy and Stanley – although when the last urged ‘a compromise ... as to the endowments’ (5131n2), Disraeli replied, ‘I don’t think compromise is now practicable’ (5136). The lengthy address, published in The Times on 3 October, surveyed ‘the conduct of affairs since the accession of the Conservative Government to office in 1866’, with special attention to the Opposition’s ‘new policy’ of ‘dissolution of the union between Church and State’ and the pernicious effects of ‘the spoliation of the Church in Ireland’. The Times on the 6th described the address as ‘studded with the most beautiful moral and political maxims’ but without ‘novel or convincing’ sentiments. It regretted that ‘what is to be regarded as a Conservative manifesto’ lacked ‘any policy for the great Conservative Party itself, except simply to resist and resist’ (5151&n6). In his speech at the Lord Mayor’s Day banquet on 9 November, Disraeli would rebut accusations that ‘her Majesty’s Ministers ... have no policy. But their policy is a very simple one. It is to maintain the Constitution of their country’ (5185n3). As elections neared, Disraeli received a letter (of 7 September) from one Edgar Brereton Trelawny offering his ‘confidential services ... I am a Catholic, and might perhaps be useful in Ireland during the progress of the elections’ (5090n1). On the 17th Trelawny elaborated on his offer to Disraeli in a letter to Col William Feilding, who had been hired in late 1867 to assist the home department in quelling Fenian disturbances. Having learned ‘that Rome deliberately calculates on Mr Gladstone’s

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disestablishment measures for a most important extension of her political influence in Ireland (& even in England)’, Trelawny offered to obtain ‘evidence so compromising to the “Liberal” cause that their influence ... could be severely checked’. Disraeli thought ‘the overture shd. be accepted, & without loss of time’ (5125&n1). Trelawny would send Feilding eleven secret reports between 9 October and 9 November, and on the 20th Disraeli told Feilding to tell ‘our friend, that I am well pleased with his labors ... his views were perfectly well-founded’ (5232). With elections less than a week away, Disraeli’s notion of a ‘triumphant’ outcome faded. ‘I do not see my way to an absolute majority, except by runs of luck scarcely to be hoped for’, he wrote on 13 November to Derby, who agreed that results would likely be insufficient ‘to carry on a Government’ (5217&n5). However, Disraeli wrote to the Queen asking if, with ‘the impending general Election’ and ‘to infuse fire into [his party’s] efforts at this critical moment’, she would consent to creating six baronets (5212). Grey replied that the Queen was wary of distributing honours ‘for the purpose of influencing Elections wh. are to determine the fate of a Ministry’ and, eager to avoid ‘the appearance of Partisanship’, asked that baronetcies be created only after the elections. Disraeli on the 13th emphasized that Derby, ‘overcome by illness’ prior to his sudden retirement, had ‘entirely omitted to mention the subject of Baronetcies’ (5219&n7). He would specify a few weeks later that the distinctions he wished the Queen to consider were ‘not connected with party politics’ (5241). All of Disraeli’s predictions to the Queen were proven false: the Liberals won 382 seats, Conservatives 276, including Scotland (52 and 8) and Ireland (65 and 40). The day after his audience with her at Windsor on the 23rd, he wrote to her summarizing their meeting. Although ‘with the present prospects, it is a dreary career again to lead, & form, an opposition party, ... if in that post he could really serve Yr Majesty ... he shd. be quite content, even if he were never minister again.’ It had been his ‘original intention ... on the termination of this Ministry, to have closed his political career’ and to have solicited from the Queen some mark of her favour, and he now asked her humbly ‘to grant those honors to his wife’. The Queen replied that day that she would ‘gladly confer the title of Viscountess Beaconsfield on Mrs. Disraeli’ (5236&n7). Derby on the 22nd had told Disraeli that, given the election results, the government’s fate was ‘decided; and the only question left is how to fall most gracefully’ – although he felt that resigning before the meeting of Parliament ‘would be undignified’. Disraeli replied on the 27th that there ‘seems a preponderant opinion in favor of immediate resignation’ (5249&n2); on the 28th, Stanley noted that in cabinet that day, ‘all agreed, without one dissentient voice, in the policy of immediate resignation’. Disraeli reported to the Queen that the announcement would be made via the usual ‘circular’ by the leader of the Commons ‘to his adherents about to assemble’ (5258&n1). Disraeli returned to Windsor on 1 December to tender his resignation; on the 3rd (the day Gladstone arrived to kiss hands) his circular (dated 2 December) was published in The Times under the heading ‘The Resignation of the Conservative Government.’ It was ‘now clear that the present Administration cannot expect to command the confidence of the newly-elected House of Commons’, it read, and

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thus ‘Her Majesty’s Ministers’ would not ‘retain office unnecessarily for a single day.’ They nonetheless remained convinced that Gladstone’s proposition ‘is wrong in principle, probably impracticable in conduct, and, if practicable, would be disastrous in its effects’, and would continue ‘to offer [it] an uncompromising resistance’ (5271). Although The Times called Disraeli’s resignation a ‘strategic movement’ and a ‘voluntary abdication’, it acknowledged his having ‘attained his highest ambition ... He has had a great career, he has been bold, brilliant, successful’. But it warned that as long as the Conservative party ‘prevent the settlement of such matters as the Irish Establishment or the religious freedom of the Universities, so long will they condemn themselves ... to exclusion from office’ (5273n6). Barrington approved of how Disraeli had extricated himself ‘and the Tory party, from an untenable position with the greatest dignity’ (5290n1). Disraeli had his ‘audience of taking leave’ at Windsor on the 7th (5278). ‘Anxious & interesting times await us’, Disraeli remarked on the 16th (5288). One week later his brother James, after years of heart trouble, suddenly died (5292), having made Disraeli his executor without his ‘having had the slightest hint of such an office devolving on me’ (5293). James’s affairs, he told Corry, ‘are neither slight, nor simple’ (5299&n3), and were most likely complicated by Ralph Disraeli’s annoyance at having been excluded from the will (5295n3). On 29 December Disraeli attended James’s funeral, closing a year of what he had called ‘protracted, severe, & exhausting’ struggles (5003). Swiftly propelled up the greasy pole by Derby’s illness, after a mere eight months in power Disraeli had slid down under the weight of the Irish Church. ‘I must now begin to prepare for future campaigns’, he wrote on 18 December (5289). In his new role as leader of the opposition, Disraeli would campaign for just over five years until becoming prime minister once again in 1874.

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E D IT O RIAL P RIN C I P LES

For the complete description of the editorial principles and conventions used in this edition, see vol i xxvii, reprinted in vol ii vii. Most transcriptions in all volumes published to date were made from and checked against photocopies or, in more recent years, digital images of an original manuscript. The following is an abbreviated list summarizing the main points. addressee: the name is given in the shortest form consistent with clear identification. Headnote date: square brackets indicate the parts of the date not actually in the text or on the cover. A question mark is placed after any parts of the date about which doubt remains (see dating note in editorial comment). location of original: given in short form: see Abbreviations. A ps indicates a printed source, the ms not having been found (see publication history). reference number: the archival number used by the holder of the original ms, numbers in square brackets added by us if necessary. In the case of a ps, the number refers to the Project’s system of reference. cover: vertical solidi indicate line divisions in the address. Integral covers and separate envelopes are not distinguished. postmarks: recorded only if useful for dating; see vol i xxxiii for illustrations of the most common ones. publication history: not exhaustive; first and perhaps subsequent important publication, especially in m&b and Blake, are cited. editorial comment: Sic: list of words and phrases from the text that are incorrect (according to soed), unusual or otherwise puzzling; includes incorrect, but not omitted, accents and punctuation. Dating: cites the logic by which a date has been attributed. No silent corrections have been made. d’s erasures have been noted whenever Text possible. Square brackets have been used to add material to facilitate easy reading. When abbreviations ending in periods are thus expanded, the periods have been dropped unless otherwise needed for punctuation. Editorial comments in square brackets are italicized. Catchwords are not repeated or noted, and are given before the page break sign (/). d’s insertions are indicated by up and down arrows (89) at the beginning and end respectively of each insertion.

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vertical solidi (|) are used to indicate line divisions in the date, address, addressee and signature sections to allow us to render them in continuous form. diagonal solidi (/ with space both before and after) indicate page breaks. This is a change from the usage in vol i and vol ii. date, address and addressee, if present in the text, are always given at the beginning of the letter (unless it is a fragment), regardless of where d put them in the ms. [?] follows any reading on which some doubt remains. Italics indicate single underlining. Small capitals indicate multiple underlining. d’s abbreviation of ‘the’ as ‘ye’, ie using the thorn to represent ‘th’, has been rendered as ‘the’. Annotations Sources cited are given a short form (see List of Abbreviations and Short Titles) if used more than a few times. Standard reference works (eg odnb, eb xi, oed) are cited only if directly quoted. Each name is normally identified by a main note (in bold type in the index) the first time it occurs in the text of a letter, and thereafter only as required for clarification of a letter. Of the material in the appendices, only the pre1868 letters in Appendix i have been annotated. In transcriptions of ma’s writing, we have eschewed the use of ‘sic’, despite her unconventional grammar and spelling. We also do not comment on eccentric punctuation. Index All names in the text and annotation of the letters have been indexed, main notes being indicated by bold type. The subject matter of the letters and notes has also been indexed. All references are to letter numbers, not pages. Except for the pre1868 letters in Appendix i, the appendices and introductory materials have not been indexed.

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d i s r a e l i ch r o n o l ogy 1 8 6 8

1 Jan 5 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 30 Jan 31 Jan 1 Feb 2 Feb 4 Feb 6 Feb 7 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 13 Feb

14 Feb 15 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 22 Feb

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at Grosvenor Gate meets with Hardy meets with Marlborough dines with Pakingtons at cabinet at Osborne; audience with Queen; dines with Queen and royal family at Grosvenor Gate meets with Pakington, Manners, Northcote and Hardy on education measure at cabinet; banquet at Marlborough’s meets with Marlborough at cabinet at cabinet at cabinet at cabinet at cabinet; meets with Walpole meets with Mayo at cabinet at cabinet meeting of Parliament; comments on Reform Bills (Scotland and Ireland); speech on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill (leave; 1st reading) comments on compound householders (Reform Bill 1867); comments on education at cabinet comments on compound householders (Reform Bill 1867); speech on Reform (Scotland) Bill (leave) at wedding of Lord Beauchamp and Lady Mary Stanhope with ma; comments on compound householders (Reform Bill 1867) meets with Marlborough meets with Stanley; meets with Manning; comments on Abyssinian expedition at cabinet; at Speaker’s dinner; at Duchess of Marlborough’s evening party

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24 Feb 25 Feb 27 Feb 28 Feb 29 Feb 2 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar

6 Mar 7 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 12 Mar 14 Mar 16 Mar 17 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 20 Mar 21 Mar 23 Mar 24 Mar

25 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 31 Mar 2 Apr 3 Apr

4 Apr 6-7 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr

meets with Stanley meets with Barrington; Derby’s resignation accepted by Queen; meets with Stanley, Grey, Malmesbury, Richmond and other ministers at Osborne; kisses hands; dines with Queen Parliament adjourned; dines with Queen and Gen and Mrs Grey at council at Osborne at cabinet at Queen’s levée; at cabinet at Bernstorffs’ dinner at Prussian embassy with ma speech at Conservative party meeting; ministerial statement on new administration; speech on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill (2nd reading) speech on Reform (Ireland) Bill at cabinet comments on Fines and Fees (Ireland) Bill (2nd reading) receives deputation from Manchester Education Bill Committee; at Prince and Princess of Wales’s evening party with ma audience with Queen; at Queen’s drawing room receives deputation of jps re Sunday sale of liquor; at cabinet speech on state of Ireland (motion for committee) at Queen’s levée at Mrs Gladstone’s evening assembly with ma comments on Reform Bills (Scotland and Ireland); comment on Parliament – Easter vacation comment on Earl of Hardwicke and Cambridge registration at cabinet speech on Irish Church Establishment receives deputation on rating of schools and charities; at cabinet; comment on Boundary Commission – assistant boundary commissioners’ reports ma’s assembly at new foreign office comments on Parliament – arrangement of business; comments on election petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill at cabinet; speech on British Museum at Windsor; audience with Queen comments on Established Church (Ireland) Committee comment on election petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; comment on Established Church (Ireland) Committee comments on Easter recess – Ministerial Statement; comment on Reform (Scotland) Bill; comment on civil service estimates; comment on Member for Thetford – titles of dignity; speech on Established Church (Ireland) Committee at cabinet at Windsor with ma at Hughenden at Windsor; afternoon audience with Queen

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18 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr

28 Apr 30 Apr 1 May 2 May 4 May

5 May

6 May 7 May 8 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May

16 May 17 May 18 May

19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May

at Grosvenor Gate at cabinet; comment on proceedings in Supply (resolution) at cabinet meets with Northumberland speech on Duke of Edinburgh, Address to Her Majesty (motion); comment on Abyssinian Expedition; comments on Established Church (Ireland) Committee comment on registration of electors; comment on Established Church (Ireland) Committee comment on Roman Catholic Oath; speech on Established Church (Ireland) Res 1 at Osborne; dines with Queen and royal family at Grosvenor Gate at cabinet; comment on taxation of charitable institutions; Ministerial Statement – speech on defeat of Government on Irish Church resolutions comment on compound householders (Reform Bill 1867); comment on Ministerial Statement – on defeat of Government on Irish Church resolutions meets with Richmond; presides and speaks at Royal Literary Fund dinner comment on Reform (Scotland) Bill; comments on Established Church (Ireland) Res 3 at Prince and Princess of Wales’s dinner party with ma; comment on Reform (Scotland) Bill comment on Ireland – Cardinal Cullen; comments on Reform (Scotland) Bill at Buckingham Palace; audience with Queen at foundation-stone ceremony for new St Thomas’s Hospital speech and comments on Boundary Bill – Committee; comment on Reform (Ireland) Bill; speech on Royal Residence in Ireland – Motion for and Address; comment on Supply – Civil Service Estimates – University of Glasgow; at state ball at Buckingham Palace with ma at cabinet at Windsor comment on boundaries of boroughs; comment on Parliament – Progress of Business – Question; speech and comments on Reform (Scotland) Bill comment on Established Church (Ireland) Bill – Question; comment on Reform (Scotland) Bill – Question at state concert at Buckingham Palace at cabinet; Ministerial Statement – Reform (Scotland) Bill speech on Established Church (Ireland) Bill; comment on Ireland – Railways at cabinet; state dinner at Downing Street for Queen’s birthday

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25 May 26 May

28 May 29 May

30 May 1 Jun 2 Jun 4 Jun

5 Jun 6 Jun 8 Jun

9 Jun 10 Jun 11 Jun 13 Jun 15 Jun

17 Jun 18 Jun

19 Jun 20 Jun 22 Jun 24 Jun

comment on Prosecution of ex-Governor Eyre – Question; speech and comments on Parliamentary Reform – Reform (Scotland) Bill comment on Parliament – The General Election – Question; comment on Derby Day – Adjournment; comment on Whitsuntide Recess – Question comments on Parliamentary Reform – Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill – Disfranchised English Boroughs – Question comment on Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill – Question; comment on Ireland – University Education; comment on Established Church (Ireland) – Question; comment on Ireland – University of Dublin; speech on Dissolution of Parliament; comment on Parliament – Rules of the House at Queen’s levée speech at Halton Industrial Exhibition; at Grosvenor Gate meets with Lonsdale at cabinet; comments and speech on Mr Gladstone and East Worcestershire Election; comment on Supply – Civil Service Estimates – Miscellaneous Expenses comment on Boundary Commissioners’ Report at cabinet receives deputation from Protestant Defence Associations in Ireland; speech and comments on Boundary Bill – Committee; comment on Boundary Commissioners’ report – amended plans; comment on Registration – Small Tenements Act – Morning Sittings; comment on attempted assassination of Duke of Edinburgh; comments on Parliamentary Reform – Reform (Scotland) Bill comments on Prosecution of ex-Governor Eyre at cabinet dines at Beauchamps’; comment on Boundary Bill – Committee meets with Whig members; at cabinet receives deputation of members of the Queen’s University, Ireland; comment on the Abyssinian despatches; comment on Revenue Officers’ Disabilities Removal Bill – Question; comment on Army – Volunteer Review at Windsor – Question; comment on Government of India Bills; speech and comments on Parliament – Business of the House; comment on Reform (Ireland) Bill; comment on Volunteer Review at Windsor at Merchant Taylors’ Hall banquet comment on Grant to Royal Academy of Music – Question; comments and speech on Parliament – Business of the House; speech and comments on Parliamentary Reform – Reform (Ireland) Bill at council at Windsor; at state concert at Buckingham Palace with ma at cabinet at breakfast at Buckingham Palace with ma (4:30-7:30 pm); comments on Ecclesiastical Titles; comments on Reform (Ireland) Bill dines at Colonel and Baroness North’s with ma; at foreign office reception

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25 Jun

26 Jun 27 Jun 30 Jun 1 Jul 2 Jul

3 Jul 4 Jul 6 Jul 7 Jul 9 Jul

10 Jul

11 Jul 14 Jul

16 Jul 17 Jul

18 Jul

20 Jul 22 Jul 23 Jul 24 Jul

25 Jul

speech on Mr Disraeli’s speech at Merchant Taylors’ Hall – Question; comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill comments on Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market at cabinet comment on Parliament – Divisions of the House at state ball with ma comments on Ejectments Suspension (Ireland) Bill; comments on Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; speech on Abyssinian Expedition – Vote of Thanks to Her Majesty’s Forces; comments on Navy Estimates – Dockyards and Naval Yards comments on Forces in New Zealand; comments on Supply: – Establishments of China, Japan, and Siam – Salaries of Governors of Colonies at cabinet comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill at council at Windsor; audience with Queen; comments on Supply – Post Office Packet Services comment on Case of Stamper and Overseers of Sunderland; comment on Princess of Wales – Address to the Queen; Ministerial Statement – Reconstruction of the Ministry; comment on Sir Robert Napier – Message from the Queen; speech on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; comment on Pension to Sir Robert Napier – Message from the Queen at cabinet; dinner party and reception at Grosvenor Gate comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; comments on Ireland – Royal Irish Academy; comments on Navy Estimates – Greenwich Hospital; comments on Supply: – Household of Lord Lieutenant – Portpatrick Railway Company – Full and Half Pay comments on Army – Control Department, Motion for Papers; speech and comments on Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill comments and speech on Elections Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; comments on Supply – Report; comments on Parliament – Public Business at cabinet; comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; at Prince of Wales’s dinner for Lord Napier of Magdala at Trinity House banquet; speech and comments on Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; at Greenwich for ministerial whitebait dinner comments on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill speech on Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; comment on Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill; comment on Motion for Adjournment at Osborne; dines with Queen and royal family xxix

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27 Jul 28 Jul 29 Jul 30 Jul

at Grosvenor Gate; speech on the late Lord Brougham meets with Abercorn; at cabinet speech at Mansion House banquet at council at Osborne; audience with Queen; comments on Registration (Ireland) Bill 31 Jul at cabinet; comment on pension to Lord Napier of Magdala; Parliament prorogued until 8 October 5 Aug meets with Duke of Edinburgh; sits for photographs at Mayall’s studio; at Hughenden 11 Aug at Latimer with ma (Lord Chesham) 24-8 Aug Napiers of Magdala at Hughenden 25-9 Aug Reverdy Johnson at Hughenden 12 Sep at Grosvenor Gate 13 Sep at Windsor 14 Sep at council at Windsor; at Grosvenor Gate 17 Sep departs for Balmoral 18 Sep at Balmoral as minister in attendance on Queen 24 Sep dines with Queen and royal family 26 Sep dines with Queen and royal family 28 Sep at Aberdeen; at Perth 29 Sep at Grosvenor Gate 5 Oct at Newmarket (Mayer de Rothschilds) 7 Oct at Grosvenor Gate 13 Oct at cabinet 14 Oct at Eridge Castle (Abergavenny) 17 Oct at Grosvenor Gate 24 Oct at cabinet 28 Oct at Chevening (Stanhope) 31 Oct at Grosvenor Gate; at cabinet 2 Nov at cabinet 7 Nov at council at Windsor; audience with Queen 9 Nov speech at Lord Mayor’s Day banquet at Guildhall 11 Nov at council at Windsor; audience with Queen; dissolution of Parliament and issuing of writs for election 16 Nov general election begins 19 Nov election speech at Aylesbury; returned for Bucks 23 Nov at Windsor; dines with Queen and royal family 28 Nov at cabinet 30 Nov ma becomes Viscountess Beaconsfield 2 Dec at cabinet 3 Dec premiership ends 7 Dec at Windsor; audience with Queen; at Grosvenor Gate 23 Dec death of James Disraeli 29 Dec at Hughenden; at funeral of James Disraeli

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A B B RE V IATI O NS IN V O L U ME TEN

a denotes an additional letter to be inserted into the sequence abc The Duke of Abercorn, Newton Stewart, N Ireland (now housed at nipr) add Fr R. Addington, London aes A.E. Scanes Aldous Richard Aldous The Lion and the Unicorn: Gladstone vs Disraeli (2006) app Appendix arg Argosy Book Store, New York, NY bcp Lady Beauchamp, collection of (now in bl) bea Belvoir Castle, Lincolnshire Beeler John F. Beeler British Naval Policy in the Gladstone-Disraeli Era, 1866-1880 (Stanford 1997) bh The Bucks Herald bhf Chris Cook and Brendan Keith British Historical Facts (1975) bl The British Library, London Blake Robert Blake Disraeli (1966) blg John Burke A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland (various editions) bodl Bodleian Library, Oxford Bradford Sarah Bradford Disraeli (1982) brd The Earl of Bradford, Weston Park, Shifnal, Shrops (Lady Chesterfield Papers) Bright John Bright The Diaries of John Bright (1930) brn Brandeis University, Waltham, MA bry Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA c Conservative C of Ex Chancellor of the Exchequer cam Cambridge University Library, Cambridge carr Carrington Collection, Bodleian Library, Oxford che Gilian Chelmsford, Viscountess Dowager, Chiddingfold cib Charles I. Ball, Fairview Park, Ohio

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Clergy List

The Clerical Guide and Ecclesiastical Directory publ by Rivington, later The Clerical Directory publ by Crockford (followed by year of edition) cro Carlisle Record Office, Carlisle d Benjamin Disraeli (and thus ‘the ds’ = d and ma) dbp Derby Papers, 14th & 15th Earls, Liverpool City Libraries deb J. De Bruyn denl St Deiniol’s Library, Hawarden, Flintshire dib Dictionary of Irish Biography (online) din The Hon Mrs Dinwiddy Disraeli, Derby John Vincent ed Disraeli, Derby and the Conservative Party: Journals and Memoirs of Edward Henry, Lord Stanley 18491869 (Hassocks, Sussex 1978) durg Durham University Library (Grey Papers) ec Editorial comment section of the headnote ejm ex-Jewish Museum (see abbreviations in Volume ii) esu East Suffolk Record Office, Ipswich, Suffolk fei Mrs Brian Heeney (née Feilding), Peterborough, Ontario Fraser Sir William Fraser Disraeli and his Day (1891) Gladstone Diaries M.R.D. Foot and H.C.G. Matthew eds The Gladstone Diaries (1968-94) gls Gloucestershire Record Office, Gloucester gor Mr A.S. and Mr J.S. Gordon, London h The Hughenden papers, Bodleian Library, Oxford h acc h wma 4498 – ma’s account book Hansard Hansard’s Parliamentary Debates Hardy Diary Nancy E. Johnson ed The Diary of Gathorne Hardy, later Lord Cranbrook, 1866-1892: Political Selections (Oxford 1981) Hawkins Angus Hawkins British Party Politics, 1852-1886 (1998) Hawkins Derby Angus Hawkins The Forgotten Prime Minister. The 14th Earl of Derby vol 2 Achievement, 1851-1869 (Oxford 2008) Haydn Joseph Haydn The Book of Dignities 3rd ed (1894 repr Baltimore 1970) hcc Hampshire County Council hcr Hertford County Record Office hdl Hounslow District Library, Middlesex h/life Monypenny papers in h for his Life of Disraeli hlp Hickleton Papers, Wood Family, Garrowby, York hro Hampshire Record Office, Winchester hunt Huntington Library, San Marino, CA iaa International Autograph Auctions Ltd illu University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL inl National Library of Ireland, Dublin jwa John Wilson Manuscripts, London kcr Kent County Record Office, Maidstone

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Kebbel Thomas Edward Kebbel Selected Speeches of the Late Right Honourable the Earl of Beaconsfield (1882) vols i and ii Kennedy Conspiracy Padraic C. Kennedy ‘Underhand Dealings with the Papal Authorities’: Disraeli and the Liberal Conspiracy to Disestablish the Irish Church’ Parliamentary History 27.1 (February 2008): 19-29 l Liberal l-c Liberal-Conservative lc Library of Congress, Washington, DC lcc Lowry-Corry Collection lpl Lambeth Palace Library, London lqv B George Earle Buckle ed The Letters of Queen Victoria: A Selection from Her Majesty’s Correspondence and Journal between the Years 1862 and 1878 (1926) 2 vols ma Mary Anne Disraeli Malmesbury 3rd Earl of Malmesbury Memoirs of an Ex-minister (1884) 2 vols mann Université Catholique de l’Ouest, Angers, France (Cardinal Manning Papers) m&b William Flavelle Monypenny and George Earle Buckle The Life of Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield (1910-20) 6 vols McCalmont McCalmont’s Parliamentary Poll Book: British Election Results 1832-1918 (1971) Meynell Wilfred Meynell Benjamin Disraeli: An Unconventional Biography (1903) mnt George Montagu, Cannes, France mopsik The Donald and Delores Mopsik Collection mp The Morning Post mpl Manchester Public Library, Manchester nipr Northern Ireland Public Record Office, Belfast, N Ireland nor The Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle Norton Rose Andrew St George A History of Norton Rose (Cambridge 1995) not University of Nottingham, Nottingham nsr Northamptonshire Record Office, Northampton nypl New York Public Library (Montague Collection) odnb Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online) otr Librairie d’Otrante, Le Coudray, France ph Publication history section of the headnote pro Public Record Office, London ps Printed Source, identified in ph, used when the original ms has not been located qua Disraeli Papers, formerly in the Queen’s University Archives, Kingston, Ontario r denotes a letter now available from a manuscript or a more complete or reliable printed source replacing a fragmentary letter published in a previous volume (eg ‘123r’ replaces ‘123’)

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rac Royal Archives, Windsor Castle ric Rice University, Fondren Library, Houston, TX rlf Royal Literary Fund (housed at bl) rose Lady Rosebery, collection of roth The Rothschild Archive, London scr Somerset County Record Office Shannon Richard Shannon The Age of Disraeli 1868-1881 (1992) Shaw William A. Shaw The Knights of England (Baltimore 1971) sro Scottish Record Office, Edinburgh ssh Stratfield Saye House, Reading Stenton Michael Stenton Who’s Who of British Members of Parliament: Volume i, 1832-1885; Volume ii, 1886-1918 (Hassocks, Sussex 1976, 1978) Sykes James Sykes Mary Anne Disraeli (1928) tas University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia texu University of Texas, Austin tia Archives of The Times, London vg Vivian Grey (bound into) war Warwickshire Record Office, Warwick Weintraub Disraeli Stanley Weintraub Disraeli: A Biography (New York 1993) Weintraub Charlotte Stanley Weintraub Charlotte and Lionel: A Rothschild Love Story   and Lionel   (2003) Weintraub Victoria Stanley Weintraub Victoria: An Intimate Biography (New York 1987) wrc Worcestershire Record Office, Shirehall wro Warwickshire Record Office, Feilding papers wsro West Sussex Record Office, Chichester x denotes an entirely new letter or fragment to be placed in chronological sequence after the corresponding letter number in a previous volume (eg ‘123x’ follows ‘123’)

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ch r o n o l og i c a l l i s t of l e t t e r s 1 8 6 8

no date to place of origin 4652 4653 4654 4655 4656 4657 4658 4659 4660 4661 4662 4663 4664 4665 4666 4667 4668 4669 4670 4671 4672 4673 4674 4675 4676 4677 4678 4679 4680 4681 4682 4683 4684 4685 4686 4687

1 jan ’68 1 jan ’68 3 jan ’68 4 jan ’68 [6 jan] ’68 [6 jan ’68] 8 jan ’68 8 jan ’68 9 jan ’68 10 jan ’68 [post 10 jan ’68] 11 jan ’68 11 [jan] ’68 13 jan ’68 [post 15 jan ’68] 16 jan ’68 16 jan ’68 16 jan ’68 [17 jan ’68] 17 jan ’68 17 jan ’68 18 jan ’68 [18] jan [’68?] 20 jan ’68 20 jan ’68 21 jan ’68 21 jan ’68 22 jan ’68 23 jan ’68 24 jan ’68 24 jan ’68 [25 jan ’68] 25 jan ’68 27 jan ’68 28 jan ’68 28 jan ’68

Disraeli_4591_i.indd 35

lord augustus loftus lord derby lord mayo gathorne hardy lord derby [charles fremantle?] montagu corry lady dorothy nevill lord derby octavian blewitt lord beauchamp arthur helps lord derby philip rose [henry maunsell] philip rose lord barrington montagu corry [charles fremantle?] sir stafford northcote lord stanley lord abercorn [m. corry/c. fremantle] duke of marlborough charles rivers wilson lord derby queen victoria [montagu corry] mary anne disraeli princess christian mary anne disraeli mary anne disraeli queen victoria queen victoria lord derby lord derby

downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate grosvenor gate [london] downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street [london?] grosvenor gate [london] downing street downing street downing street osborne osborne osborne osborne downing street downing street downing street downing street

location of original ps dbp inl h h/life dbp h lcc ejm dbp rlf h h h/life dbp h h h bl h h h h/life dbp nipr nypl cam qua dbp rac h h ps h h rac rac dbp dbp

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4688 4689 4690 4691 4692 4693 4694 4695 4696 4697 4698 4699 4700 4701 4702 4703 4704 4705 4706 4707 4708 4709 4710 4711 4712 4713 4714 4715 4716 4717 4718 4719 4720 4721 4722 4723 4724 4725 4726 4727 4728 4729 4730 4731 4732 4733 4734 4735 4736 4737 4738 4739

rac durg bl dbp cam h dbp rac h h dbp dbp h h/life rac h h pro dbp rac rac kcr hlp dbp rac rac qua inl mpl rac hlp dbp dbp rac h h rac h dbp rac h h dbp rac hlp rac che cam mann dbp dbp dbp rac

28 jan ’68 29 jan ’68 29 jan ’68 30 jan ’68 30 jan ’68 31 jan ’68 31 jan ’68 31 jan ’68 [jan/feb ’68 [early feb ’68] 1 feb ’68 1 feb ’68 1 feb ’68 1 feb ’68 2 feb ’68 [4 feb ’68] [4 feb ’68] 4 feb ’68 4 feb ’68 4 feb ’68 5 feb ’68 5 feb ’68 6 feb ’68 6 feb ’68 6 feb ’68 [6 feb ’68] 7 feb ’68 9 feb ’68 10 feb ’68 10 feb ’68 10 feb ’68 11 feb ’68 11 feb ’68 12 feb ’68 [12? feb ’68] 13 feb ’68 [14 feb] ’68 14 feb ’68 14 feb ’68 15 feb ’68 [15 feb ’68] 15 feb ’68 15 feb ’68 15 feb ’68 17 feb ’68 19 feb ’68 19 feb ’68 19 feb ’68 20 feb ’68 20 feb ’68 21 feb ’68 21 feb ’68

queen victoria charles grey lord barrington lord derby duke of marlborough [lord stanley] lord derby queen victoria d dss of [atholl?] [henry lowry-corry] lord stanley lord derby gathorne hardy queen victoria [lord stanley] [montagu corry] lord cairns lord derby queen victoria queen victoria lord stanhope lord halifax lord derby queen victoria charles grey spencer walpole lord mayo john b. smith queen victoria lord halifax lord derby lord derby queen victoria [cabinet colleagues] montagu corry queen victoria [montagu corry] lord derby queen victoria [montagu corry?] [henry lowry-corry] lord derby queen victoria lord halifax queen victoria lord chelmsford duke of marlborough henry manning lord stanley lord derby lord derby queen victoria

downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street [london] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] [london] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [downing street] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street

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4740 4741 4742 4743 4744 4745 4746 4747 4748 4749 4750 4751 4752 4753 4754 4755 4756 4757 4758 4759 4760 4761 4762 4763 4764 4765 4766 4767 4768 4769 4770 4771 4772 4773 4774 4775 4776 4777 4778 4779 4780 4781 4782 4783 4784 4785 4786 4787 4788 4789 4790 4791

inl dbp rac rac rac bl dbp h h/life lcc ps bl rac rac dbp che bl rac rac dbp dbp durg durg cam che h h h h h abc tia h rac h che rac rac hcc pro ssh brd mopsik hro ps dbp h rac lcc rac rac ps rac

22 feb ’68 [24 feb ’68?] 24 feb ’68 24 feb ’68 24 feb ’68 24 feb ’68 25 feb ’68 25 feb ’68 25 feb ’68 [25 feb ’68] 25 feb ’68 25 feb ’68 25 feb ’68 [25 feb ’68] 25 feb ’68 26 feb ’68 26 feb ’68 26 feb ’68 27 feb ’68 27 feb ’68 [27 feb] ’68 27 feb [’68] 27 feb ’68 27 feb ’68 27 feb ’68 28 feb [’68] 28 feb ’68 28 feb ’68 28 feb ’68 28 feb ’68 28 feb ’68 29 feb ’68 29 feb ’68 [feb-mar ’68] 1 mar ’68 1 mar ’68 2 mar ’68 2 mar ’68 2 mar ’68 2 mar ’68 2 mar ’68 3 mar ’68 3 mar ’68 3 mar ’68 4 mar ’68 4 mar [’68] 4 mar ’68 5 mar ’68 5 mar [’68] 6 mar ’68 6 mar [’68] 6 mar ’68

lord mayo lord stanley charles grey charles grey charles grey lord barrington lord derby gathorne hardy [montagu corry] baroness l. de rothschild lord barrington charles grey charles grey lord stanley lord chelmsford lord barrington queen victoria queen victoria lord stanley lord derby charles grey [charles grey] duke of marlborough lord chelmsford [montagu corry] montagu corry montagu corry mary anne disraeli lord robert montagu lord abercorn john delane lord chelmsford queen victoria [montagu corry?] lord chelmsford queen victoria queen victoria [lord malmesbury] lord cairns duchess of wellington lord bradford henry whitmore charles adderley edward egerton lord derby philip rose queen victoria [montagu corry] queen victoria queen victoria [john delane] queen victoria

[london] downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate [london] downing street [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street downing street grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate osborne osborne osborne [osborne] osborne osborne osborne [osborne] [osborne] osborne osborne [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street downing street [london] grosvenor gate [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street h of commons h of commons downing street downing street

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4792 4793 4794 4795 4796 4797 4798 4799 4800 4801 4802 4803 4804 4805 4806 4807 4808 4809 4810 4811 4812 4813 4814 4815 4816 4817 4818 4819 4820 4821 4822 4823 4824 4825 4826 4827 4828 4829 4830 4831 4832 4833 4834 4835 4836 4837 4838 4839 4840 4841 4842 4843

rac pro sro rac brn durg durg dbp rac dbp durg durg dbp rac rac rac pro dbp gls dbp rac rac durg pro rac dbp h mann rac rac rac dbp carr roth rac durg pro mopsik rac dbp rac durg h rac nsr qua rac dbp rac hunt h pro

7 mar ’68 7 mar ’68 7 mar [’68] 7 mar ’68 7 mar ’68 8 mar ’68 9 mar ’68 9 mar ’68 9 mar ’68 9 mar ’68 10 mar ’68 11 mar ’68 11 mar ’68 [11 mar ’68] [12 mar ’68] 13 mar ’68 13 mar ’68 13 mar ’68 13 mar ’68 14 mar ’68 14 mar ’68 14 mar ’68 15 mar ’68 16 mar ’68 16 mar ’68 16 mar ’68 16 mar [’68] 16 mar ’68 17 mar ’68 [17 mar ’68] 17 mar ’68 18 mar [’68] 18 mar ’68 19 mar ’68 19 mar ’68 19 mar ’68 19 mar ’68 20 mar ’68 20 mar ’68 21 mar ’68 21 mar ’68 21 mar ’68 22 mar ’68 23 mar ’68 23 mar ’68 23 mar ’68 24 mar ’68 25 mar ’68 26 mar ’68 26 mar ’68 27 mar ’68 29 mar ’68

charles grey lord cairns john walter queen victoria sir sidney dacres charles grey charles grey lord derby queen victoria lord stanley charles grey charles grey lord derby queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria lord cairns lord derby sir michael hicks beach lord derby queen victoria queen victoria charles grey lord cairns queen victoria lord stanley [sir john thwaites] henry manning queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria lord stanley lord carrington sir a. de rothschild charles grey charles grey lord cairns a. hamilton-gordon queen victoria lord derby queen victoria charles grey philip rose queen victoria george ward hunt lord dartmouth queen victoria lord derby queen victoria duke of buckingham mary anne disraeli lord cairns

grosvenor gate downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street h of commons grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street h of commons h of commons [h of commons] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street h of commons downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street h of commons downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street h of commons grosvenor gate h of commons downing street downing street grosvenor gate

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4844 4845 4846 4846a 4847 4848 4849 4850 4851 4852 4853 4854 4855 4856 4857 4858 4859 4860 4861 4862 4863 4864 4865 4866 4867 4868 4869 4870 4871 4872 4873 4874 4875 4876 4877 4878 4879 4880 4881 4882 4883 4884 4885 4886 4887 4888 4889 4890 4891 4892 4893 4894

roth rac rac qua rac bodl rac bcp rac rac inl bl ps pro h h/life dbp nsr mopsik rac h h ps dbp pro dbp ps bodl ric ps nor dbp inl rac dbp pro rac h dbp h h/life nor dbp mopsik rac rac dbp nor h bl rac h rac rac

29 mar ’68 30 mar ’68 31 mar ’68 31 mar ’68 31 mar ’68 1 apr ’68 1 apr ’68 1 apr ’68 2 apr ’68 4 apr [’68] 5 apr ’68 5 apr ’68 [8 apr ’68] 8 apr ’68 8 apr ’68 9 apr ’68 9 apr ’68 [9 apr] ’68 11 apr ’68 11 apr ’68 [post 11 apr ’68] 13 apr ’68 14 apr ’68 14 apr ’68 15 apr ’68 15 apr ’68 15 apr ’68 15 apr ’68 16 apr ’68 16 apr ’68 17 apr ’68 17 apr ’68 20 apr ’68 21 apr ’68 22 apr ’68 22 apr ’68 23 apr ’68 23 apr ’68 23 apr ’68 23 apr ’68 24 apr ’68 24 apr ’68 24 apr ’68 24 apr ’68 [25 apr ’68] 25 apr ’68 25 apr ’68 26 apr ’68 27 apr ’68 27 apr ’68 27 apr ’68 28 apr ’68

baron l. de rothschild queen victoria queen victoria charles fremantle queen victoria philip wynter queen victoria lord beauchamp queen victoria queen victoria lord mayo sir stafford northcote [charles fremantle] lord cairns gathorne hardy lord stanley george ward hunt arthur baker queen victoria henry lowry-corry [montagu corry?] sir henry stracey lord derby lord cairns lord stanley alfred tennyson samuel wilberforce charles clubbe markham spofforth duke of northumberland lord stanley lord mayo queen victoria lord derby lord cairns queen victoria william a. mackinnon lord stanley gathorne hardy duke of northumberland lord stanley william henry gregory queen victoria queen victoria lord stanley duke of northumberland mary anne disraeli william gladstone queen victoria [montagu corry] queen victoria queen victoria

grosvenor gate h of commons h of commons h of commons downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street h of commons grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden?] [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] hughenden downing street hughenden hughenden [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street h of commons downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street grosvenor gate downing street grosvenor gate h of commons [london]

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4895 4896 4897 4898 4899 4900 4901 4902 4903 4904 4905 4906 4907 4908 4909 4910 4911 4912 4913 4914 4915 4916 4917 4918 4919 4920 4921 4922 4923 4924 4925 4926 4927 4928 4929 4930 4931 4932 4933 4934 4935 4936 4937 4938 4939 4940 4941 4942 4943 4944 4945 4946

rac nor h mopsik h rac tas durg rac rac rac rac rac wsro carr rac h h sro rac cam pro h h/life rac rac rac rac ps rac h h rac inl qua h rac h h rac h ps bl rac rac bcp h cam rac durg h pro cro

28 apr ’68 28 apr ’68 28 apr ’68 29 apr ’68 30 apr ’68 30 apr ’68 [apr ’68?] 1 may ’68 1 may ’68 2 may ’68 3 may ’68 4 may ’68 [5 may ’68?] 5 may ’68 5 may ’68 5 may ’68 5 may ’68 6 may ’68 7 may ’68 7 may ’68 7 may ’68 8 may ’68 8 may ’68 8 may ’68 11 may ’68 11 may ’68 12 may ’68 [12? may ’68] 14 may ’68 14 may ’68 15 may ’68 15 may ’68 17 may ’68 18 may ’68 19 may ’68 [19 may ’68] 20 may ’68 20 may ’68 20 may ’68 21 may [’68?] 22 may ’68 22 may ’68 23 may ’68 23 may ’68 25 may ’68 [25 may ’68] 26 may ’68 26 may ’68 26 may ’68 27 may [’68] 29 may ’68 30 may ’68

queen victoria duke of northumberland mary anne disraeli duke of wellington [montagu corry] queen victoria duke of buckingham queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria duke of richmond lady carrington queen victoria [montagu corry] [montagu corry] lord elcho queen victoria duke of marlborough lord cairns gathorne hardy queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria [unknown] queen victoria mary anne disraeli [montagu corry] queen victoria lord mayo [charles fremantle] mary anne disraeli queen victoria [montagu corry] philip rose queen victoria [montagu corry] john evelyn denison sir stafford northcote queen victoria queen victoria lord beauchamp [mary anne disraeli] duke of marlborough queen victoria charles grey [montagu corry] lord cairns lord lonsdale

[h of commons] downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street [london?] h of commons osborne osborne downing street downing street downing street carlton club downing street h of commons grosvenor gate downing street downing street h of commons downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street h of commons h of commons downing street h of commons h of commons downing street h of commons grosvenor gate downing street h of commons downing street downing street grosvenor gate [london] downing street grosvenor gate downing street foreign office [london] downing street [london] grosvenor gate [london] downing street [london] downing street downing street

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4947 4948 4949 4950 4951 4952 4953 4954 4955 4956 4957 4958 4959 4960 4961 4962 4963 4964 4965 4966 4967 4968 4969 4970 4971 4972 4973 4974 4975 4976 4977 4978 4979 4980 4981 4982 4983 4984 4985 4986 4987 4988 4989 4990 4991 4992 4993 4994 4995 4996 4997 4998

dbp pro war h h/life rac rac texu ps cam tas h dbp rac esu h hcr tas rac h h h esu h vg h pro bcp dbp scr rac tas tas dbp rac cro arg esu hcc rac h bl pro bl h h rac h rac scr h h pro

30 may ’68 [31 may] ’68 31 may ’68 [jun ’68] 4 jun ’68 6 [jun] ’68 8 jun ’68 9 jun ’68 9 jun ’68 10 jun ’68 11 jun [’68] 12 jun ’68 13 jun ’68 13 jun ’68 14 jun ’68 15 jun ’68 15 jun ’68 16 jun ’68 [17 jun ’68] [18 jun ’68] [18 jun ’68] 18 jun ’68 19 jun ’68 20 jun ’68 22 jun ’68 22 jun ’68 22 jun ’68 [22 jun ’68] 22 jun ’68 23 jun ’68 24 jun ’68 24 jun ’68 26 jun ’68 27 jun ’68 27 jun ’68 30 jun ’68 2 jul [’68] 3 jul ’68 4 jul ’68 6 jul ’68 6 jul ’68 7 jul ’68 8 jul ’68 [about 9 jul ’68] [about 9 jul ’68] 10 jul ’68 [11 jul ’68] 11 jul ’68 11 jul ’68 [13 jul ’68] 13 jul ’68 13 jul ’68

lord derby lord cairns charles newdegate [montagu corry] queen victoria queen victoria lord abercorn [sir stafford northcote] duke of marlborough duke of buckingham [montagu corry] lord derby queen victoria gathorne hardy [cabinet colleagues] lord lytton duke of buckingham queen victoria lord stanley [markham spofforth] [montagu corry?] gathorne hardy mary anne disraeli queen victoria [conservative mps] lord cairns lord beauchamp lord stanley lord hylton queen victoria duke of buckingham duke of buckingham lord stanley queen victoria lord lonsdale lord shaftesbury [gathorne hardy] lord malmesbury queen victoria [charles fremantle] sir robert napier lord cairns william gladstone [sir t. erskine may?] sir t. erskine may duke of cambridge mary anne disraeli queen victoria lord hylton [charles fremantle] philip rose lord cairns

downing street grosvenor gate downing street [london] h of commons downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] [london] [london] downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street h of commons h of commons downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street

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4999 5000 5001 5002 5003 5004 5005 5006 5007 5008 5009 5010 5011 5012 5013 5014 5015 5016 5017 5018 5019 5020 5021 5022 5023 5024 5025 5026 5027 5028 5029 5030 5031 5032 5033 5034 5035 5036 5037 5038 5039 5040 5041 5042 5043 5044 5045 5046 5047 5048 5049 5050

tas rac pro pro rac qua esu rac esu h h h kcr h durg hdl h abc lcc h rac dbp dbp dbp cro rac h inl qua lcc lcc qua h dbp h esu h rac brn pro h rac h brn h gls dbp h h h h ps

13 jul ’68 13 jul ’68 15 jul ’68 [17 jul ’68] 18 jul ’68 20 jul ’68 20 jul [’68] 20 jul ’68 21 jul ’68 [22 jul ’68] [22 jul ’68] 22 jul ’68 22 jul ’68 23 jul ’68 23 jul ’68 26 jul ’68 26 jul ’68 26 jul ’68 26 jul ’68 [28 jul ’68] 28 jul ’68 31 jul ’68 31 jul ’68 31 jul ’68 1 aug ’68 1 [aug] ’68 3 aug ’68 4 aug ’68 4 aug ’68 5 aug ’68 5 aug ’68 [5-10 aug ’68] [about 6 aug ’68] 6 aug ’68 6 aug ’68 8 aug ’68 [about 9 aug ’68] 10 aug ’68 11 aug ’68 11 aug ’68 13 aug [’68] 14 aug ’68 14 aug [’68] 14 aug ’68 15 aug ’68 15 aug ’68 16 aug ’68 16 aug ’68 17 aug ’68 17 aug ’68 17 aug ’68 17 aug [’68?]

duke of buckingham queen victoria lord cairns lord cairns queen victoria [charles fremantle] gathorne hardy charles grey gathorne hardy mary anne disraeli philip rose mary anne disraeli lady stanhope [charles fremantle?] charles grey duke of wellington mary anne disraeli lord abercorn [montagu corry] [montagu corry] queen victoria lord stanley sir henry edwards lord derby lord lonsdale queen victoria [montagu corry] lord mayo philip rose montagu corry henry padwick edmund hammond [montagu corry?] lord stanley [montagu corry] gathorne hardy queen victoria queen victoria sir william brett lord cairns [montagu corry] queen victoria [montagu corry] henry padwick montagu corry sir michael hicks beach lord stanley [montagu corry] lord holmesdale sir edmund lechmere montagu corry william ferrand

downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street h of commons h of commons downing street [london] downing street downing street [london] downing street [osborne] [osborne] [osborne] [london] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate [london] downing street downing street grosvenor gate hughenden [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] hughenden [hughenden] [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] hughenden

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5051 5052 5053 5054 5055 5056 5057 5058 5059 5060 5061 5062 5063 5064 5065 5066 5067 5068 5069 5070 5071 5072 5073 5074 5075 5076 5077 5078 5079 5080 5081 5082 5083 5084 5085 5086 5087 5088 5089 5090 5091 5092 5093 5094 5095 5096 5097 5098 5099 5100 5101 5102

qua ps h h/life h h lc rac h h h/life h carr mopsik h rac dbp h dbp ps h h/life h esu h dbp ps rac h h/life h hcc cro h dbp tas esu bl h bodl mopsik rac rac inl h h dbp h h h dbp dbp h ps hcc inl

17 aug ’68 17 aug ’68 [about 18 aug ’68] 18 aug ’68 [post 18 aug ’68] 19 aug ’68 19 aug ’68 20 aug ’68 [20 aug ’68] [post 20 aug ’68] [pre 21 aug ’68] [21 aug ’68] 21 aug [’68] 21 aug ’68 21 aug ’68 22 aug ’68 23 aug ’68 23 aug ’68 23 aug ’68 23 aug ’68 25 aug ’68 26 aug [’68?] 26 aug ’68 31 aug ’68 31 aug ’68 [aug ’68] [pre 1 sep ’68] 1 sep ’68 1 sep ’68 2 sep ’68 4 sep ’68 5 sep ’68 8 sep ’68 8 sep ’68 [post 8 sep ’68] 9 sep [’68] 9 sep ’68 10 sep ’68 10 sep ’68 11 sep ’68 11 sep ’68 [about 11 sep ’68] [12 sep ’68] [about 12 sep ’68] [post 12 sep ’68] 13 sep ’68 15 sep ’68 15 sep ’68 15 sep [’68] 15 sep ’68 15 sep ’68 16 sep ’68

lady chesham john lambert [henry padwick] [montagu corry] [montagu corry] reverdy johnson queen victoria philip rose [montagu corry?] [lord waterford] lord carrington [the press] montagu corry queen victoria lord stanley montagu corry lord derby william johnston lord abergavenny [montagu corry] gathorne hardy philip rose lord stanley lord henry lennox queen victoria [unknown] [montagu corry] lord malmesbury lord lonsdale [montagu corry] lord stanley duke of buckingham gathorne hardy sir stafford northcote queen victoria samuel wilberforce [foreign office] queen victoria queen victoria lord mayo philip rose [montagu corry] lord stanley [montagu corry] [montagu corry] philip rose lord stanley lord derby [montagu corry] sir stafford northcote lord malmesbury lord mayo

hughenden hughenden [hughenden] hughenden [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] [hughenden] hughenden [hughenden] hughenden [hughenden] hughenden [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] [hughenden] hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden hughenden [hughenden] [hughenden] hughenden hughenden [hughenden] [hughenden] [hughenden] hughenden [hughenden] [hughenden] [london] [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate downing street [london] downing street grosvenor gate downing street

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5103 5104 5105 5106 5107 5108 5109 5110 5111 5112 5113 5114 5115 5116 5117 5118 5119 5120 5121 5122 5123 5124 5125 5126 5127 5128 5129 5130 5131 5132 5133 5134 5135 5136 5137 5138 5139 5140 5141 5142 5143 5144 5145 5146 5147 5148 5149 5150 5151 5152 5153 5154

dbp h h h h h rac h h h h mnt bea dbp h h rac h h rac h rose inl bodl h h h rac h denl h esu rac dbp h h rac h mopsik rac h h h rac rac nsr bl h ps rac rac qua

18 sep ’68 18 sep [’68] [18 sep ’68] 18 sep ’68 19 sep [’68] 19 sep ’68 19 sep ’68 [20 sep ’68] [20 sep ’68] [20 sep ’68] 20 sep ’68 20 sep ’68 20 sep ’68 21 sep ’68 21 sep ’68 21 sep ’68 21 sep ’68 22 sep ’68 22 sep ’68 22 sep ’68 23 sep ’68 23 sep ’68 23 sep ’68 23 sep ’68 24 sep [’68] [24 sep ’68] 24 sep [’68] 24 sep ’68 25 sep [’68] 25 sep ’68 25 sep ’68 25 sep ’68 25 sep [’68] 26 sep ’68 [26 sep ’68] 26 sep ’68 26 sep ’68 [27 sep ’68] 27 sep ’68 27 sep ’68 [27 sep ’68] [27 sep ’68] 28 sep ’68 28 sep ’68 28 sep ’68 30 sep ’68 30 sep ’68 [1 oct ’68] 1 oct [’68] 1 oct ’68 1 oct ’68 3 oct ’68

lord derby montagu corry mary anne disraeli mary anne disraeli [montagu corry] mary anne disraeli queen victoria [montagu corry] [montagu corry] [montagu corry] mary anne disraeli andrew montagu lord john manners lord stanley montagu corry mary anne disraeli queen victoria montagu corry mary anne disraeli queen victoria mary anne disraeli lord rosebery lord mayo samuel wilberforce mary anne disraeli mary anne disraeli montagu corry queen victoria [montagu corry] sir thomas gladstone mary anne disraeli gathorne hardy queen victoria lord stanley [montagu corry] mary anne disraeli queen victoria mary anne disraeli edward egerton queen victoria montagu corry [montagu corry] mary anne disraeli queen victoria [charles grey?] george ward hunt sir stafford northcote [montagu corry] bucks electors queen victoria queen victoria lord henry lennox

perth perth perth perth balmoral balmoral balmoral [balmoral] [balmoral] balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral [balmoral] balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral [balmoral] balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral [balmoral] balmoral balmoral [balmoral] balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral [balmoral] balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral balmoral [balmoral] balmoral balmoral balmoral grosvenor gate downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate

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5155 5156 5157 5158 5159 5160 5161 5162 5163 5164 5165 5166 5167 5168 5169 5170 5171 5172 5173 5174 5175 5176 5177 5178 5179 5180 5181 5182 5183 5184 5185 5186 5187 5188 5189 5190 5191 5192 5193 5194 5195 5196 5197 5198 5199 5200 5201 5202 5203 5204 5205 5206

esu hunt h inl rac nipr h rac rac h nipr rac rac dbp h dbp cro rac kcr hunt ps rac rac fei h h ps bry h not h dbp h rac ejm h h rac rac rac h rac dbp rac h rac dbp dbp h h cib rac

5 oct ’68 5 oct ’68 8 oct ’68 8 oct ’68 8 oct ’68 9 oct ’68 9 oct ’68 9 oct ’68 11 oct ’68 12 oct ’68 13 oct ’68 13 oct ’68 13 oct ’68 15 oct ’68 17 oct ’68 17 oct ’68 17 oct ’68 19 oct ’68 20 oct ’68 20 oct ’68 [post 20 oct ’68] 21 oct ’68 21 oct ’68 22 oct ’68 [23 oct ’68] 24 oct ’68 24 oct ’68 25 oct ’68 26 oct ’68 26 oct ’68 26 oct [’68] 27 oct ’68 [27 oct ’68] 27 oct ’68 27 oct ’68 [27 oct ’68] 28 oct ’68 28 oct ’68 28 oct ’68 28 oct ’68 29 oct ’68 29 oct ’68 30 oct ’68 31 oct ’68 [late oct ’68] 1 nov ’68 2 nov ’68 3 nov ’68 3 nov ’68 [4 nov ’68] 4 nov ’68 4 nov ’68

gathorne hardy duke of buckingham [montagu corry] lord mayo queen victoria duke of abercorn [montagu corry] queen victoria queen victoria philip rose duke of abercorn queen victoria queen victoria lord stanley lord ormonde george mathew lord lonsdale queen victoria lady stanhope duke of buckingham [corry/fremantle] queen victoria queen victoria william feilding [montagu corry] philip rose robert b. harvey robert j. harvey philip rose sir andrew buchanan [montagu corry] lord stanley [montagu corry] queen victoria [montagu corry?] [sir t. fermor-hesketh] [montagu corry] queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria [montagu corry] queen victoria [lord stanley] queen victoria [montagu corry?] queen victoria lord derby lord stanley [montagu corry] [charles fremantle] [nestor marchand?] queen victoria

downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street eridge castle downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street [london] downing street downing street [london] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] chevening downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] hughenden downing street

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5207 5208 5209 5210 5211 5212 5213 5214 5215 5216 5217 5218 5219 5220 5221 5222 5223 5224 5225 5226 5227 5228 5229 5230 5231 5232 5233 5234 5235 5236 5237 5238 5239 5240 5241 5242 5243 5244 5245 5246 5247 5248 5249 5250 5251 5252 5253 5254 5255 5256 5257 5258

h dbp h h dbp rac h lpl dbp ps dbp rac rac qua h h h/life dbp rac nsr rac rac rac bl h rac wro rac brn rac rac rac h rac rac rac rac h h h/life dbp roth durg h dbp dbp durg h dbp deb dbp qua qua rac

7 nov ’68 [7 nov ’68] 10 nov ’68 10 nov ’68 10 nov ’68 10 nov ’68 11 nov ’68 12 nov ’68 12 nov ’68 13 nov ’68 13 nov ’68 13 nov ’68 13 nov ’68 [14 nov ’68] 14 nov ’68 14 nov ’68 14 nov ’68 16 nov ’68 16 nov ’68 17 nov ’68 17 nov ’68 18 nov ’68 19 nov ’68 20 nov ’68 20 nov ’68 20 nov ’68 21 nov ’68 21 nov ’68 21 nov ’68 24 nov ’68 25 nov ’68 25 nov ’68 25 nov ’68 25 nov ’68 25 nov ’68 25 nov ’68 [post 25 nov ’68] 26 nov ’68 [26 nov ’68] 26 nov ’68 26 nov ’68 [26 nov ’68] 27 nov ’68 27 nov ’68 27 nov ’68 [27 nov ’68] [27 nov ’68] 28 nov [’68] [28 nov ’68] [28 nov ’68] [28 nov ’68] [28] nov ’68

[charles fremantle] lord stanley [montagu corry] [montagu corry] lord stanley queen victoria [montagu corry] archibald tait lord derby richard long lord derby queen victoria queen victoria [charles fremantle?] philip rose lord abergavenny lord stanley queen victoria george ward hunt queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria sir stafford northcote philip rose queen victoria william feilding queen victoria richard long queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria [montagu corry] queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria queen victoria [montagu corry] gathorne hardy lord stanley baroness l. de rothschild charles grey [montagu corry] lord derby lord stanley charles grey [montagu corry] lord stanley arthur helps [lord stanley] [charles fremantle] [charles fremantle] queen victoria

downing street downing street [grosvenor gate] downing street downing street grosvenor gate [london] grosvenor gate [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street carlton club downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street downing street downing street

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5259 5260 5261 5262 5263 5264 5265 5266 5267 5268 5269 5270 5271 5272 5273 5274 5275 5276 5277 5278 5279 5280 5281 5282 5283 5284 5285 5286 5287 5288 5289 5290 5291 5292 5293 5294 5295 5296 5297 5298 5299

rac durg qua qua h dbp rac dbp durg kcr abc h ps iaa durg durg h h/life qua qua h h wsro bl brn h bl pro roth pro mopsik qua bl h h bcp pro h h mopsik qua h

30 nov ’68 30 nov ’68 [pre 1 dec ’68?] [dec ’68] [1 dec ’68] 1 dec ’68 1 dec ’68 2 dec ’68 2 dec ’68 2 dec ’68 2 dec ’68 [2 dec ’68] 2 dec ’68 3 dec ’68 4 dec ’68 [5 dec ’68] 6 dec ’68 6 dec ’68 7 dec ’68 7 dec ’68 [7 dec ’68] 8 dec ’68 8 dec ’68 8 dec ’68 [9 dec ’68] 9 dec ’68 9 dec ’68 [10 dec ’68] 14 dec ’68 16 dec ’68 18 dec ’68 21 dec ’68 [post 21 dec ’68] [23 dec ’68] 24 dec ’68 24 dec ’68 24 dec ’68 [24 dec ’68] 25 dec ’68 26 dec ’68 31 dec ’68

queen victoria charles grey [charles fremantle?] [charles fremantle?] [montagu corry] lord stanley queen victoria lord derby charles grey lord stanhope duke of abercorn [corry/fremantle] [conservative mps] john ormsby-gore charles grey charles grey lord abergavenny charles fremantle [charles fremantle] philip rose [montagu corry] william t. mitford william gladstone philip rose [montagu corry] william gladstone lord cairns baroness l. de rothschild lord cairns sir henry edwards william hart dyke lord barrington [mary anne disraeli?] philip rose lord beauchamp lord cairns ralph disraeli [montagu corry] henry whitmore edward higgins montagu corry

downing street downing street downing street [london] [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street downing street [london] downing street downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate downing street downing street grosvenor gate [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate [london] grosvenor gate grosvenor gate grosvenor gate

The following is the available information (source indicated) about Disraeli letters that have not been located, for which no significant portion of the text is available, but which seem to belong to the 1868 period. Some of them have been used in the notes of this volume, as indicated. The references to items in h are to items from which a specific d letter can be inferred. For pre-1868 letters newly found see Appendix i. To Edward Strathearn Gordon, cover with postmark, illegible except for year. gor[2]. before 10 Jan ’68 Lord George Gordon-Lennox. h b/xxi/l/144. [1868]

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before 11 Jan ’68 To Henry Lowry-Corry, re navy estimates. See 4686n2. 18 Jan ’68 To Lord Derby, re cabinet on 21 January. h b/xx/s/474. See 4668n3. before 10 Feb ’68 To Lady Brownlow. h b/xxi/b/1061. 10 Feb ’68 To Thomas Hunt, invitation to join monetary commission. h b/ viii/67. before 11 Feb ’68 To Charles Pelham Villiers, invitation to join monetary commission. h b/viii/66. before 11 Feb ’68 To Baron Lionel de Rothschild, invitation to join monetary commission. h b/viii/68. before 15 Feb ’68 To Angela Burdett-Coutts, re rating question. h b/ix/b/20b. 22 Feb ’68 To John Laws, re petition from Lambeth, Southwark and Greenwich residents. h b/ix/d/17c. before 25 Feb ’68 To Sir John Pakington, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/18. before 25 Feb ’68 To Spencer Walpole, re continuing in office. h b/xxi/w/75. See 4751n1. before 26 Feb ’68 To Lord Cairns, offering lord chancellorship. h b/ix/f/22. before 27 Feb ’68 To Thomas Edward Taylor. h b/ix/f/30. See 4764. 27 Feb ’68 To Lord Derby. h b/ix/f/10. before 28 Feb ’68 To Lord Colville, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/32. before 1 Mar ’68 To Lord Eustace Cecil, offering secretaryship of poor law board. h b/ix/f/41. before 1 Mar ’68 To Sir William Page Wood, offering lord justiceship. h b/ix/f/44. before 1 Mar ’68 To George Sclater-Booth, offering financial secretaryship to treasury. h b/xxi/b/634. See 4775n3. before 2 Mar ’68 To Lord Devon, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/46. before 2 Mar ’68 To John Mowbray, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/47. before 2 Mar ’68 To John Wilson Patten, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/49. before 3 Mar ’68 To Sir James Fergusson, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/50. before 3 Mar ’68 To Lord Royston. h b/ix/f/81. 3 Mar ’68 To G. Graham Montgomery, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/52. before 4 Mar ’68 To Sir John Stuart, offering lord justiceship of appeal. h c/ii/c/14a. before 4 Mar ’68 To Duke of Beaufort, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/54. before 4 Mar ’68 To Henry Whitmore, re continuing in office. h b/ix/f/55. 6 Mar ’68 To John Pope Hennessy. h b/xxi/h/495. before 7 Mar ’68 To Lord Abercorn, re the Queen’s sanction of Prince of Wales’s visit to Ireland at Easter. See 4792. before 13 Mar ’68 To Sir Michael Hicks Beach, offering secretaryship of poor law board. h b/ix/f/57. 20 Mar ’68 To William Taylor Copeland, re a baronetcy. h c/ii/a/59. before 22 Mar ’68 To Sir George Jenkinson, re reviving a peerage. h c/i/a/49. before 25 Mar ’68 To Duke of Beaufort, an invitation to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales on the 25th. h b/xxi/b/260. 29 Mar ’68 To Sir Robert Peel, re Irish Church. h b/xxi/p/178. 8 Apr ’68 To Sir Brook Bridges, re altering title of his barony. h c/i/a/31e. before 10 Apr ’68 To Lord Bridport, re reviving a peerage. h c/i/a/52a. before 14 Apr ’68 To Markham Spofforth, on Irish Church matters. h b/xxi/s/431. See 4871&n1. before 14 Apr ’68 To Duke of Buckingham, recommending baronetcy for GeorgeÉtienne Cartier. h c/ii/a/64c. 14 Apr ’68 To Henry Cecil Raikes, supporting his candidacy. h b/xiii/242. before 21 Apr ’68 To Lord Salisbury, with condolences on the death of his father. h b/ xx/s/1435. [29 Apr ’68] To A.R. Herzog. Jahrbuch Der Auktionspreise (1965). before 30 Apr ’68 To Lord Manners, offering a government post. h b/ix/f/60.

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6 May ’68 To Sir Humphrey de Trafford, requesting a reference for George Clarke. h a/iv/l/25. 7 May ’68 To James Atlay, offering bishopric of Hereford. h c/iii/a/47m. See 4905n2. before 21 May ’68 To Lord Denbigh. See 4934. before 25 May ’68 To J. Feilden, requesting a reference for William Taylor. h d/ iii/d/805. See 4940n1. [6 Jun ’68] To Baron Stock (Laetitia Bonaparte) re journal subscription. h b/ ix/d/26. See 5291n1. [15 Jun ’68] To Angela Burdett-Coutts. Henry Sotheran catalogue (1939). before 16 Jun ’68 To William Powell, re election matters. h b/ix/d/27. before 23 Jun ’68 To Duke of Wellington. h b/xxi/w/189. before 4 Jul ’68 To Duke of Wellington. h b/xxi/w/190. before 5 Jul ’68 To Smith Child, re Staffordshire elections. h c/ii/a/80a. before 28 Jul ’68] To Duke of Wellington, re Mr Rownall. h b/xxi/w/191. before 29 Jul ’68 To Lord Elcho. h b/xxi/e/132. before 1 Aug ’68 To Frederick Stanley, offering civil lordship of admiralty. h b/ix/f/61. before 2 Aug ’68 To Lord Vane. h b/xx/v/30. 6 Aug ’68 To Andrew Fairbairn, offering a knighthood. h c/ii/86. before 14 Aug ’68 To Lord Mayo. See 5041. 14 Aug ’68 To Edward Strathearn Gordon, re Scottish elections. See 5042. before 16 Aug ’68 To Lord Beauchamp, an invitation to visit the ds on 24 August. h b/ xx/ln/60. before 17 Aug ’68 To Lady Ely. h b/xix/a/83. before 18 Aug ’68 To James Lowther, offering secretaryship of poor law board. h b/ xxi/l/368. See 5036&n2. before 18 Aug ’68 To Lady Brownlow, sending grouse. h b/xxi/b/1063. before 18 Aug ’68 To John Lambert, an invitation to visit the ds on 28 August. h b/xxi/l/9. before 18 Aug ’68 To Lord Mayo. h b/xx/bo/71. before 20 Aug ’68 To Lord Waterford. h c/vii/2b. See 5060n1. before 22 Aug ’68 To Lord Cairns, an invitation to visit the ds on 25 August. h c/iii/ a/48r. before 22 Aug ’68 To Hugh Boyd McNeile, offering deanship of Ripon. See 5066. before 22 Aug ’68 To Lady Ely. See 5066. before 22 Aug ’68 To Lord Cairns. See 5066. before 23 Aug ’68 To Sir Stafford Northcote. See 5070. before 23 Aug ’68 To Lord Alfred de Rothschild. See 5070. before 23 Aug ’68 To the Duke of Abercorn. h b/xxi/a/16. before 23 Aug ’68 To Lord Henry Lennox, an invitation. h b/xx/lx/309. before 23 Aug ’68 To Lord Napier of Magdala, re his visit. h b/xxi/n/22. before 27 Aug ’68 To Arthur Helps, an invitation to visit the ds on 28 August. h b/ xxi/h/440. before 29 Aug ’68 To Alex Doull, re survey of Caithness county (Scotland). h b/ix/ c/18a. after 31 Aug ’68 To Lord Henry Lennox. See 5074. after 2 Sep ’68 To William Champneys. See 5080. 9 Sep ’68 To Unknown (signature illegible), re church matters. h c/iii/a/49n. before 11 Sep ’68 To William Feilding, re E. Brereton Trelawny. See 5090. before 16 Sep ’68 To Charles Ellicott, Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, re candidates for bishopric of Peterborough. h c/iii/a/49g. before 21 Sep ’68 To Lord Henry Lennox, offering chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster. See 5103. before 24 Sep ’68 To Dr Frederic Quin, requesting medicine. h b/xxi/q/1.

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26 Sep ’68 To Edward Egerton, with Queen’s approval of instructions to Sir John Crampton. See 5141. before 27 Sep ’68 To Sir George S. Stucley, re election matters. h b/ix/d/31. before 28 Sep ’68 To Lady Edith Hastings, from Balmoral. h c/i/a/40h. before 5 Oct ’68 To Henry Mansel, offering deanery of St Paul’s. h c/iii/a/50b. before 5 Oct ’68 To Lord Cairns, asking him to be at Balmoral by the 19th. See 5155. before 11 Oct ’68 To Charles Ellicott, Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, re bishops. h c/ iii/a/26b. before 13 Oct ’68 To Lord Lilford, re the case of Mr Davis. h b/xxi/l/166. before 13 Oct ’68 To John Wilson Patten, re deanery of Cork. h b/xxi/w/451. before 16 Oct ’68 To William Thomson, Archbishop of York, re church appointments. h c/iii/a/49u. 17 Oct ’68 To Smith Child, offering a baronetcy. h c/ii/a/99b. before 18 Oct ’68 To Lord Roden, requesting political support. h b/xxi/r/95. before 20 Oct ’68 To Sir Matthew White Ridley, on upcoming address to the crown. h b/ xxi/r/89. before 22 Oct ’68 To Lord Claud John Hamilton, offering lordship of treasury. h b/ ix/f/64. 23 Oct ’68 To Charles Locock, encouraging him to stand again for Isle of Wight. h b/ix/g/31. before 24 Oct ’68 To William Champneys, offering deanery of Lichfield. h c/iii/a/51d. before 27 Oct ’68 To Francis Leighton. See 5159&n1, 5187n1. before 28 Oct ’68 To William Champneys, offering to place his name before the Queen for deanery of Lichfield. h c/iii/a/51f. before 4 Nov ’68 To Mrs William Blackburne, re a baronetcy for her son. h c/ii/a/61d. before 13 Nov ’68 To Mr Rolls, asking him to vote for Thomas Owen Wethered at Marlow (Bucks) election. h b/ix/g/61. 13 Nov ’68 To Christopher Wordsworth, offering to recommend him to the Queen for bishopric of Lincoln. h c/iii/a/52a. 14 Nov ’68 To Baron de Bliss, requesting his powerful support. h c/ii/a/129. before 18 Nov ’68 To James Walker, offering a baronetcy. h b/xix/a/66. 20 Nov ’68 To Mr Drummond, enclosing £189 rent from ma for Lord Westminster. h a/v/g/123b. before 22 Nov ’68 To Baron Lionel de Rothschild, sympathy on death of his cousin Baron James de Rothschild. h b/xxi/r/216. before 23 Nov ’68 To Christopher Wordsworth, appointing him Bishop of Lincoln. h c/ iii/a/52d. before 25 Nov ’68 To William Ferrand, re Col Taylor’s offer of a baronetcy. h c/ii/ a/110b. [26 Nov ’68] To Lady Dorothy Nevill. Sotheby’s catalogue (October 1981). after 5 Dec ’68 To Charles Grey. See 5274. before 7 Dec ’68 To Stafford O’Brien, re his having been declined a baronetcy. h c/ ii/a/57b. before 15 Dec ’68 To Alexander Baillie-Cochrane, re a peerage. h c/i/a/80c. before 16 Dec ’68 To Sir George Jenkinson, re a peerage. h c/i/a/33e. 18 Dec ’68 To George Thomson, thanking him for election contributions. h b/ xiii/249. 18 Dec ’68 To E. Brereton Trelawny, expressing approval of him. h b/xxi/t/164. before 23 Dec ’68 To Edward Harold Browne, Bishop of Ely, re a vicar for Hughenden. h b/xxi/b/1043.

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‘At Last’ from Judy (4 March 1868)

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‘Disraeli Making His First Speech as Premier in the English House of Commons, March 5, 1868’ from Harpers Weekly (11 April 1868)

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‘The New Head Master’ from Punch (7 March 1868)

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‘Rival Stars’ from Punch (14 March 1868)

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‘Dizzy’s Difficulty, or Mrs. Erin’s Pigs’ from Punch (21 March 1868)

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‘Paddy’s Bad Tooth, or Doctors Differ’ from Punch (28 March 1868)

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‘Battle of the Spurs’ from Punch (4 April 1868)

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‘New Guy Fawkes, or Dizzy’s Chef-D’œuvre’ from Punch (25 April 1868)

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‘A Crisis!’ from Punch (16 May 1868)

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‘The Political Leotard’ from Punch (13 June 1868)

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‘The Rising Tide’ from Punch (22 August 1868)

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‘Ben and His Bogey’ from Punch (17 October 1868)

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‘Rival Actors’ from Punch (31 October 1868)

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‘A Political Parallel’ from Punch (7 November 1868)

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‘Ixion out of Heaven’ from Punch (12 December 1868)

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‘Schoolmaster Bright “Educating” Master Gladstone!’

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Benjamin Disraeli Letters: 1868

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to: LORD AUGUSTUS LOFTUS

Downing Street [Wednesday] 1 January 1868

4652

original: ps 817 publication history: Swann Auction Galleries (New York City) online at www.swanngalleries.com, sale 2259, lot 56, described as: ‘3½ pages, 8vo, written on a single folded sheet ... reporting that [d] has requested that Lord Derby add Grenville Palmer to his nomination list for the Treasury’. An image of the first page is online. editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

His Excellency New Years Day 1868 Lord Augustus Loftus Dear Lord Augustus, Your letter has been too long unanswered, but its purport was not neglected. I / have [text missing] I hope the new year may be auspicious both to Prussia & Gt. Britain. When you see Count Bismarck, offer him, from me, kind remembrances & regards.1 Yours faithfully, | D. to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 1 January 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 576, the first six paragraphs; Hawkins Derby 362, 365, the second and third paragraphs editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4653

Rt Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K G New Years | Day | 1868 My dear Lord, I send you the Compliments of the Season. It is the first [illegible deletion] time, that you have been / Premier for three continuous years – -66 -67 & 68! I hope a good omen. You have done also very well for your friends: 3. Garters 4. Bishoprics 8. Lord Lieutenancies & / almost the whole Bench in the three kingdoms.1

1 d had referred to Loftus (whose letter has not been found), ambassador to Prussia, as ‘a pompous nincompoop’ and ‘our Goosey Gander at Berlin’ (ix 4174n3 and 4294). Loftus would be accredited to the North German Confederation in March 1868. 1 During Derby’s administration (28 June 1866 to 25 February 1868), new knights of the garter included 6th Duke of Richmond (6 Feb 67), 6th Duke of Rutland (6 Feb 67) and 8th Duke of Beaufort (19 Mar 67); new bishops included Thomas Legh Claughton, Bishop of Rochester (26 Apr 67), Samuel Butcher, Bishop of Meath (16 Oct 66), George Augustus Selwyn, Bishop of Lichfield (13 Dec 67) and William Alexander, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe (1867); new lord lieutenants included Sir James Matheson (Ross-shire) gazetted 2 Jul 66, Marquess (afterwards Duke) of Abercorn (Ireland) sworn 6 Jul 66, Lord Penrhyn (Carnarvonshire) sworn 18 Sep 66, Lord Tredegar (Brecknockshire) gazetted 25 Sep 66, Lord Southampton (Northamptonshire) sworn 1 Mar 67, Lord Gainsborough (Rutlandshire) sworn 6 Mar 67, 8th Duke of Beaufort (Monmouthshire) sworn 17 May 67, Alan Eliot Lockhart (Selkirkshire) gazetted 19 Nov 67 and Lord Brownlow (Lincolnshire) sworn 22 Nov 67. Lord Egerton of Tatton (Cheshire) would be sworn on 23 Jan 1868. Haydn passim.

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European affairs are not satisfactory: the Emperor of the French has to choose between what are called Liberal Institutions & / war – & does not like either.2 But a war will be a war of Louis Quinze,3 & such slow & balanced successes will soon weary the great nation. I think he feels this. Stanley seems a little nervous about the / Alabama claims.4 The Americans are reckless 8partizans9, & will do much for the Irish vote, tho’, except the Irish, nobody in America wants to go to war with us: nevertheless, I doubt whether / the Irish vote is yet strong enough to ensure such a catastrophe. At present, all that the Fenians have done is to strengthen your government.5 The Revenue is / really much better than it looks: people persist in comparing the revenue of this year with that of the last: what they shd do is to compare it with my estimates. However, I don’t want to / enlighten them, as there will be an advantageous re-action in public opinion when we require it. I count on my estimate being realized: I believe, it will be exceeded.6 I only wish

2 Count von der Goltz, the newly accredited representative of the North German Confederation, had met in Paris on 31 December 1867 with Napoleon iii. Goltz stated that the King of Prussia wished to maintain ‘“relations” of good feeling and confidence between France and the Confederate States”’, Napoleon replying that he hoped Goltz would continue his efforts ‘“to maintain between the two countries that friendly understanding which is the pledge of their prosperity, and a guarantee for the peace of Europe.”’ The Times (2 Jan 1868). See also ix 4550&n1. 3 The Seven Years’ War (1754-63) pitted the French (under Louis xv) and Austrians against Britain and Prussia. The French defeat brought crushing debts and the loss of most of her colonies to Britain. 4 During the Civil War, the Confederacy had contracted British boatyards to build warships, among them the Florida, Georgia, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and, most famously, the Alabama (launched July 1862, sunk June 1864), all of them serving as Confederate commerce raiders and sinking more than 150 Union ships (68 by the Alabama). Arguing that Britain had violated its proclamation of neutrality – issued in May 1861, the war having begun in April – the U.S. sought damages, the so-called Alabama claims. The Treaty of Washington (8 May 1871) would establish an international arbitration commission (Sir John A. Macdonald was one of the six British delegates) to evaluate the merit of the American claims. In September 1872, the commission would order Britain to pay the U.S. $15.5 million in damages, Britain expressing official regret (but admitting no guilt) for the destruction inflicted by British-built warships. See 4789&nn1&2. 5 For background to the ongoing Fenian troubles, see ix 4624nn1&2 and index. 6 Treasury financial secretary G.W. Hunt, in introducing d’s supplementary budget on 28 November 1867, had stated that ‘the surplus estimated on the 4th of July was £246,000’, which ‘certain alterations in the Estimates’ had reduced to £205,000 at the end of the session. He expected a surplus ‘of about £200,000 at the end of the year.’ Hansard cxc col 341. See ix 4595n2.

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Merewether had / the command of the Abyssinian Expedition,7 & then I think our troubles on that head wd be brief. Yours ever | D8 to: LORD MAYO

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: would Me.

Downing Street [Friday] 3 January 1868

4654

Confidential Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo Jan. 3 1868 My dear Mayo, I saw ArchBp Manning last Saturday: he called on me & read me (did not show me) portions of a letter from Cardinal Cullen, from wh: I inferred, that there would / be

7 William Lockyer Merewether (1825-1880), cb 1860 and kcsi 1868 (24 August), had had a distinguished military and administrative career in India. He had been military secretary to the government of Bombay 1861, political agent at Aden 1863-7 and, as lieut-col, had headed the pioneer force dispatched from Bombay on 21 September 1867 against King Tewodros ii of Abyssinia (see ix 4521n4). Lieut-gen Sir Robert Napier, commander-in-chief at Bombay, had been assigned to command the Abyssinian expedition on 30 August 1867. See 4668n2. 8 Derby would reply from Knowsley on 3 January with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘But for the confidence I have in your judgment, I own I could not take so sanguine a view as you do of the state of our finances. Comparing the receipts, up to the present time, not with those of last year, but with your Estimates, I find a deficiency of £800,000 instead of £300,000 on which you had calculated (of course without reference to the increased Income Tax) and I do not see on what grounds you calculate on this deficiency being made up during the next quarter. I need not say I hope your expectations will not be disappointed. There are some indications of a revival of trade in this part of the world; but the Fenian “scare” stands in the way of any renewal of confidence. On the other hand it is exciting the loyal population to fever heat, and it is to be feared that it may lead to an indiscriminate proscription of all Irish R. Catholics. You saw the account of the attempt to blow up the gas works at Warrington. An Irish Priest is trying to make out that it was all a hoax; but all the R. Catholic workmen have been dismissed; and one of the managers was imprudent enough to tell the Priest that they were so dismissed on account of their Religion! Four Irish Workmen (Protestants) have been kept on. This spirit is not likely to be pacified by such documents as that lately put forth by the R.C. Clergy of Limerick, which I should have thought exposed the writer to a prosecution for sedition, if there were any chance in the South of Ireland of convicting a Priest. In England the feeling is so strong that I believe we shall have to resist a popular pressure for ultra-constitutional measures of repression as applied to this Country as well as Ireland. I do not wonder, under these circumstances at home, at Stanley’s anxiety about our relations with America. Where all turns in the amount of weight which the Irish vote can carry with unscrupulous Politicians, and in the presence of internal difficulties to which a foreign war might make a division, it is impossible not to feel somewhat anxious as to the result. I quite agree with you as to the unsatisfactory state of Foreign Affairs in Europe. The Emperor’s embarrassments are serious; and he has evidently lost much of the nerve and obeisance which formerly carried him through; and his prestige in France is diminished accordingly. Our danger would be much greater if it were not for the impecuniosity of all the powers except Prussia – and, after all, of Russia, whose intrigues are increasing. I hope however that we have hitherto been able to thwart them, and, on the whole, to turn in our favour the balance of the vacillating counsels of France in regard to Eastern affairs. In spite of some drawbacks, I look hopefully on our Abyssinian business; and by this time I hope Napier may have landed, and that he will push to the front as speedily as possible. If we could meet Parliament with tidings of success!! I reciprocate, very cordially, your good wishes for the New Year. May it be to you productive of less anxiety, public and private, than that which has just passed away!’ h b/xx/s/470.

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no question about endowment in case we granted a charter to the R.C. University.1 With respect to the second point, vizt: as to its constitution, & the introduction, of some lay element into its management, it was suggested that the constitution of the / University of Louvain established, it was said, under similar circumstances might afford a guide, & perhaps a solution.2 Cardinal Cullen said that the R. C. ArchBp of Cashel,3 & the Bp of Derry,4 were the prelates who mainly attended to the Education question, & he / said that they would willingly conf come over & confer with me, or any minister here, if we approved of the suggestion. I did not write to you immediately on this affair tho’ it occurred to me at the time, that it would me more convenient for you to see these Prelates at Dublin, because I wished to / consider the question a little: & I am very glad I did not write, as I have this morning received the enclosed important letters,5 wh: put us more fully au fait to the tone & expectations of the writers. I will see Hunt & / do what I can in the matter you refer to6 – only don’t let us have any job, & be insulted, as we were, about the Galway contract wh: really on the part of the Government was an act of patriotism.7 I send to you, & yours, all / the kind wishes of the season & remain Yr affec: coll: | D.

1 See ix 4640&n1. The Catholic University of Ireland (est. 1854) had no state charter to confer degrees; see ix 4060n4. 2 The University of Leuven (or Louvain), founded 1425, had been renamed the Catholic University of Leuven in 1834, following Belgian independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830. 3 Patrick Leahy (1806-1875) had studied philosophy and theology at St Patrick’s College (Maynooth) 182633, was ordained priest of the diocese of Cashel 1833, curate of Knocklong 1833-5 and Thurles 1835-7, professor of theology 1837 and president 1838 St Patrick’s College (Thurles), professor of theology and vice-rector Catholic University of Ireland 1854-5, parish priest of Cashel, co Tipperary 1855 and Archbishop of Cashel 1857-75. Leahy had been deputed by the Irish Catholic bishops to negotiate with Mayo regarding the proposed endowment of the Catholic University. See 4980&n1. 4 Francis Kelly (1812-1889) had studied at St Patrick’s College (Maynooth) 1835-40, was ordained priest 1840, curate of Drumragh 1840-6, Strabane 1846-7 and Culdaff 1847-8, parish priest of Upper Fahan 18489, appointed apostolic administrator, co-adjutor and titular Bishop of Titopolis 1849, consecrated 1849 and made Bishop of Derry 1864-89. Primarily concerned with the development of Catholic education, Kelly devoted much of his income to bursaries to educate seminarians at Rome and Maynooth; he would found (and help finance) St Columb’s College in 1879. 5 The letters forwarded by d to Mayo have not been found. 6 Mayo had written to d from Dublin Castle on 29 December 1867: ‘Will you kindly give ear unto Hunt in reference to the Exhibition Palace in Dublin and the plan for instituting an Irish department of Science and Art. The matter presses because on the decision rests the Course we ought to take with regard to the Building for the Queen’s University for which we have bu[dge]ted already £10.000. I cannot too strongly impress upon you how desirable it would be to adopt Hunts views. The expenditure might be spread over 3 or 4 years. The proposal would be very well taken in Ireland as it would confer a practical benefit on the Country and at the same [time] be gratifying to National Feeling.’ Treasury financial secretary G.W. Hunt on 18 January would write to d: ‘The Duke of Marlborough assents to an Irish Science and Art Department. I am therefore taking immediate steps to negotiate for the purchase of the Building in Dublin. Will you therefore write to the Lord Lieut.’ h b/xx/bo/48; hu/31. 7 For the cancellation of the mail contract between Galway and the U.S., see viii 3584&n5 and 3594&n6.

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to: GATHORNE HARDY

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 4 January 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript.

4655

Right Honorable Mr. Sec: Hardy.1 Grosvenor Gate, Jan. 4. ’68. My dear Hardy, I am greatly annoyed, that, in addition to all your thought and care, you should have the vexation, at such a moment, of not being properly supported by the other offices. I won’t attempt, now, to guess the offenders: but I wish to say, that, among the principal reasons why I remain in town is, that, if necessary, I should be of service to you. You are placed in a proud, but most trying, position, to which I, for one, believe you completely equal; but it is intolerable, that, in addition to your almost isolated state at a moment when you ought to have the advantage of full council, you should experience the disadvantage of not having all our resources at your command. I will call on you to-morrow, at three o’clock, unless I hear to the contrary.2 Yours, D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 dating: Twelfth day of Christmas.

Grosvenor Gate [Monday 6 January] 1868

4656

Confidential Grosvenor Gate – Twelfth Day | 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I must recall to your recollection the case of Mr Watkin, M.P., who was to have been knighted last year.1 It was asserted, at the time, & I believe not without some foundation, that the Duke of Newcastle had promised this gentleman, for certain services rendered to the Government in the International Col: Railway of / Canada, that, when the contemplated honors, in respect to that undertaking, were distributed, he shd. be remembered. I made the hitch in that contemplated Colonial distribution last year, the plausible & honorable ground on wh: Mr Watkin’s distinction was deferred. 1 Hardy on this day (4th) had written to d from the home office a letter docketed ‘4 Jany 1868’: ‘I enclose a telegram just received – Police Soldiers & every provocation to vigilance do not seem to save Cork from fillibusters [sic]. Gt. Britain does not send me any news of importance to day but there may be very important things for I found yesterday that compulsion is required to draw forth some from departments wh. ought to supply it spontaneously.’ The telegram, dated 4 January 1868 and addressed to ‘Supt Kettle, Scotland Yard’, reads: ‘Cork Saturday. a powder magazine at Lough a suburb of Cork. Robbed last night of ten hundred weight of gunpowder magazine belonged to Mr Murray, Cork.’ h b/xx/ha/20, 20a. 2 Hardy on the 6th would record: ‘Saturday ... At H.O. pretty late but evg quiet. A good deal of bother about the unaccountable negligence of Millbank [Prison] and Police ... yesterday ... Disraeli came in the afternoon & kept me. I had a good deal to do & was twice called up in the night, rather trying’. Hardy Diary 61. 1 For background to a knighthood for Edward Watkin, see ix 4432&n1 and 4488&nn1-3.

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The Gazette has recently notified the satisfactory settlement of these Colonial claims, & Mr Watkin has turned up again, & accordingly. It is of importance, that his claim / shd be gratified. There never were really any insp insuperable, scarcely any valid, objections to conferring the honor last year as the finding of the Committee in the Yarmouth election exonerated Watkin personally from all responsibility,2 but, at the moment, it was discreet not to obtrude the his distinction. With regard to the general position of Mr Watkin, he is Chairman of one of the great Railways, & so high / is his reputation in such matters, that since the crash in that property,3 he has, I understand, been requested to become Director in of three other principal Railway Companies with a view to profit by his counsel & experience:4 notably, within a few days, he consented to become a Director of the Great Eastern,5 in order that he might assist “his noble friend”, Lord Cranborne, another of the new directors, until “his noble friend” assured the chairmanship of the undertaking. There / would be no captious notice of this distinction from below the opposition gangway, for Mr Watkin sits there, & has numerous & powerful relations on those benches: there wo[ul]d be no notice from the Opposition proper, for Mr Watkin is an independent, but avowed, follower of Mr Gladstone: there wd. be no notice from the malcontents on our side, for Lord Cranborne is, as I hear, Mr. Watkin’s most intimate confederate. I / earnestly request, & advise, you to comply with Mr Watkin’s request wishes.6 Yrs sincerely, | D.

2 Watkin had been returned as mp (l) for Great Yarmouth in March 1857 but unseated on petition in August. In February 1867 an inquiry commission had issued a report on corrupt practices at the Great Yarmouth elections of 1857, 1859 and 1865. Although it found no corruption in August 1857, it determined that the 1859 election had been ‘“conducted by and on behalf of Mr. Edward William Watkin and Mr. Adolphus William Young in a corrupt and illegal manner”’, both men allegedly bribing electors. The Times (25 Feb 1867). Great Yarmouth had been disfranchised for corruption by the Reform Act 1867. 3 See ix 4495&nn1-4. The Times on 1 January 1867 had reported that the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company ‘can neither pay interest to its creditors nor dividends to its share-holders; and that the whole concern ... is in Chancery.’ 4 Watkin held prominent positions in numerous railway companies, among them the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada (president 1861), Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Company (chairman 1864), South Eastern Railway Company (chairman 1866) and Great Western Railway (director 1866). 5 At a general meeting of the proprietors of the Great Eastern Railway on 3 January, it had been resolved that Cranborne, George Wodehouse Currie, Richard Young, James Chadwick, Robert Stuart and Watkin be elected directors. The Times (4 Jan 1867). 6 Derby would reply from Knowsley on 7 January with a letter headed ‘Confidential’: ‘I trust I need not assure you how unwilling I am even to hesitate about acting upon any wish or recommendation of yours; but with regard to Mr. Watkin, although undoubtedly the Honor of Knighthood is not a very great one, I cannot forget that last year, when it was reported to be about to be conferred upon him, the Duke of Buckingham expressed an earnest hope that there was no truth in the report, adding that if there were, the Colonial Office would be up in arms; and from what he said I inferred that there was evidence there of a nature so damaging to his character, that it would be most imprudent to bring his name prominently before the public (with no reference at all to the Yarmouth affair). I must therefore beg of you to let me suspend any decision till I come up to Town, in less than a fortnight, when I can make farther enquiries, and talk the matter over with you and the Duke. I am afraid Rolt’s attack is likely to give us another high legal office to dispose of, which we shall have difficulty in filling.’ h c/ii/a/48.

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to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE?]

[London, Monday 6 January 1868]

original: h c/ii/c/43f editorial comment: Written on the front of a cover postmarked 6 January 1868 and bearing the handwritten notation ‘Over 2½ oz’.

4657

Corry knows all about this case. I have not read a line & shall not. Perhaps you had better acknowledge receipt.1 D to: MONTAGU CORRY

original: lcc lc.1 Item 10; Frame d2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 8 January 1868

4658

Montagu Corry | Esqr. Jany 8 1868 My dear Montagu, It is so cold & dark everywhere,1 as I am told, that I have not left town, where one is at least, warm, & familiar with the / scene, tho’ one may not be able to see it. I am much harassed about poor Rose’s affair. They have got some new charge against the individual most / interested in the matter.2 It is, at present, more dark, than definite. I am trying to combat these difficulties. As your return may be delayed,3 I wish you / would write to Fremantle, & ask him

1 Dismissed from his post as sub-inspector in the factory department of the home office in August 1867 (see vii 2974n1), Frederic W. Haydon had informed d from Mayfair on 2 January 1868 (in a letter docketed by Fremantle) that he had been writing ‘a concise Statement of an intricate case full of perplexing details’ and that he felt ‘cast adrift upon the world, with my prospects ruined, & my official career destroyed, by an act of the most undeserved severity.’ The paper of the cover (see ec) matches that of Haydon’s 12-page letter to d of 4 January 1868 outlining the background of his case, including his ‘maltreatment’ by his immediate superior, Robert Baker (see 4982n1), whose twelve charges against him had led to an inquiry and then to Haydon’s dismissal. He enclosed for d a detailed 19-page handwritten ‘Precis of the Charges & Replies’ in two columns headed ‘Charge’ and ‘Reply’. h c/ii/43c-h. See 4670. 1 The temperature in London on this day (8th) was 33EF and overcast. The Times (9 Jan 1868). 2 Apparently Edward Watkin (see 4656&nn1,2&6), about whom Rose had written to Corry on the 4th: ‘I wrote to the good Chr. before leaving Town [see 4665&n2] about that wretched promise [of a knighthood] to Watkin which has caused so much bother ... I am sure it would be a good thing for the Gov. to pay Watkin this Compliment as he so much wishes it.’ h b/x/c/8. 3 In his last extant letter to d, dated 27 December 1867 on Wortley Hall, Sheffield, paper, Corry had written that ‘The fog wh: has followed us, prevents my seeing the beauties of the place, wh: are many, I am told.’ h b/xx/co/35.

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to prepare the minute, wh: he promised, about the new Messenger to our office. I don’t want it, for domestic reasons, to be longer delayed.4 There / [incomplete]5

4659

to: LADY DOROTHY NEVILL

Downing Street [Wednesday] 8 January 1868

original: ejm [21] editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Jan 8 1868 Dearest Dorothy, If our present clime were not so cold & dark,1 I would endeavour to find words, bright & glowing enough, to express how / much I was touched, & gratified, by your sweet labors in my behalf. I have still the handkerchief you first worked for me; & equally prize those I / have now received;2 because it makes me happy to remember that, in the course of time, my feelings to you have never changed, & that, altho’ so many years have / elapsed since we first met, my love to you is the same. D.

4660

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/3 editorial comment: Sic: herafter.

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 9 January 1868

Confidential Grosvenor Gate. Jany. 9. 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K.G. My dear Lord, Lord Robert Montagu, with accustomed naiveté, wrote to me, a couple of days ago,1

4 Fremantle’s minute has not been found; see n5. 5 Corry would reply on the 10th from Rowton Castle: ‘Even the political horizon is not so dark as the Salopian sky still remains, and I cannot wonder at your resolution to remain in town. The Rev Mr Maguire writes again in a desponding vein, and I have assured him, today, that you neither think him a liar or a rogue. I think my letter will allay his excitement.’ (d in 1867 had called Maguire a ‘blundering booby’; see ix 4638.) ‘Baillie Cochrane writes me a statement of his Income, as in the event of “certain considerations arising” the information may be important. Scotch Property £11.000 from now. When out of lease, in three years £14.000. His Father’s property not taken into consideration in the above. He expresses himself much gratified by the offer of Tasmania, and the manner in which you made it. I wonder if it can indeed be true, as I hear, that Sir Richard Mayne has placed his resignation into the hands of Mr Secy Hardy! I believe Shaw to be quite the best man there is to succeed him. But, doubtless, if this be true, he and his qualifications will soon be before the Home Secretary. I hope, much, to see you on Monday ... I have written to Fremantle concerning the minute.’ h b/xx/co/36. 1 See 4658n1. 2 Lady Dorothy Nevill, who usually sent d strawberries (see viii 4001&n1), farmed silkworms from whose silk fabric was made. 1 This letter by Montagu, vice-president of the committee on education (18 Mar 1867 to 1 Dec 1868), has not been found.

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to enquire, whether the expenditure under the New Education Bill, drawn up under the instructions of the Duke of Marlboro’,2 were to be included in the estimates?3 I was unconscious we were on the brink of the precipice! This / enquiry has made me think very seriously of a question, wh: has, indeed, often, of late, occupied my deepest thought. On our right course re the Education Question, not merely the fate of your Government, but of the Tory Party herafter, mainly depends. The Country is not ripe for any large legislation on the subject, but will sympathise with nothing small; & wishes to be assured, that its rulers are / at least completely considering the question. The course, that I would propose for your consideration, is this: To Remodel the Privy Council Office: To transfer the Educational Department, including all the Science & Art Institutions, to a Minister for Education: To transfer all the Sanitary Department to a Minister of Public Health: To confine the duties of the Privy Council to their original object: vizt. carrying Orders of Council into operation. The / Country will see by such a measure, that you contemplate acting, & that you are preparing to act largely. We should then be able to meet the New Parliament with a complete measure, drawn up with all the advantages of prolonged observation & matured thought. Such a measure would probably lead the new House; not yet organised into party discipline; & might launch the Government with / the new constituency.4 I think it might be well to consider, whether Mr Walpole might not make a

2 Russell in the Lords on 2 December 1867 had raised the education question by moving four resolutions, including the appointment of a minister of education with a seat in cabinet. Hansard cxc cols 478-506. For Marlborough’s education bill, see 4677&n4 and 4678. 3 Derby, replying on the 11th from Knowsley, thought Montagu ‘premature in applying to you to know whether the Expenditure under a Bill which has not yet received the sanction of the Cabinet should be placed on the Estimates for the present year. But the fact must not be overlooked that at our last meeting instructions were given to the Duke of Marlborough to have a Bill prepared for consideration, enclosing certain principles which appeared to command the assent of the Cabinet; and a letter received from him this morning informs me that such a Bill is in preparation, and has been placed in the hands of Mr. FitzJames Stephens to draft.’ h b/xx/s/471. 4 ‘Your letter’, wrote Derby (n3), ‘seems to point to the course of not attempting to bring in any Bill during the present Session, which is certainly contrary to the understanding at which we arrived; but to make very extensive changes in the Government Departments, involving a complete remodelling of the Privy Council Office, and the creation of a Ministry of Education. Now I am far from saying that such a Ministry may not ultimately be found a necessity; but when you say that the Country is not ripe for any large legislation on the subject, I cannot but think that the measure which you suggest is of the very largest character, far more so than a modification of the existing system in the sense suggested by the Duke of Marlborough; and, I think, less likely to obtain the sanction of Parliament. You must also bear in mind that if the Education Department be withdrawn from the Presidency of the Council, you must count on the resignation of the Duke of Marlborough, which would considerably weaken the Government. His plan is so far matured that we may take it into consideration as soon as we meet. I am inclined to think we may carry it; and it will not interfere with the future adoption of your larger proposal. At all events, we are bound to give him the opportunity of bringing it before us for consideration.’

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satisfactory Minister for Education:5 and whether the Sanitary Laws might not be relegated from the Privy Council to the Chan[cello]r for the Duchy?6 The official advantages of such an arrangement need not be pointed out. Yours sincerely, | D.

4661

to: OCTAVIAN BLEWITT

original: rlf Vol 20 No 1 1868 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: 1852.

Downing Street [Friday] 10 January 1868

Jany. 10 1868 The Chancellor of the Exchequer presents his Compliments to Mr Blewitt, & would feel obliged, if Mr Blewitt wo[ul]d send him, by the bearer, the Anniversary proceedings of the L. F., since he had the honor of filling the chair in 1852.1 Mr Blewitt has them probably bound up: they shall be returned with / care.2 He would, also, take this opportunity of enquiring, whether anything is known of

5 Derby (n3) did not think ‘the public would regard with satisfaction the appointment of Walpole as Minister of Education. He was originally estimated too high; and his undeniable failure [see ix 4158&n1] has partially had the effect of unduly lessening him in public opinion. Nor do I think that he will ever again accept any responsible Office. I shall be in Town on Monday the 20th and have desired a summons to be sent out for a Cabinet on the 21st.’ Walpole would write to d on the 27th with his views on the education scheme. h b/xx/s/471; xxi/w/74. 6 The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster was John Wilson Patten. 1 Blewitt, secretary of the Royal Literary Fund (see vii 598xn1), had written to d on 9 January: ‘Lord Stanhope communicated to the General Committee, at their meeting yesterday, that you had kindly consented to take the Chair of the next Anniversary on any Wednesday in May which might be agreeable to the Society. The Committee have ascertained that they can secure the new Hall of the Freemasons Tavern for Wednesday the 6th of May ... and they have accordingly fixed that day for the Dinner. Will you be kind enough to make a note of the day?’ d had chaired the sixty-fourth anniversary dinner of the Royal Literary Fund on 11 May 1853. h a/iv/m/96; The Times (12 May 1853). 2 Blewitt would reply on this day (10th): ‘We have a collection of the Anniversary Reports which we keep for the use of the Chairmen of the Anniversaries, many of them being now quite out of print. I beg to send this collection to you as it stands, (though it contains some reports previous to your presidency in 1852), and if convenient to you, you can retain it till after the Dinner on the 6th of May.’ h a/iv/m/97. d would chair that dinner. The Times (7 May 1868). See 4911&nn1-3.

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a Mr Parker Snow, an American writer, who frequently applies / to the Chancellor of the Exchequer[.]3 to: LORD BEAUCHAMP

[London, after Friday 10 January 1868]

original: h b/xiii/99 editorial comment: A draft in d’s hand endorsed in another hand at the top of the first page: ‘Congratulations on approaching marriage. ? Jan. ’68’. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

4662

My dear Beauchamp, I have seldom recd recd a letter wh: gave me greater pleasure than to yours wh: I have recd this f morning.1 You have always been near my heart, & if I may venture to tell you the truth on such a subject so has the lady, & to find that 8admirably fitted to each o[the]r as I deem9 you are about to unite yr lives as with under easy circ[umstanc]es so adapted to secure of happiness & so well fitted to each other is highly gratifying to me[.] You have chosen wisely for you will not 8only9 have a beautiful / wife but an wife ever interesting companion & if when necessary a wise 8& faithful9 counsellor, 8a woman who will understand & aid you in all yr views & pursuits9 You also connect y[ou]r[se]lf with 8& this in their [illegible deletion] is not [illegible word]9 a family at once circle at once 8amiable,9 cordial & refined, and full of with many well full of 8interesting &9 graceful resources, & living perhaps more pleasantly tog[ethe]r than any family I know. My wife & I unite in heartily cannot yet yet quite settle wh: 8of you9 is most to be congratulated, but agree in this in at once sending to you both the sincere expression of our [illegible deletion] warmest sympathy & regard.2

3 William Parker Snow (1817-1895) had held various jobs – including hotel manager in Melbourne and librarian in Lucca – before becoming in 1850 chief officer of the Prince Albert (see below). His numerous works include Voyage of the Prince Albert in Search of Sir John Franklin (1851), A Two Years’ Cruise off Tierra del Fuego (2 vols, 1857) and Lee and his Generals (1867). After a brief stint in New York, he returned to England in 1867 and spent the rest of his life compiling records of Arctic expeditions and explorers. His manuscripts were purchased by the Royal Geographical Society. Snow had written to Montagu Corry from London on 1 January: ‘Having to present my Papers to the Literary Fund today, and not receiving any further letter from you, I venture to trouble you with a request that you will be so kind as to ask Mr Disraeli if he will send the Committee a line in my favour. I wrote to him [letter not found], but have had no reply, and it is necessary that all papers should be in immediately. P.S. You wrote to me on Nov: 23rd.’ Blewitt (n2) would tell d that Snow ‘was formerly second in command of Lady Franklin’s Arctic Exploring Yacht, Prince Albert, & afterwards commanded an Expedition to the South Seas. He published Books descriptive of both Expeditions & some other works, on the ground of which our Committee granted him £50 in 1858. He then went to America and wrote a Biographical work and various other minor publications relating chiefly to Arctic discovery: but not being an American by birth, he could make no position for himself in New York. He returned to England recently, and has been supporting himself by lecturing. The Committee at their meeting on Wednesday granted him £30, the case being recommended to them by Mr John Barrow & Sir Walter Trevelyan.’ h a/iv/m/95, 97. 1 Beauchamp had written to d ‘in confidence’ on 10 January 1868 announcing ‘my approaching marriage with Lady Mary Stanhope [ix 4069n4] whom I think you justly appreciate.’ The ds would attend the wedding at St George’s Church, London, on 18 February. The Times (19 Feb 1868). 2 Beauchamp would reply on 16 January, thanking d for his ‘charming letter ... We all come up to town tomorrow when I hope to thank you in person for your good wishes.’ h b/xx/ln/57.

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4663

to: ARTHUR HELPS

Downing Street [Saturday] 11 January 1868

original: h h/life publication history: m&b v 49 editorial comment: From a ms copy headed: ‘To Arthur Helps Downing St. SW Jan 11, 1868.’ h b/ xiii/98 is an undated draft in d’s hand.

I am most obliged to you for sending me a copy, & an early one, of the Royal volume.1 I read it last night, & with unaffected interest. Its unique character would alone ensure that: but it has essential charms. Its vein is innocent & vivid; happy in picture, & touched with what I ever deem the characteristic of our Royal Mistress – grace. There is a freshness & fragrance about the book, like the heather amid wh: it was written. They say that truth & tact are not easily combined; I never believed so; & you have proved the contrary; for you have combined them in your preface – & that’s why I like it.2 Faithfully Yrs. D.

4664

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Saturday] 11 [January] 1868

original: dbp Box 146/3 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Dating: The docket by Derby, ‘Jan-11’, is confirmed by n3. Sic: Dec.

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby K. G. Dec 11 1868 My dear Lord, Only a line to remind you, that there is, I believe, now, a vacancy in the Irish peerage.1

1 Helps on 9 January had sent d a copy of Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands, from 1848 to 1861: to which are prefixed and added extracts from the same journal giving an account of earlier visits to Scotland, and tours in England and Ireland, and yachting excursions (1868). The book, dedicated to the memory of Prince Albert, would be published by Smith, Elder & Co and advertised as ‘now ready’ on 7 February. ‘I have no doubt the Queen will send you one, herself; but meanwhile, I think you might like to have an early copy from the Editor. I think you will like the book; and I hope you may not disapprove of the Preface. If you do, you must remember that such a thing is very difficult to write. “Difficult” you will perhaps say, like Dr Johnson, “I wish it had been impossible”.’ The Times (7 Feb 1868); h b/xxi/h/438. See 4696&n2. 2 In his ‘Editor’s Preface’ (v-xi), dated ‘London, January, 1868’, Helps recounts how the Queen had wanted her journal privately printed for family and intimate friends only. Fearing that ‘probably incorrect representations of its contents, might find their way into the public journals’, Helps had suggested placing ‘the volume within the reach of her Majesty’s subjects’ so that they might ‘know how her rare moments of leisure were passed in her Highland home, when every joy was heightened, and every care and sorrow diminished, by the loving companionship of the Prince Consort. With his memory the scenes to which this volume refers would always be associated.’ d’s ‘truth & tact’ may refer to a possible allusion to the 1867 Reform Bill, where Helps writes that nobody wishes ‘more ardently than Her Majesty, that there should be no abrupt severance of class from class, but rather a gradual blending together of all classes, – caused by a full community of interests, a constant interchange of good offices, and a kindly respect felt and expressed by each class to all its brethren in the great brotherhood that forms a nation.’ 1 William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse (i 278n2), had died on 31 October 1867.

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Could not this help you in the delicate matter of making peers? I understand, there is a / pressure on you as to elevating Mr O’Neill to the peerage – a very proper revival.2 But would not the Irish peerage be appropriate & sufficient 8for him?93 Lord Beauchamp is going to marry Lady / Mary Stanhope. Yrs ever sin[cere]ly | D. to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Monday] 13 January 1868

original: h r/i/a/205 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4665

Private Jany 13 1868 Phil: Rose Esq My dear Rose, Here is an epistle from Cte Monte Christo! I never notice them, & only hope they may prove ½ true.1 I am attending to your business, but I never had / one, wh: cost me more trouble & anxiety.2 Other difficulties, & charges, have arisen, but I am endeavouring to beat 2 William Chichester O’Neill (1813-1883), ba 1836 Trinity College Dublin, had been ordained 1837 and appointed to a prebendal stall in Christ Church, Dublin 1848-59. In 1855 he had assumed the name O’Neill (his great-grandfather, the Rev Arthur Chichester, having married an O’Neill) when succeeding to the vast O’Neill estates in co Antrim, including Shane’s Castle. He would be created Baron O’Neill of Shane’s Castle (uk) ‘in recognition of his support of the conservative government’. dib. See 4820n1. 3 Derby would reply from Knowsley on 12 January: ‘It is quite true that there are three Irish Peerages extinct: but there is no available vacancy, as a year and a day must elapse from the extinction of the last, before a new Creation can take place. I moreover greatly doubt O’Neill’s being willing to accept an Irish Peerage. He inherits the whole of the vast property of the family, which gives him the absolute control of his County; and having been not an English Peerage only, but an English Earldom, I hardly think he would consent to fall back on an Irish Baron[etc]y. Indeed I remember that when he applied to me for the English Title, he intimated that he would leave it to me to decide what rank he should hold. He may however be sounded; for which there is ample time; and in the meantime I hold to our determination to grant no other titles till the approach of the general Election, when we must have a batch.’ h b/ xx/s/469. 1 This letter has not been found. 2 In a letter to d of 1 January, Rose had expanded on ‘that embarassing [sic] subject of the promise [of a knighthood] made to Watkin. The recent notification in the Gazette of the satisfactory settlement of the Colonial Claims for honors in connection with the Intercolonial R[ailwa]y’ had brought Watkin ‘again on my back, and has increased to some extent the very painful position in which I was placed last autumn [see ix 4495&nn1-4] when the hitch occurred ... through my indiscretion ... as I imprudently gave the information to an Owl when I understood the matter to be so far settled as to be past recall. There were however no valid grounds for any objection.’ Rose had been ‘distinctly authorised by Corry to make the promise and I did so in writing. I have good reason to know that Watkin performed his part of the bargain and worked underhand for the Government from the very commencement of the Session. He contributed I believe more than any one else first to make and then to widen the breach among the sections of the liberal party and on one occasion when he had paired against the Govt. and left Town he returned on my demand by telegraph, broke his pair and voted for us, and on another critical occasion when it would have been difficult for him to vote for Govt. he “accidentally” arrived a minute too late for division. It was distinctly understood when the promise was given that he was not to do more than this. When you so kindly confirmed the promise to me stating that you did so from personal feelings toward me I of course wrote again to Watkin committing myself deeper and deeper and even named the day of his being summoned to Windsor. If that Owl had not accidentally crossed my path all would have gone well but after all a promise of this nature made with such deliberation will I am sure be held sacred even

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them all, & you may rely in this, as in all other matters, on / my utmost efforts to serve you.3 Yours ever | D.

4666

to: [HENRY MAUNSELL]

[London, after 15 January 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/67 editorial comment: A draft in d’s hand. Dating: by context; see n2.

The C of Exr. had no other object in supporting Mr. Maunsell’s pretensions, than his wish to support 8assist9 a man of abilities, who he believed had was a gentleman & had served the party.1 Mr Di. is is much greatly pained by everything that has / subsequently occurred on this subject, & must declare express his wish not to have his name drawn into the controve[rs]y.2

4667

to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Thursday] 16 January 1868

original: h r/i/a/206 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Confidential Jany. 16 1868 My dear Rose, I enclose F’s letter.1 The Sultan has written an autograph letter to Fuad, declaring that his meaning was misinterpreted &c, & F. has withdrawn his resignation.2 Yrs | D. in spite of my foolish indiscretion ... I would beseech you if you possibly can, before the meeting of Parliament, to relieve me of what will otherwise become an almost intolerable burden to me.’ h r/i/b/113. See also 4658&n2. 3 In a letter to d of the 16th, Rose would mention ‘our interesting interview yesterday’. h r/i/b/115a. 1 See ix 4489&nn1-4. 2 d is most likely replying to Maunsell’s request to Montagu Corry in a letter of 15 January 1868: ‘If Mr Disraeli will give me permission to state the facts privately to my friends I shall feel deeply indebted to him. A word in reply as soon as convenient will much oblige.’ h b/xxi/m/279. 1 This letter has not been found. Distinguished Turkish statesman Fuad Pasha (1814-1869), one of the first Ottoman diplomats, had been admiralty physician 1834, Turkish attaché to London 1840, second dragoman of the Porte and director of the translation bureau 1843, first dragoman 1845, grand referendary of the divan and commissioner-general in the Danubian principalities 1848, minister of the interior 1849, minister of foreign affairs 1852, commissioner in Damascus and Lebanon 1860-1, grand vizier 1861-3 and minister of war 1863-6. As head of the foreign office 1867-9, he had urged the Sultan of Turkey to visit the principal European sovereigns and accompanied him as interpreter. For the Sultan’s lavish London reception on 19 July 1867, see ix 4474n4. 2 Tensions between Fuad Pasha and the Sultan had flared in December 1867 following an infringement by a Russian man-of-war of a Turkish blockade on Crete. The Sultan had threatened to send the Russian government ‘a categorical note’ and to punish a Turkish diplomat ‘for not having at least sent on shore and taken the Russians, as it were, [in] flagrante delicto.’ It was Fuad’s resistance ‘to these violent resolutions which produced the difference between the Sultan and his Minister’, and Fuad finally convinced the Sultan ‘of the impolicy of pushing matters to the extreme.’ A second contretemps had erupted in January 1868 when anonymous letters to Fuad denounced the grand palace now being built for him (at the Sultan’s suggestion and expense after Fuad’s house burned down in 1865). An insulted Fuad had threatened to resign but the Sultan, after realizing the malicious nature of the affair, had written to him that he had been misled and was returning to Fuad ‘his full confidence’. The Times (22, 28, 31 Jan 1868).

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to: LORD BARRINGTON

Downing Street [Thursday] 16 January 1868

4668

original: bl add ms 58210 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

The | Viscount Barrington | M.P. Jany. 16 1868 My dear Barrington, You send me bad news.1 The Cabinet ought to have met immediately after Epiphany, &, then, there would have been work / enough for it. As it is, the prospect is as dismal as Annesley Bay.2 Let me have news.3 Yours sincerely, | D.

1 Barrington on 15 January had written to d from Knowsley that Derby ‘has got the gout in his right hand & foot. The attack came on last Sunday, & I do not think it possible that he shld come to town as soon as Monday next. He desires me to forward the enclosed for your consideration ... P.S. 6 p.m. Ld. Derby is now free from pain this evening, & has just told me that he does not give up the idea of coming to town next Monday. “This is only Wednesday, remember” were his words. Plucky man! I know he is very certain to get to London, as he says there is plenty to do in the next 3 weeks.’ There were two enclosures: a letter of 14 January to Derby from Russell seeking Derby’s and d’s views on purchasing ‘a fine Raphael’ for the National Gallery, and one of the 10th to Russell from Gallery director William Boxall praising the painting, which he had seen lately in Madrid and which had been for many years ‘the glory of the Royal Palace at Naples ... It would be difficult to overstate its importance or its beauty’. h b/xx/s/472, 472a,b. 2 The small village of Zula, on Annesley Bay (also known as the Gulf or Bay of Arafali and the Gulf or Bay of Zula), on the Eritrean coast, was the nexus of the Abyssinian Expedition (see ix 4482n3 and 4521n4). An advance force had landed at Zula on 21 October 1867. Some 13,000 British and Indian troops under the command of Sir Robert Napier and over 30,000 animals had set sail from Bombay on 21 December 1867, disembarking at Zula on 2 January 1868. On the 25th they would begin a 400-mile trek through mountainous terrain to Magdala, Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), which they would capture on 13 April. See 4890&n2. 3 Barrington on the 17th would write to d from Knowsley: ‘Lord Derby is certainly better, but there is no chance of his being able to come to London before the end of next week. Under these circumstances, he desires me to say that you are to use your own discretion as to the Cabinet meeting or not on Tuesday next. P.S. 6.p.m. Ld. D. has been dictating letters this afternoon to me, so that is a proof he is a good deal better.’ In a letter from Knowsley of the 19th marked ‘Confidential’, Barrington would inform d that ‘In consequence of yr letter having been put in the Office bag, which is always opened by Ld. D. himself, or by his servant in his presence, yr letter of yesterday [not found], marked as above, was had by Ld. D, who put it into my hands. He said that I cd answer nothing more than was intended in my previous communication, & I feel sure that he has entire confidence in yr judgement, & that you will act for the best.’ Derby was ‘annoyed with this attack coming on just now ... I gathered from Stanley that there was no particular reason, in his opinion, why the Cabinet shd not meet in his father’s absence ... I suppose it is hardly likely that there will be anything of importance in the House before tomorrow 4 weeks, but from what I know of former attacks, I cannot hold out much expectation of his getting to Town before the beginning of next week, at the earliest. He is pretty free from pain, but cannot move in bed, although he is quite clear in his head (no laudanum is used here, or at all events not to the amount given by [gout specialist] Dr [Alfred Baring] Garrod) and he goes daily through the ordinary routine business with me, without mental exertion. I had a talk with the doctor this morning ... It appears that the liver has been out of order, which has added to the complication, but he has hardly any gout in the legs or feet, only in one knee, and in the right hand & arm. The liver is now much better ... & the doctor is quite sanguine as to his soon getting about.’ h b/xx/s/473-4. For the 21 January cabinet, see 4677&nn2&3.

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4669

to: MONTAGU CORRY

Downing Street [Thursday] 16 January 1868

original: h b/xx/d/70 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Confidential Jany 16 1868 Montagu Corry Esq. My dear Montagu, Lord Derby is in the gout, & very badly. Nothing cd. be more inopportune. The Cabinet ought to have met after / Epiphany, &, then, there would have been work enough for it. As it is, the prospect is most dismal, quite an Annesley Bay.1 The Cabinet must decide upon its Education / Policy. I begin to think we must legislate, & even extensively. The bill must be brought in by a Cabinet Minister. Of course, it must be myself, & it will be a very great labor / br to wh: I am now bringing my mind.2 The Duke of Marlboro’ is to be with me tomorrow.3 I received yr bulletin today.4 Yrs ever, | D.

4670

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE?]

[London, Friday 17 January 1868]

original: h c/ii/c/43e editorial comment: Written on the recto of a cover of a letter to ma dated 17 January 1868 from Frederic W. Haydon.

I hope this is the last of the Haydon Corr: My wife never recollects having seen him.1 D

4671

to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Downing Street [Friday] 17 January 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript headed: ‘D. to Sir Stafford Northcote. Downing St. Jany 17. 1868.’

... There will be a great deal to talk about when we meet, besides this matter, which is not insignificant, But I am in despair about Lord Derby, who has the gout, and I fear badly. The Cabinet ought to be meeting every day, & ought to have met im-

1 See 4668&nn1&2. 2 See 4660&nn2,3&4. 3 Marlborough on this day (16th) had informed d: ‘I intended writing a line to you to day to say that I shd like to have a little Educational talk with you: & I told R. Montagu to tell you so. I will come and see you at 3.30 tomorrow. We have not been idle as you will see, but there are points which will require our very serious consideration.’ h b/xx/ch/9. See 4672. 4 Presumably Corry’s last extant letter to d; see 4658n5. 1 Haydon (see ec) had asked ma to intervene with d on behalf of his ongoing grievances for wrongful dismissal. ‘I have laid the Case before the Chancellor because it is to him I owed the appointment’. h c/ ii/c/43d. See d’s letter to Fremantle, 4657.

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mediately after Epiphany; Things will be worse than Annesley Bay! I am quite down in the mouth about it.1 Yours ever D. to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Friday] 17 January 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/46 publication history: m&b iv 577-8; Bradford 277, the second sentence editorial comment: C of Ex paper. The signature line is over the fold on the fifth page.

4672

Confidential Jan. 17 1868 | ½ pt. 4 o’ck: Right Honble | Secy Lord Stanley Dear S. Your box just come in.1 I’m in despair about the gout. The Cabinet ought to have met after Epiphany. There is work / enough now for de die in diem.2 This is the urgency. Ld. Derby entirely disapproved of my suggestion as to the treatment of the Educ[ati]on question by the establishment of an Educ[at]ion Minister, & / legis[lati]on for 1869.3 I won’t give you his reasons here, being pressed for time, & wishing you to see him at once. Enough, that I don’t contest his decision, & believe that we must deal with / the question at once. To deal with the question in a moonshiny way won’t do. The D. of Marlboro’ has been with me all this afternoon, & has unfolded the project of the Council Office. I / think it excellent: large, I would almost say complete; & yet moderate & prudent[.] But it is a scheme wh: cd. require frequent Cabinets, & minute discussion. / Question is – shall the Cabinet, under these circumstances meet on Tuesday, & again on Thursday,4 when you will all have returned from Bristol & so on?5 I think it best: we / can rough hew, & prepare the way, like Merewether6 & Phayre,7 & when yr father takes the field, can proceed to action. 1 See 4668&nn1-3. 1 Stanley on the 16th had written to d from Knowsley a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘I enclose a copy of a note from Lyons, by which you will see that it is doubtful whether the Danubian loan guarantee will be called for. The secret I suspect to be, that a French company here got the money, which they would like to lend to the commissioners on usurious terms, knowing the security to be good: but of course the commission will not close with the offer if a guarantee can be had enabling them to get what they want more cheaply. Bismarck is personally favorable to the guarantee, but says he must consult his colleagues. The chief is in bed with gout: his spirits good, and we are not uneasy about him: but I cannot conceive it possible that he will be fit to move before the end of next week.’ h b/xx/s/794. 2 From day to day (Latin). 3 See 4660&nn3-5. 4 The cabinet would meet on Tuesday the 21st and Tuesday the 28th; see 4677nn2&3 and 4687n1. On Thursday the 23rd d would be at Osborne; see 4680. 5 d and Derby would not attend the grand banquet (for 1,400) in Bristol on the 22nd given by the Bristol Conservative Association. Hardy would note that Stanley, the main speaker, ‘read a well-composed speech ... wh. was received by the immense & enthusiastic audience with great appreciation’. The Times (23 Jan 1868); Hardy Diary 62. 6 For William Merewether, see 4653n7. 7 Robert Phayre (1820-1897), kcb 1881 and gcb 1894, enjoyed a distinguished Indian military career as lieut 1840, capt 1848, major 1857, lieut-col 1863, col 1868 (3 Jan), major-gen 1880, lieut-gen 1881 and gen 1889. Phayre, who had been employed to clear mountain roads in southern Maratha 1851-6, was quartermaster-general in the Abyssinian Expedition.

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But I can’t take advise such a course witht. the chief’s sanction & / even wish. Obtain his sentiments upon this head. I confess, if the Cabinet is postponed till Tuesday week, & perhaps even later, I shd. tremble for consequences. I hope you will be able to make this out, but my hand is palsied with pencraft all day. / Yrs D.8

4673

to: LORD ABERCORN

Downing Street [Saturday] 18 January 1868

original: nipr D623/A/311/21 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

His Excellency | The Lord Lieutenant Jany. 18 1868 My dear Lord, I only received your letter, & can assure you that I will give my utmost attention to your wishes. My impression / is, that we shall be able to meet them. We are preparing for an active campaign, & I should be in very good heart were it not that Lord Derby is / again in the gout, & sharply. It is most unfortunate, as the Cabinet must meet on Tuesday.1 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

4674

to: [MONTAGU CORRY or CHARLES FREMANTLE] [London?] Saturday 18 January [1868?]

original: nypl Montagu [24] editorial comment: Dating: As the ‘1’ in ‘18’ could also be a ‘2’, the letter might be from 18 or 28 January. 18 January was a Saturday in 1851, 1862, 1868, 1873; 28 January was a Saturday in 1854, 1860, 1865, 1871.

Saturday 18 Jan I don’t think I shall pay you a visit to day. Let a messenger be with me again at three o’ck: Tell me, then, if you have any news of Lord Stanley, as I want to see him very much. D.

4675

to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 20 January 1868

original: cam add 9271/3/11 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in.

confidential

Grosr Gate | Jan 20 1868

8 Stanley on the 18th would record: ‘Disraeli writes on the education question ... the practical difficulty is to do anything while R. Montagu is the nominally responsible minister: though industrious and quick, his total want of tact makes it impossible that he should be entrusted with the conduct of an important measure.’ Stanley would discuss the topic with d on the 19th: ‘We are to consider it in cabinet on Tuesday. D. was better pleased with it than I am: but I want further details.’ Disraeli, Derby 327. 1 Abercorn’s letter has not been found. See 4668&nn1&3 and 4677&nn2,3&5.

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His Grace | The Duke of Marlborough My dear Duke, I was most distressed at not seeing you in D.S., but when yr message arrived I was on the point of departing (too late) for an appointment here at ¼ to 7.1 I write this to say, that the Cabinet meets tomorrow at three o’ck: to hear your Graces statement as to the course proposed / respecting Education, & they await that statement with the greatest interest.2 The absence of our chief is deeply to be lamented, but we shall prepare the way for his presence by discussion / on the various points, so that time, now so precious, will not be lost. The sooner you can circulate the papers, the better. There is, perhaps, a chance of the Cabinet having them tomorrow?3 Yours sincerely | D. to: CHARLES RIVERS WILSON

[London] Monday 20 January 1868

original: qua 429

4676

Monday – Jan 20. 68 Mr Rivers Wilson In consequence of Lord Derby’s not arriving in town today, (gout), an impression may circulate among the Ministers, that the Cabinet, fixed for tomorrow, will not be held. You must remove this, & by all means in your power. It / wd. not, perhaps, be advisable to give another formal summons; but take steps to communicate individually with the members of the Cabinet. I have spoken to Lord Stanley, Ld Chancellor, Sir John Pakington, Mr Secy. Hardy. Look after the others either by messenger, or, if necessary, by post.1 D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/3 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Confidential

Downing Street [Tuesday] 21 January 1868

4677

Jany. 21 1868

1 Marlborough’s message has not been found. 2 See 4677&nn2&3. 3 Marlborough would reply on this day (20th) from St James’s Square: ‘I could circulate copies of the Bill as I shewed it to you, but I fear that the entire clauses will not be in a shape to send round tomorrow; though of course I could explain their general scope. They are promised to me by Thursday, & under these circumstances I am rather in doubt whether it might not be better to defer passing the papers until they can appear in a complete form: if howr. you think that what I have got prepared already will help us to consider the Subject I can easily send them round.’ h b/xx/ch/10. 1 For the 21 January cabinet, see 4677&nn2&3.

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Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I hope this may find you better.1 I found our colleagues generally so restless & uneasy, that, altho’ against my own / feeling, I allowed the Cabinet to meet to day.2 The Lord President propounded his general scheme as to Education, & with very great ability: with perspicuity & completeness.3 / What he said proposed, or suggested, at once required at least a week for digestion, & I doubt, whether the Cabinet will re-assemble before that time: I hope under your auspices. Payment by results the only / test of public aid: an educational Census: a Conscience clause approved by the Archbp of Canterbury: the principal features of his scheme so far as it was supported by the printed documents wh: have no doubt reached / you; but he stated also his opinion, that the case of the localities entirely deficient, must be met, & that he was having clauses (8) prepared with that object, & wh: wd. be / ready in a few days. 8These wd. be strong.9 I think myself, that we shall ultimately be able to lick something satisfactory out of all this, wh: may do us credit: but it will be difficult work. If / we succeed so far, I wd. suggest that the Bill shd be introduced in the Ho: of Lords.4 I think such a course wd. might tend to its ultimate success.: & that if we can succ hit / it off with the Bishops generally, it wd. soften many points with Ho: of Comm: Churchmen.5 Yrs sincerely, | D.

4678

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 21 January 1868

original: rac b 24 45 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.



Jany 21 1868

1 See 4668nn1&3. 2 Present in cabinet on this day (21st) were d, Buckingham, Chelmsford, Hardy, Lowry-Corry, Malmesbury, Manners, Marlborough, Mayo, Northcote, Pakington, Richmond, Stanley and Walpole. The Times (22 Jan 1868). 3 Stanley on this day (21st) recorded: ‘Cabinet at 3: D. of Marlborough brought forward his scheme for education: good, I thought, in the main, but I doubt whether as a whole it will be sanctioned by his colleagues.’ Disraeli, Derby 327. See 4678. 4 The Education Bill would be introduced by Marlborough in the Lords on 24 March but would not get beyond second reading on 27 April. Hansard cxci cols 105-38, 1305-31. 5 Barrington would reply from Knowsley on the 22nd that ‘The Chief has read yr letter, but told me simply to acknowledge it. Yesterday & today he has apparently not been so well; sluggish & disinclined to do anything, but the doctor assures me that there is no cause for alarm, & that it is the result of the opium which he has after all been obliged to administer with the blue pill, as he found the latter did not remain long enough in him inside to act properly, without mixing opium with it. He is better today than yesterday, but I can’t say much more.’ He would write on the 23rd that Derby was ‘very much on the mend, and has got through several boxes of despatches ... besides some private letters. He is still in bed, & unable to use his hands’. h b/xx/s/475; ix/f/1.

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The Chancellor of the Exchequer with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: In the unfortunate absence of Lord Derby, he presumes to inform Yr Majesty of what took place in the Cabinet today.1 / The Lord President explained at great length, but with great ability: with perspicuity & completeness; his proposals respecting Education, founded mainly on previous discussions in / the Cabinet[.] The chief features: Payment by results: Efficiency the only claim for state aid: the denominational system not interfered with or discouraged, but no conditions in future, as regards 8on the part / of9 the State, with respect to the particular religious teaching of any school: an Educational Census, ascertaining the exact state of the population with respect to instruction, of wh: we have no accurate / knowledge: a new Conscience clause, wh: appears to have been approved by the ArchBp of Canterbury: but wh: is to apply only in places, where there is merely one school: in / districts where there is a total deficiency of education, after certain proceedings, an ultimate compulsory power. The Cabinet has taken a week to digest – & probably there may be some nightmares in / the interval, but the Cr of the Exchequer is hopeful, tho’ it will require a little more time, that the practical conclusion will be unanimous; & much changed, perhaps, & modified, that a successful / measure on this most difficult subject may be accomplished by Yr Majestys servants. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Wednesday] 22 January 1868

original: h b/xix/d/35a editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4679

Wednesday | Jan 22 1868 I wrote to Northcote for Osbornian statistics, as he was the last visitor – but in vain. See his letter.1 See also Grey’s wh: arrived last night, he / having written at the same time to Hughenden 8Grosr. Gate9 8wh: reached me yesterday morning.92

1 See 4677&nn2&3. 1 d’s letter to Northcote and his letter to d have not been found. 2 Grey on the 19th had written to d from Osborne with an invitation from the Queen to ‘come here on Thursday next, to stay two nights. I hope you have quite recovered from your severe illness, & that Mrs. Disraeli is also quite well again [see ix index] ... Monday M[ornin]g by some accident my letters were not posted last night – so I fear you will not get this till tomorrow morning. Perhaps you could let me know by telegraph if you can come.’ Corry (as Lord Rowton) has endorsed this letter: ‘I accompanied Mr Disraeli on this occasion (my and I think his first visit to Osborne). Before his audience Gen Grey came to his room to inform Mr D. that the Queen intended to make him her first Minister on Lord D’s resignation. Mr D. was much struck by the fact that his old rival at Wycombe should become the bearer of such a message! R.’ h b/xix/d/35. d had first visited Osborne in February 1867 (see ix app v).

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Reduce order from this chaos, & when you have settled something, wr telegraph to General Grey, so that there may be no mistake. I dont like arriving late. Lord Derby is very ill.3 D.

4680

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Osborne [Thursday] 23 January 1868

original: h a/i/a/353 editorial comment: Osborne paper. Sic: Vice Admiral.

½ past 6 o’ck | Jany. 23 1868 My dearest Wife. Just arrived after a long voyage: received at the station 8terminus9 by a naval officer with a carriage, & at the port by the Admiral of / the Station, Sir Thos: Pasley, who told me he remembered me in the Mediterranean in my yacht, 8 & 30 years ago, & had never met 8me9 since. I perfectly remember him, / & tho’ he was then a young & slender captain of a Frigate, & is now a Vice Admiral, he was not much altered8, either in face or figure wh: last is very good.91 The Pens & ink here are dreadful, but may mend tomorrow. / Alfred Paget came down with me.2 Adieu! my dearest – | rather cold & tired | D. The Baron’s great coat over my great coat & that over yr waist coat made perfect armor against the elements.3

4681

to: PRINCESS CHRISTIAN

Osborne [Friday] 24 January 1868

original: ps 818 publication history: Unidentified catalogue 532 (1924) item 451 described as ‘ALS “B. Disraeli” to Princess Christian 3 pp., 8vo. Osborne, 24 January 1868’.

If this were the magic mirror, which yr. Royal Highness manufactured in the City, built by Lord Derby in honor of your late visit & named after your Royal Highness you would find a record of many charms & virtues, but my faithful delineation of them would only be mistaken by the foolish world for flattery.1

3 See 4677n5. 1 Sir Thomas Sabine Pasley (1804-1884), 2nd Bt 1808, lieut 1824, cdr 1828, capt 1831, rear-adm 1854, viceadm 1863, adm 1866 and kcb 1873, had served on numerous vessels: Rochefort 1818, Redpole 1823, Arachne 1823, Tweed 1824, cdr of brigs Cameleon and Procris, acting capt of frigates Rattlesnake and Blonde, Curaçao 1843-6, Royal Albert 1854-6 and Agamemnon. He had been superintendent of Pembroke dockyard 1849-54 and was commander-in-chief at Portsmouth 1866-9, retired 1869. d had sailed on the Sudan during his 1830-1 Mediterranean and Near Eastern tour. 2 Lord Alfred Paget was equerry in waiting to the Queen. 3 On this day (23rd) there had been strong winds and ‘a considerable fall in temperature ... in the S. of England’. The Times (24 Jan 1868). See 4683n2. 1 The Prince and Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein had visited Derby at Knowsley, arriving on 6 January and departing for Windsor on the 11th. d had dined with them at Osborne on the 23rd. The Times (8, 13, 20, 24 Jan 1868).

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to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Osborne [Friday] 24 January 1868

original: h a/i/a/354 editorial comment: Osborne paper. Sic: Roxburgh.

4682

Jan 24 1868 My dearest Wife. I wrote you a stupid letter yesterday on my arrival late,1 but I thought it was better than nothing. Our dinner at ½ pt 8 was H.M., the Christians, Princess Louise, Princess Henriette, / Prince Arthur, the Duchess of Roxburgh.2 I sate betn. the latter & the Princess Louise. It was a most successful & merry dinner: the Queen most gracious & / agreeable – & asked much after you, as did everybody. I observed several things, wh:, you complained, I never observed, & hope to stand, therefore, a better Xexamination when we meet tomorrow. The Queen has / given me a great deal of business to do, & boxes pass between my rooms & H.M’s very often. It is now quite early: I have only been up a couple of hours, but write this at once, lest I shd. not have another opportunity. Your own, | D. My rooms look into vast grounds entirely of evergreens: so it seems today like summer. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Osborne, Saturday [25 January 1868]

original: h a/i/a/355 publication history: m&b iv 586, dated ‘[25 January 1868]’, omitting the first paragraph and the postscript; Bradford 277, part of the second paragraph editorial comment: Osborne paper.

4683

Saturday morning Dearest Wife, I send this line by James1 on our immediate arrival at Waterloo, as I must go on to D.S., having much to do & shall / not get home till late. The most successful visit I ever had, all that I cd. wish & hope. I was with the Queen an hour yesterday. / She spoke of everything witht. reserve or formality. A brilliant day here.

1 See 4680. 2 Caroline Christiane Auguste Emilie Henriette Elisabeth (1833-1917), younger sister of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, would marry in 1872 Johannes Friedrich von Esmarch. Susanna Stephania, Duchess of Roxburghe (1814-1895), only child of the late lieut-gen Sir James Charles Dalbiac, in 1836 had married James Robert Innes-Ker, 6th Duke of Roxburghe. She was a lady of the bedchamber in ordinary to the Queen 1865 and would be lady in waiting to the Queen and acting mistress of the robes 1892, and recipient of the Royal Order of Victoria and Albert. The Times (18 Jan 1865, 8 May 1895). 1 James Foote was the ds’ footman.

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The Queen ordered a vessel at Portsmouth to be at my disposal, as there was some difficulty about going. M. / Corry, a lucky fellow. He had to come down here yesterday on some business, & Her Majesty hearing of it invited him to dine 8with Her Household9 & sleep here! Adieu! my dearest | D. I received yr letter this morning[.]2

4684

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 25 January 1868

original: rac d1 60 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

25 Jany. 1868 The Chanr of the Excr, with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The plan now seems, that the new Bishop is to be consecrated at St. Helena,1 wh: is a See, & where the Bishop / of Sierra Leone, who is a negro,2 8& the Bishop of Graham’s Town,93 are to meet the Bishop of Cape Town!4 It is difficult to say, whether this is more scandalous or absurd! As soon some of these outlandish prelates hold chaplaincies under the / Crown, & are really maintained by such means, I have 8the C of Er has9 seen the Duke

2 ma on the 24th had written that she had attended ‘Lady Combermeres party last night. The Bernstorffs were there & Brunnow & all expressed great delight to see me out again & looking so well ... I am so glad you had the 2 coats ... to keep you warm. I long to hear all yr adventures.’ h a/i/a/511. The other guests at the Combermere party had been listed in mp (24 Jan 1868). 1 William Kenneth Macrorie (1831-1905), ba 1852 and ma 1855 Oxford, deacon 1855, priest 1857, curate of Deane 1858-60 and Wingates 1860-1 (Lancashire), rector of Wapping 1861-5, perpetual curate of Accrington 1865-9 and Bishop of Maritzburg 1869-91. The Bishop of Cape Town, Robert Gray (see n4), had offered Macrorie the bishopric of Natal, even though John Colenso, who had refused to recognize Gray’s deposition of 1863 or to vacate his diocese following a controversy over his inflammatory treatises (see viii 3741&n4), continued as Bishop of Natal amidst the ongoing legal stalemate. The Times on this day (25th), deriding the secrecy surrounding ‘the Natal comedy’, asked if Macrorie (who was to have been consecrated on this day) was ‘to be exported to St. Helena as “raw material,” and there manufactured into a Bishop? ... It is hard for the public ... to unravel the legal tangle which seems involved in this dispute.’ The Archbishop of Canterbury having vetoed the ceremony in the province of Canterbury and the Scottish bishops having declined to take part in the rite, Gray would consecrate Macrorie personally at Cape Town on 25 January 1869. Macrorie, as rival Bishop of Natal (with the title Bishop of Maritzburg) would become the first colonial bishop not to be appointed by the crown. 2 Barbados-born Edward Hyndman Beckles (1816-1902), ordained 1843, had served in Trinidad 1843-50 and been curate of Holy Trinity Church, London 1851-8. He was Bishop of Sierra Leone 1860-9 (resigned 1870) and would be minister of Berkeley Chapel (Mayfair), rector of Wooton (Kent) and vicar of St Peter (Bethnal Green). Beckles, in a rare photograph, appears to be Caucasian. 3 Henry Cotterill (1812-1886), educated at St John’s College, Cambridge, ordained 1836, chaplain at Madras 1836-46, vice-principal 1847 and principal 1851 of Brighton College, Bishop of Grahamstown 1856-71 and Bishop of Edinburgh 1871-86. 4 Robert Gray (1809-1872), ba 1831 Oxford, deacon 1834, priest 1834, vicar of Stockton-on-Tees 1845, and first Bishop of Cape Town 1847-59, which at the time included the whole of the Cape Colony, its dependencies and also St Helena (erected into a separate bishopric in 1859). In 1853 the Cape portion of the diocese had been divided into the bishoprics of Cape Town, Grahamstown and Natal, with Gray reappointed bishop of a reduced Anglican Diocese of Cape Town but with jurisdiction over the other two bishoprics.

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of Bucks & suggested to His Grace, that he shd. communicate immediately with the Governors of these places, & inform them that / Yr Majesty’s Governmt highly disapproves of all these contemplated arrangements, & instruct them to use their utmost influence to battle & defeat them. Since the last sentence, Mr Secretary Hardy / has been with the Chr of Exr. Mr Hardy says, that, after the telegram, wh: reached him in the night,5 he placed himself next morning in communication with the Bishop of London, but the Bishop’s Secretary waited / on Mr Hardy, & informed him, that all was satisfactorily settled, so far as England, &, as he believed, even Scotland, was concerned. They had heard nothing of the Colonial Conspiracy, wh: evidently had not reached them. / Saturday | 6. o:ck The Duke of Bucks has just sent to the Chr of the Exr. the despatch wh: he proposes to send 8(he believes tonight)9 to the Governor of the Cape.6 Nothing can be stronger, or more / ably expressed, & as the contemplated actors are threatened not only with Yr Majesty’s displeasure, but their deprivation of all offices in case of contumacy, it is hoped it will be effective. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 27 January 1868

original: rac b24 46 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4685

Jany 27 1868 The Chancellor of the Exchequer with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He sends Your Majesty a copy of the Scotch Reform / Bill, & of the Memorandum drawn up by the Lord Advocate on the Representation of Scotland.1 The Bill has not yet been discussed by / the Cabinet, but it, mainly, resembles the Bill of last Session.2 to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 28 January 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 578-9, omitting the first and the last two paragraphs; Beeler 76, extracts editorial comment: C of Ex paper. d has numbered the third and fourth sheets. Sic: Tegethoff.

Confidential

4686

Jany. 28 1868

5 Hardy’s telegram to d at Osborne is dated the 24th and docketed by d ‘Natal Bishopric’: ‘I have only the information of the newspapers no special or official knowledge, if I actually knew I am not aware that I have any power to interfere, the legality of the act may be in question afterwards. I shall probably hear more tomorrow.’ h b/xx/ha/23. 6 Buckingham’s despatch has not been found. Philip Edmond Wodehouse (1811-1887), cb 1860, kcb 1862 and gcsi 1876, after postings in Ceylon 1828-51, had been superintendent of British Honduras 1851-4 and governor of British Guiana 1854-61. He was governor of the Cape Colony and high commissioner for Southern Africa 1862-70 and would be governor of Bombay 1872-7. 1 This copy of the bill and the memorandum by Edward S. Gordon have not been found. Gordon had written to d about Scotch reform on 2 November 1867. h b/xi/m/18. For the Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill, withdrawn on 15 August 1867, see ix 4436&n1. 2 See 4712&nn1&2.

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Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I am greatly pressed with affairs of all kinds, & would willingly have given this morning, preliminary to the meeting of the Cabinet on Education,1 all my thoughts to that difficult / affair, but the restlessness of the Admiralty renders it necessary, that I shd. communicate with you. It must be done roughly, & you must pardon my inaccurate & hurried expression of opinions, wh:, however, I have well weighed. / The state of our finances will not permit any increase in our expenditure, but if the state of our finances wd. do so, the requisitions of the Admiralty are unwise & unnecessary.2 Last / year, there was the same pressure; on the ground of the great increase of the American Navy. We successfully resisted the appeal, & it now turns out, that the Americans have no navy, & not an Iron-clad except for / Coast defence.3

1 See 4687. 2 First lord of the admiralty Henry Lowry-Corry had written to d on 11 January: ‘I am a novice in the Cabinet and, therefore, ignorant of the mode in which it has been the practice to determine the amount of the Navy Estimate, but I was under the impression that it was usual to consult the First Lord of the Admiralty on the subject, and I was a little surprised to learn that it had been irrevocably determined without any reference whatever to me. I can assure you of my belief that there is no business, however heavy and anxious it may be, which can be more deserving of your attention, and that of Lord Derby, than the present state of the Navy, but, after what you tell me [in a letter not found], I am satisfied that I should be only wasting your time and his if I were to attempt to induce you to alter your decision.’ Lowry-Corry was convinced ‘of the absolute necessity, if we are to maintain our position as a naval power, of increased expenditure on the building and outfit of ships of war ... About a month ago I drew up a Confidential Memorandum showing the condition of our reserves of ships and the strength of our armoured Navy relating to that of the French and the other European Navies ... My object was to obtain your sanction, and that of the Cabinet in general, to a larger Estimate for the building and outfit of the fleet. I fear that is hopeless, now, but I must let my paper go forward notwithstanding, because, otherwise in the event of disaster, the whole responsibility would rest upon my shoulders, and my colleagues might well reproach us with having allowed them to sit in ignorance of the facts, and of my opinion derived from those facts, on a question of first rate importance to the country ... I send you along with this a copy of it [not found], and you will see that it is a simple statement of facts and figures (and I think it right that the Cabinet should know) with some general inferences of my own, but it contains no specific proposals in relation to the Estimates for the next financial year, and is not, therefore, calculated to give rise to the controversy which you deprecate.’ In an undated letter (docketed 30 January 1868) Lowry-Corry would inform d: ‘I heard accidentally today that you had not seen the original of the enclosed [not found]. If Lord Derby had been in London I should have read it to the Cabinet at the request of my colleagues at the Admiralty, but I thought it right to send it to him in the first instance – which I did under the impression that, if he wished the subject to be considered, he would forward it to you. Considered as a question of policy, apart from finance what it proposes is, in my opinion, no more than what ought to be done in the present state of the Navy.’ h b/xxi/c/442, 445. 3 A report of 8 January 1868 from Washington had announced that ‘The House of Representatives has passed a resolution authorizing the sale of 54 surplus naval ironclads.’ Another of the 10th from Philadelphia had summarized the findings of a study ‘on the financial and industrial interests of the country’ submitted to Congress. It found that navy expenses had grown ‘from 12 to 31 millions’ and those of the War Department from 17 to 89. It proposed reducing these expenditures ‘by restricting the naval expenses to an amount merely sufficient to maintain the police of the seas’ and by ‘cutting down the [army] ordnance and fortification expenditures to the sums necessary for preservation and repair.’ The Times (9, 27 Jan 1868).

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Now it is the old bugbear of the French Navy. The American panic is 8now9 a French panic.4 The Admiralty wants a large increase of our Iron-clad Fleet, but it offers no plan how this increase / is to be effected, except by the vulgar expedient of a large increase of the Navy estimates. Let these 8them9 spend less money annually on small unarmored wooden ships. Why do they maintain up to their present strength the / numerous squadrons of small unarmored ships, that we have scattered over the world? This is the key-stone of the position. We spend an enormous sum annually for building & repairing these vessels / for their three yearly reliefs.5 Why? 1st. For old fashioned notions, that we shd not, otherwise, have employment for our officers & men: 2ndly. For our Colonists & Merch[an]ts, &c. / There is no answer to the first reason, except the question, why we shd. keep up more men & officers than we have employment for?: As to the second reason, suppose an insult were offered / or an injury inflicted on some of our Merch[an]ts in Peru or the Brazils, or the River Plate. Would any Naval officer, in this age of telegraphs, take upon himself to redress these insults & injuries? He / wd. send home for orders.6 But this Commodore of sloops cd. not exact reparation, even if he wd. The smallest South-American State has an iron-clad at command, that cd. destroy his whole force. The / Americans have flying Squadrons,7 & we must imitate them.

4 From 1858 to 1867 there were 36 British and 34 French ironclads ‘laid down, ordered, converted, or purchased’, but in 1868, 8 British and only 1 French. Beeler 206. On the superior construction of British to French ironclads, see Beeler 204. 5 The president of the Institution of Civil Engineering had recently castigated the spendthrift admiralty: ‘the sums applied to the building and repairing of ships have for many years past amounted to nearly one-third of our entire Naval Expenditure ... Yet with all this enormous waste of our existing stock of screw and sailing vessels, side by side with the construction of the costly ironclad Fleet which the exigencies of the country so imperatively demanded, the Admiralty seem to have expended a nearly equal sum in building fresh wooden ships to take the places of the wooden ships which had just been sacrificed.’ Moreover, dockyard repair charges ‘increased prodigiously ... between 1859 and 1866, according to the Admiralty mode of reckoning, which excludes much that ought to be included in the charge for shipbuilding, while 7,800,000l., or thereabouts, was spent on ironclads, 15,700,000l, or thereabouts, was expended on the construction of wooden ships and on repairs.’ The Times (31 Jan 1868). For d’s earlier discontent with the admiralty’s excessive expenditures in ‘cobbling up old wooden vessels’, see ix 4175&nn1,2&5, 4316&n1 and index. See also n11 below. 6 In a letter (signed ‘Historicus’) of 24 January published in The Times on the 25th, international law specialist William Vernon Harcourt had answered the question of the British government’s ‘position with relation to the belligerent powers’ by quoting at length from an 1866 statement by ‘one of the ablest publicists of America’, maritime law specialist Richard Henry Dana: ‘“If [the contest] is a war, the commissioned cruisers of both sides may stop, search, and capture the foreign merchant vessel; and that vessel must make no resistance, and must submit to adjudication by a Prize Court. If it is not a war, the cruisers of neither party can stop or search the foreign merchant vessel; and that vessel may resist all attempts in that direction, and the ships of war of the foreign State may attack and capture any cruiser persisting in the attempt.”’ 7 The United States had squadrons (naval units consisting of two or more divisions of a fleet) in the North (12 vessels) and South (5 vessels) Pacific. The Times (18 Feb 1868).

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I have not seen the second paper of the Adm[iralt]y wh:, very improperly, has not been sent to me8, (as the first was,)98 but if it be full of the battle of / Lissa,9 I cd can only say, that in that instance, the Italian guns & gunnery were notoriously deficient, & that Tegethoff10 secured his wooden walls by covering them over with chain cables. A [catchword is An] / Naval Administration that wants to increase our Iron Clads &, at the same time, wants to keep up a large Reserve of Wooden ships as well, & the old-fashioned distribution of that force, wants what is impossible with the present Navy Estimates, / wh: were largely increased last year.11 As for the Admy. view of the present condition of the French Navy, I believe it is marked by the usual exaggeration & false coloring, wh: always accompanies those estimates. / Five of the French Iron-clads mentioned, only mount the old weak armament, while we have only one labouring under that grave disability. Let the Admiralty build Iron-clads, but they must adapt their naval policy to the changed / circumstances wh: the introduction of Naval Armor has introduced. Two wooden line of battle ships cd. be built for the cost of one iron-clad: & the armament of the present day costs 50 pr Ct. more than in / the days of “the wooden walls of old England.”12 Irrespective of all I have said, the management of the Admiralty, with regard to ship-building, is at this moment so decried & distrusted, that, if the Ho: of Commons wished / to increase its naval expenditure, it would not entrust the office to a Department constituted as at present. But what is the state of our finances – & that with an a costly war? I have directed the heads of the Financial Departments / to prepare provisional estimates of the Revenue of next year. I received it them last night – & it 8result9 is most unsatisfactory. We must prepare for an increase of taxation, wh: can no longer be limited / to an additional twopence to the Income Tax. When a Chanr of the Exchequer has to contemplate increasing the duties on Tea & Malt, the wild suggestions of these ignorant & narrowminded Admirals are / doubly distressing.   8 The first admiralty paper may have been Lowry-Corry’s (see n2); the second may be the one he mentions in his 30 January 1868 letter to d (see n2).   9 At the Battle of Lissa of 20 July 1866, in the Adriatic near the island of Vis (Lissa in Italian), the Austrian Empire had vanquished the superior forces of the Kingdom of Italy. This was the first major battle between ironclads: 7 Austrian vs 12 Italian. 10 The Battle of Lissa (n9) had pitted admiral Count Carlo Pellion di Persano against admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff (1827-1871), a distinguished career seaman (Order of the Iron Crown 1864) who had been appointed commander of the Austrian battle fleet in May 1866. As chief of the naval section in the war ministry (as of March 1868), he would initiate a complete reform of the Austro-Hungarian navy. 11 Naval expenditures for 1866 had totalled £10,676,101 and for 1867, £11,168,949, an increase of £492,848. Beeler 192. The Times on 11 March had reported on the recent publication of the navy estimates, which projected ‘total Navy Estimates for 1868-69’ at £11,177,290, the largest increase being under ‘shipbuilding and repairs’, including £150,000 for ‘“New Iron Armour-plated Ships”’. The writer deplored the admiralty’s failure to recognize ‘the great truth that the wooden navies of the world have ceased to exist as effective instruments of war ... Wooden line-of-battle ships, wooden frigates, wooden corvettes are still parading the ocean’, with an increase in ‘the number of vessels and of men’. See also 4697n2. 12 The royal navy was often described as ‘the wooden walls of Old England’. The phrase can be seen around a broadside view of a full-rigged ship under sail on an eighteenth-century copper halfpenny token and has also been used for pub names.

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I must again remind you of the wise & successful resistance you made last year to a similar course, founded on reasons, wh: we now laugh at. The condition of the / Country was then very different. I hope, therefore, I may count on your decisive disapproval of these objectionable requirements.13 Yrs | D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 28 January 1868

4687

Confidential Jan 28 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I wrote to you, this morning, on Admiralty affairs.1 The Cabinet has just closed, having taken two hours on Education / – & to sit again, 8thereon, Saturday[.]92 Yesterday, there was, at my office, a meeting of four or five representing the various shades of opinion, & their discussion of the question facilitated its treatment in Cabinet to day.3

13 Derby on the 30th would reply to d from Knowsley (via amanuensis Barrington) with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I must confess that for the last few years the comparison of the relative strength of the British Navy with that of the other Navies of the world, has not been altogether of a satisfactory character, & ... we do not possess the preponderance of power, which needs to be considered as essential for our safety. But on the other hand, there has been a continual increase of expenditure upon our Naval Estimates which it is very difficult to justify or to explain. You will remember that when we looked into the question last year, it appeared to us that there was very considerable room for retrenchment in some of our Departments ... I believe that the Cabinet will be found unanimous in their decision that in the present financial condition of the Country, we cd not apply to Parliament for a largely increased Naval Vote with any hope of success, or grounds for justification. This question having been disposed of by the Cabinet in communication with the 1st Lord of the Admiralty, I cannot but look upon the Memo of the Admiral of the 17th of December [not found] as a most unusual proceeding. It is addressed to the 1st Lord of the Admiralty; & consequently is framed without his concurrence, nor does the Secretary to the Admiralty appear to have been consulted upon a matter for which, as dealing with the Finances of the Navy, he is ... responsible. Although this Memo is addressed to the Cabinet, I doubt the expediency of taking any official cognizance of it, but the 1st Lord of the Admiralty shd be informed distinctly that a further increase in the Naval Estimates cannot be sanctioned, & that he, & his Naval Colleagues, must use to the best advantage the Sums with which Parliament may think fit to entrust them. You may rely upon my giving you every support in my power in maintaining the strictest economy, the necessity for which indeed becomes the more evident when you are compelled to look forward, not only to an increase of Taxation, but to an increase upon such articles as Tea & Malt ... Barrington goes up to town tomorrow, & will probably be able to report to you as to my state ... I hope however in a day or two to be able to leave my bed, & though I shall probably not be of much service before the meeting of Parliament, will make a point of coming up the first moment I can move with safety.’ h b/xx/s/481.   1 See 4686.   2 Stanley on this day (28th) recorded a 3 pm cabinet ‘on education question ... Opinion was strong in favour of an educational census, and of the creation of a minister [sic] of education as a separate department; on other points we were divided.’ Disraeli, Derby 327. For the Saturday 1 February cabinet, see 4699&n1.   3 Hardy on this day (28th) noted that ‘Yesterday ... Pakington, J. Manners, Northcote & self met at Disraeli’s on Education, not a promising prospect.’ Hardy Diary 61-2.

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Today, / Hardy led off at my suggestion; I had previously, without indicating any opinion on the alternative, mentioned that it wd. seem we had shd. 8to9 decide, whether we shd. introduce a measure grappling with the whole / question, or whether we shd. introduce a preliminary measure, wh:, however, from its character, shd. not be insignificant. Hardy was against rating as 8now9 suggested by the bill, was in favor of a Minister of Education with large duties, / & a large area of super-intendence, an Educational Census as proposed by the bill, the revised code revised, & introduced into the Statute (Bill) & one of the alterations of the code / being the assistance to the smaller schools now not aided. In short to hold out, that it shd. be left to the Minister of Education, after realising the results of the Census, to settle 8consider & propose9 what further aid shd. be given, by rate / or otherwise. Every minister but myself gave his opinion. They were all in favor of Minister of Education except Dukes of Marlboro’; & Richmond, & Lord Malmesbury; most of these spoke early. The Duke of / Richmond was in favor of rating – of course, the Duke of Marlboro’, & Ld. Mayo. There is no doubt, that the strong bias of the Cabinet, & especially of the most influential members, was in favor of a preliminary bill as intimated by / Hardy, but I gave no opinion; on the ground, that I had to digest what had passed for your consideration, & that I wd. rather give my opinion on Saturday, when I hoped we might, perhaps, be favored with / yours. I did this also, because I observed, that the D. of Marlboro’ did not like to be deprived of his province,4 in wh: he had certainly shown, that he was not incapable, & / I thought that the suspension of our united sentiments on the matter wd. be soothing to him. I dine with him today,5 & will endeavour to feel my way on the subject[.] God grant, that I / have a line from you before Saturday. The Cabinet will also meet on Friday, on the Government of India & other matters.6 Yours ever | D.7

4688

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 28 January 1868

original: rac b24 49 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.



Jany 28 1868

4 See 4692. 5 On this day (28th) d would attend ‘a grand dinner’ at Marlborough’s residence in St James’s Square ‘at which the list of sheriffs for the current year was settled in the usual manner.’ Also present were the lord chancellor, Duke of Richmond, Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Bradford, Malmesbury, Mayo, Stanley, Manners, Hardy, Pakington, Northcote, Walpole, Helps and Edmund Harrison. Derby ‘was prevented from attending by indisposition. The Duke of Beaufort and the Earl of Tankerville were prevented by other engagements.’ mp (29 Jan 1868). 6 For the Friday 31 January cabinet, see 4694&nn1-4. 7 For Derby’s 29 January reply, see 4691n1.

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The Chanr of the Exchequer with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet discussed the Education Bill for two hours.1 The very predominant opinion certainly is, that / we shd. not attempt to grapple with the entire question this Session, but that we shd. introduce a Bill obviously & avowedly of a preliminary character, but not of a petty or an / insignificant one. What seemed very generally approved was that there shd. be a Minister of Education appointed: that he shd. take, under the act wh: appoints him, an Educational Census where required; that / the existing Minutes of the Council of Education popularly known as the Revised Code, shd. be improved & modified in parts, & incorporated in the Act:2 And that aid shd. be extended to those unassisted / schools, that have so long complained of the indifference, & neglect, of the State8: about 6000, it is believed.93 Here the great majority of the Cabinet wd. pause, & keep the question for future treatment, shrinking from / instituting a system of rating, until its necessity was clearly proved. Chr of Exr. gave no opinion, but summed up the points on both sides, & said, that he wd. communicate with Lord / Derby, & hoped to give his decision on Saturday, when they are to meet again.4 On Friday, on more miscellaneous matters.5 Cr of Exr was thus reserved, because he thought the Duke of Marlboro’ / looked mortified at the turn of affairs, & the Cr. hopes to day, when he dines with his Grace to pick Sheriffs,6 he may be able to put all right. to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 29 January 1868

original: durg [9] editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: lossed.

Confidential

4689

Janry. 29 1868

1 See 4687&n2. 2 The Report of the Committee of Council of Education; with Appendix. 1863-64 (1864) contains a section (pp xxix-lxiii) dated 30 January 1864 and signed by Granville (lord president of the council) and Robert Lowe (vice-president of the committee) entitled ‘Revised Code of Regulations, incorporating the Minutes of 21st March and 19th May 1863, with a Schedule of all Articles cancelled or modified, and of all New Articles, by the Right Honourable the Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council on Education.’ For a list of the current members of the committee of council on education, see ix app ii. 3 In introducing his Education Bill in the Lords on 24 March, Marlborough would quote noted educationalist Sir James Kay Shuttleworth: ‘“The unassisted public schools are far more numerous than those which are assisted, amounting to 15,952 schools, exclusive of 115 factory schools ... whereas the assisted public schools are only 6,897 ... The great cause which deprives schools of Government assistance is their non-performance of the conditions on which that assistance is offered, a non-fulfilment of which the principal causes are poverty, smallness of population, indifference, or, as it has been lately called, apathy.”’ Hansard cxci cols 105-38. 4 For the Saturday 1 February cabinet, see 4699&n1. 5 For the Friday 31 January cabinet, see 4694&n1 and 4695. 6 See 4687n5.

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Lt Genl | The Hon: Chas Grey My dear General, I have been so pressed since I left Osborne,1 that I have never found that moment of repose I wished, to tell you, that some / of your remarks, in our last conversation, occasioned me much anxiety.2 After we lossed the Prince, which seemed to me, at first an irrecoverable blow in the conduct of public affairs, / I have always looked to you as the principal means by which public business might be carried on with satisfaction to Ministers individually, & advantage to the State. It seemed to me almost an act of Providence, / that the Queen’s private confidence should have devolved upon a real gentleman; a man of honor, intelligence, & acquirement; & of no mean experience of life, & especially of political life. I should myself deplore, / as a great misfortune, your secession from Her Majesty’s service.3 Individually, I should peculiarly feel it. We have known each other, now, the greater part of our lives, & time & experience have established, & increased, our / confidence in each other. I will, therefore, indulge the hope, that if, by any deplorable cause, an increased pressure falls upon me, I may not, by any act of yours, be deprived of a counsellor & friend.4 Yours sincerely, | D.

1 See 4683&n1. 2 See n4. 3 Although the Queen’s private secretary since 1861, Grey had officially assumed the title in 1867. See ix 4280. 4 Grey would reply on 2 February from Osborne with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I ought before this to have thanked you for your very kind, &, to me, most gratifying letter, for it is impossible not to be deeply gratified by such an expression of confidence. And let me say for myself that it has been my anxious & constant endeavour to deserve that confidence, both from the Queen, & whoever might be her Ministers, by the most loyal & honest discharge of the duties of my position. As long as I have the feeling that I am of any use, you may depend upon it that no personal consideration would induce me lightly to throw up my present situation; & there are domestic reasons which would keep me in it for the moment, even if it should become more disagreeable than it is. But to enable one to be of use, one must have the feeling that one is treated with confidence. The mere suspicion that such is not the case, necessarily impairs, if it does not destroy one’s usefulness – & renders such a situation as mine altogether intolerable. I cannot conceal from myself that since, on more occasions than one, I have given unpotable opinions to the Queen, She is become reserved with me, & in certain questions now shuts herself up with me entirely. I believe, however, that this proceeds less from any diminution of confidence, than the fear of having things pressed upon her which jar with her inclinations; & it is this belief chiefly which induces me still to hold on in a position, which, as I told you when you were here, is become very disagreeable to me. I wish I cd. think matters would mend – but if, as I am determined to do, I do my duty to the Queen honestly, I foresee that they will only become worse. However, you may be sure that I shall do nothing hastily – & I am much cheered & encouraged in holding on, by the kind & flattering manner in which you have expressed yourself towards me.’ Grey added a postscript on the 3rd: ‘Since I wrote this letter I have recd from the Queen (for the first time for some weeks!) instructions which certainly go to show no want of Confidence, however certain subjects may be tabooed – & tho She may prefer not to hold personal communication with me! – You will see the nature of these instructions in a long letter I send up by messenger.’ h b/xix/d/36. See 4712&nn1&2.

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to: LORD BARRINGTON

original: bl add ms 58210 ff9-10 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: Bagalley.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 29 January 1868

4690

confidl. Jan 29 1868 The | Viscount Barrington | M. P. My dear Barrington, It is some consolation in all our troubles, that there is a medium of communication, betn. Ld. Derby & myself, in whose fidelity & intelligence we can place the utmost confidence[.]1 I would not / telegraph to day, because, altho’, of course, he will not accept the office, public opinion will be mildly pleased, that the Ld. J. shd be offered to Roundell Palmer.2 Besides it is as well that pompous Apis, Selwyn, shd. not be encouraged in his / absurd self-estimate of his divinity.3 I wish, almost, it were an indoctum parliamentum again, & that we had no lawyers in it;4 especially, if that hound, Brett, is to be Solicitor.5 They say, that Bagalley cannot assure his seat, & we must not / lose seats.6 The banquet was magnificent yesterday,7 & I thought of my having to dine with Carnarvon the day he resigned.8 We can’t afford another such a scene, & I hope therefore, & believe, that the crimson liveries will still belong to one of our dear friends’ colleagues[.] Yrs sinly | D.9 1 Derby, disabled by gout, had been writing to d via his amanuensis Barrington. 2 Writing from Knowsley on the 28th, Barrington had advised d that ‘with regard to the vacancy caused by [lord justice of appeal Sir John] Rolt’s resignation, [Derby] is very much disposed to agree with the Lord Chancellor, that, as we have had so much legal patronage to dispose of, it wd be a graceful act to offer the Lord Justiceship to Roundell Palmer, & unless you let me know, by telegraph, anything to the contrary, he will probably, in the course of tomorrow, make the offer to Roundell Palmer in the first instance – R.P. will most likely refuse, and then Lord Derby will not hesitate about giving the Appointment to Mr [sic] Selwyn. Mr Selwyn’s successor as Solicitor General wd most likely be Mr Baggalay [sic]’. h b/xx/s/477. Rolt had suffered a minor stroke on 4 January and would resign officially on 5 February. 3 d would appoint Sir Charles Jasper Selwyn lord justice of appeal on 8 February. The bull-deity Apis, a symbol of the pharaoh, was an important sacred animal in Egyptian mythology. 4 A so-called ‘parliamentum indoctum’ (‘unlearned parliament’), from which all lawyers were excluded, had been held at Coventry during the reign of Henry iv. 5 William Balliol Brett (1815-1899), ba 1840 and ma 1845 Cambridge, a barrister (Lincoln’s Inn 1846), qc 1860, Baron Esher 1885, 1st Viscount Esher 1897, mp (c) for Helston 1866-8, would be appointed solicitor-general on 10 February (until September) and would prosecute the Fenians charged with the Clerkenwell explosion (see ix 4624n1). He would be knighted on 29 February, appointed a justice of the court of common pleas on 24 August (to 1876) and would be justice of appeal 1876-83 and master of the rolls 1883-97. According to Barrington (n2), Derby considered Brett ‘a second rate man, & a common lawyer.’ 6 Richard Baggallay, mp (c) for Hereford, would be appointed solicitor-general on 16 September and knighted on 14 December after losing his seat. 7 See 4687n5. 8 For Carnarvon’s unexpected resignation on 25 February 1867, see ix 4338nn1&2. 9 Barrington would reply from Knowsley on the 30th: ‘Thanks for your note of yesterday ... Our lawyers are very bad, & as you say, have an exaggerated idea of their merits ... I have by [Derby’s] direction offered the Lord Justiceship to R. Palmer.’ h b/xx/s/480.

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4691

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Thursday] 30 January 1868

original: dbp Box 146/3 publication history: m&b iv 579-80, omitting the second, third, part of the fourth, and the thirteenth to the seventeenth paragraphs editorial comment: C of Ex paper. h b/xiii/100 is a much-revised draft of this letter.

Confidential Jany. 30 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I am in receipt of yr letter on the Education measure.1 It is with the utmost reluctance, but with duty, that I tell you, that I see no chance of our arriving at a solution / of our difficulties by the course you indicate. Part of your suggestions are of a preliminary character; others of a definitive. The first, the Cabinet, subject always to yr fiat, have already considered, & / deem inadequate: the sec rest they look upon as only a part of a settlement, & one wh: cannot be considered without grappling with the whole; & any forced decisions, at this moment, on Conscience Clauses & Rating, & Board of Managers, / would break up the Cabinet. What the Cabinet decided on, I may say unanimously, was, that legislation was necessary; that it shd be preliminary not definitive; that to be preliminary & not insignificant, the institution of an / Education Minister was necessary, whose duties shd. be very large; no longer confined to the application of the Revised Code; but harmonizing the system of lower class with pauper education; dealing with the

1 Derby had written on the 29th (via amanuensis Barrington) a letter marked ‘Confidential’, giving d ‘the grounds on which our ultimate conclusion must be formed. I have received from you this morning two very important letters [4686, 4687] ... I think that the Duke of Marlborough has shown great good sense & judgement in the manner in which he has dealt with the Education question, & that looking to the variety of objections which he had to encounter, his scheme, as a whole, affords the fairest prospect of a satisfactory settlement. I think it probable that within a limited period, we shall be called upon to substitute a Minister of Education for the existing Committee of Council, but ... the first thing to be done is to embody in an Act of Parliament the principles & conditions on which assistance should be given, and in doing so, I would act upon the principle, which I am sure in this part of the country would be found the most effective, of encouraging the denominational system without at the same time requiring as at present union with some religious body. When free scope is given to Schools of all descriptions, & the State assistance is made proportionate to results only, I believe the consequence will be that nine tenths of the Schools will conduct transactions with some religious body. I do not [think] that I shd be willing to consent to a principle of compulsory rating under the superintendence & management of some local authority. I have very imperfectly expressed what I intended to say upon this question, but you will have collected as my general view that our course shd be as far as possible of a tentative character, that we shd obtain the sanction of Parliament to principles already laid down, with such modification as may be found. I do not think that there wd be any difficulty on this principle in framing a modified Conscience Clause. Setting out upon this basis, I think it wd be absolutely necessary that there shd be without loss of time an Educational Census, which shd show where, & to what extent, such an assisted Scheme fails to meet the public requirement, & it is only upon a proof that in no other mode can the level be reached, found desirable, & withdrawn from the possibility of the capricious alteration of any body whatever. Note is [sic] shd be a matter for subsequent consideration what shd be the authority to which the insertion of the views of Parliament shd be entrusted, & that before dealing with the question of Rating, the amount & extent of Educational deficiency shd be carefully investigated. I need not say that I shall be anxious to hear the result of yr deliberations on Saturday, which I wish I had a prospect of joining, but I am still unable to get out of bed, or to stand without assistance. I am sorry though not surprised to learn the state of yr Financial expectations.’ h b/xx/s/478.

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distribution of / endowments, wh: the forthcoming Report on Middle Class Education2 will render necessary; supervising all the departm[en]ts of Art & Science, &, as proposed by Lord Stanley & much approved, controlling generally Irish Education. It was felt that / if our Bill were limited to Census & Incorporation, the Opposition would successfully start Mr Bruce’s Bill,3 & the question of the day wd be taken out of our hands. It was felt, that if our action was limited to extending aid to the poor / schools, a Minute to be laid on the table would be sufficient; & that in the present temper of Parliament & the Country, that wd. not suffice. I have seen to day several of our most influential colleagues, & separately, on this matter. / I have no hesitation in saying, that the project of a measure preliminary but of magnitude, is the only scheme by wh: unanimity in counsel can be obtained. I think myself, that success in Parliamt. might / thus also be secured[.] If we gain a year, the public mind, now in a state of effervescent enquiry on these matters, will ripen on such subjects as conscience clauses & rating – & especially on the / non-interference of the State with the Religious element in schools, wh: might render Cons: cls. unnecessary, but time is required. It is sad work to have to write on such matters & not confer together. / But I am sure you will pardon every uncouth & imperfect phrase. I only wish to be a faithful Steward to you in your troubles, & give you the best information I can, & counsel to which / the advantage of being on the scene of action, may give some value. We all of us earnestly hope, that we may be soon guided & inspirited by your presence. I think it better not to have a Cabinet on / Education on Saturday, but let the subject rest until I hear from you again.4 But Parliamt. meets in fourteen days, & we shall be challenged the first night.5 There must be no uncertainty in our voice or / mien; especially if you, unhappily, be away. They wd. charge on us directly. It is most necessary, that on this, & on all subjects, we shd. be firm & decided. The D of Marlboro’ is all right. He is gratified by yr appreciation of his labors, / 2 The Report of the Royal Commission known as the Schools Inquiry Commission (1868) compiled by Lord Taunton (also known as The Taunton Report), the most influential inquiry on education of its day. Appointed on 28 December 1864 and its report signed by Taunton and others on 2 December 1867, the commission, wrote The Times in the first of a three-part report summarizing its findings, ‘had to investigate the entire field of Middle-Class Education’. The first volume, ‘containing the general conclusions and recommendations of the Commission, is at present prepared for publication.’ The Times (2, 3, 4 Mar 1868). 3 mp (l) Henry Austin Bruce, vice-president of the committee of council on education 1864-6, in 1867 had sponsored (with W.E. Forster) an Education of the Poor Bill, a ‘permissive measure ... [that] would have allowed a popularly elected committee of management to raise a rate for the erection and running of a new school, which might give whatever religious instruction it thought fit. The bill was withdrawn, but Bruce introduced a revised measure in 1868 which contained provisions aimed at compelling local authorities to ensure that there was an adequate supply of schools in any given area.’ Bruce’s Elementary Education Bill, introduced on 17 March, would be withdrawn at second reading on 24 June. A very similar measure, introduced during Gladstone’s first government, would become the landmark Elementary Education Act 1870. odnb; Hansard cxc cols 1816-26; cxcii cols 1983-2011. 4 For the Saturday 1 February cabinet, at which education would be discussed, see 4699&n1. 5 Parliament would meet on 13 February; see 4723&nn1&2.

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& by the understanding that if there is to be an Education Minister, his high claims to that office will be considered by you.6 Yours sincerely, | D.

4692

to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH original: cam add 9271/3/12 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 30 January 1868

Most Confidential Jany 30 1868 His Grace | The Lord President My dear Lord President, Lord Derby entirely agrees with me, that, whatever may be the course ultimately decided upon by the Cabinet as most expedient to / pursue with respect to the Education Question, the conduct of the Education Depmt:, whatever form it may assume, must be entrusted to Yr Grace; as a Minister, who has fully proved his / competency to deal with this difficult subject.1 The illness of Lord Derby at this moment is most unfortunate,2 as it throws upon me the duty of full & constant correspondence with him, wh: I wo[ul]d / not grudge, were I not convinced, that a single conversation is worth a dozen letters. In the present state of affairs, I doubt whether our Cabinet on Saturday will be engaged on Education; but this, at present, betn. ourselves. I shall endeavour to see Yr. Grace in the course of today or tomorrow.3 Yrs sincerely, | D.

4693

to: [LORD STANLEY]

[London, Friday] 31 January 1868

original: h b/xiii/26 editorial comment: Notes in cabinet, docketed by d: ‘Notes in Cab: betn. S & myself 31 Jan. 1868’.

[d:] They say that unless England, France & Prussia combine to induce the Pope to authorise 8sanction9 the sale of Church property, on conditions, that the Roman Dividends shd / be paid, & his own present position “morally” guaranteed or rather “assured,” the crash must come.1 6 d had seen Marlborough on the 28th (see 4687n5). See also 4692&n3. 1 See 4691&n1. 2 Stanley on the 29th had informed d that ‘the accounts of the Chief are not good. No danger, and even some improvement, but he is very weak and languid, and makes slow progress.’ h b/ix/f/15. 3 Marlborough would reply on the 31st that he had ‘returned from Osborne rather late yesterday and did not find your box till this morning. I shall hope to have some conversation with you on the subject of your letter, to day: I shall be at my office during the day, and can come in to you when you let me know.’ h b/xx/ch/11. 1 A report from Florence dated 21 January had summarized the previous day’s financial statement by Italy’s finance minister, Count Cambray Digny (see n3): ‘The total accumulated deficit at the end of 1868 should be 630 million lire’, which could be partly covered by ‘an advance of 100 millions from the Bank upon the security of ecclesiastical property ... The ecclesiastical property at present sold has realized 40,349,000 lire.’ The Times (22 Jan 1868).

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I understand the Emperor does not wish it, & wd. favor some such arrangement, if we & Prussia approved. / [S:] Not a word has reached me on this latter subject: and I saw Azeglio2 yesterday, and heard from Rome two or three days ago. It is very important, if accurate. / [d:] I think Italy looks serious, & that a financial crisis is almost inevitable.3 If it occur, I shd. fear the consequences. [S:] To whom? [d:] To the King. / Programme believed in by well informed men Piedmontese Republic Papal Central – Italian Governm’t. much strengthened Buonaparte – or quasi Buonaparte Dynasty in South. [S:] I do not believe the Emperor has any such / idea. I would not answer for those about him. I do not see how Italy is to pay its way much longer. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street, Friday 31 January 1868

4694

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Friday Jan 31 1868 My dear Lord, In the Cabinet to day,1 settled Parly. Elections Bill2 Governm[en]t of India Bill3 & the question of arming native troops with Enfields, 8the responsib[ilit]y of wh: we have thrown on the Ind. Govt.94 The Cabinet meets tomorrow again on Education.5 The Duke of Marlboro’ made so great a point of it, that I cd. / not refuse.

2 The Marchese d’Azeglio was Italian minister in London. 3 According to a report of 1 January from Florence, ‘a feeling of discouragement and dissatisfaction’ prevailed in the country. ‘Financially, the year that has just expired has been disastrous for Italy. The combinations based on the Church property, and which at first were the groundwork of sanguine hopes on the part of the [former] Rattazzi Government and its supporters, were sadly thwarted by Garibaldi’s ill-timed enterprise [see ix 4558n2].’ The country’s foreign securities were deemed ‘without recovery, notwithstanding the news of the re-constitution of the Ministry, including Count Cambray Digny as Minister of Finance’. Digny’s new financial scheme ‘falls lamentably short of the mark. The pressing want of Italy is not so much the replenishment of her Treasury, or the extinction of the floating debt, as it is the restoration of her credit ... the deficit in the Budget should be supplied at whatever cost ... The danger of bankruptcy is all the more threatening as it is indefinite.’ The Times (7, 8, 21, 24, 25, 27, 31 Jan 1868). See also Axel Körner Politics of Culture in Liberal Italy: From Unification to Fascism (New York 2009) ‘Money and Culture’ 66-83. 1 Stanley on this day (31st) recorded a ‘Cabinet at 4, where [we] discussed amendments on the India Bill of 1858, and the elections bill about to be brought in, whereby the trial of election petitions is transferred from parliament to the judges. We were pretty well agreed on all points.’ Disraeli, Derby 328. 2 See 4710&n4. 3 For the Government of India Act 1858, see ix 4321n5. See also 4695. 4 See 4695&n3. 5 For the 1 February cabinet, see 4699&n1.

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He has had an important interview with the ArchBp: of Canterbury,6 wh: he hopes, & thinks, may remove many of our difficulties & reconcile our / friends to giving up their plan of Minister of Education; at least, for the present.7 Barringtons bulletin8 is very satisfactory to Yrs | D.

4695

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 31 January 1868

original: rac b24 52 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: Durant.

Jany. 31 1868 The Chancr of Exchqr with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: In the Cabinet today, the Parliamentary Elections Bill was considered & approved. / This Bill was introduced last Session & then referred to a select Committee, where it was much changed, but not in its principle, one of vast importance; namely the / transfer to the Judges of the Common Law Courts of all jurisdiction over Election Petitions.1 The Government of India Bill was considered, or rather the provisions, wh: are to form a Bill. / This, if passed, will make Bengal a separate Governorship, & will also improve the Council of India at home.2 The question of arming the native troops employed in Abyssinia with Enfield / rifles was then discussed, & a despatch to the Indian Government decided on, wh:, virtually, threw on that branch of administration the responsibility of the act.3

6 Charles Thomas Longley (1794-1868), ba 1815, ma 1818, bd and dd 1829 Christ Church (Oxford), deacon 1818, priest 1819, vicar of St Asaph 1823, rector of West Tytherley 1827, headmaster of Harrow 182936, Bishop of Ripon 1836-56 and of Durham 1856-60 and Archbishop of York 1960-2, was Archbishop of Canterbury 1862-8. 7 For some of these ‘difficulties’, see 4707. 8 Barrington on the 29th had written to d from Knowsley that Derby was ‘really very much better today than he has been as yet for a long time past, as you will see by the letter he has dictated to me for you [4691n1]. I hope you may be able to read it, but my hand is so stiff from shooting that I can hardly write.’ h b/ xx/s/479. 1 See 4694nn1&2. 2 See 4694nn1&3. 3 The new breech-loading Snider-Enfield rifles, issued to British troops landing at Zula (see 4668n2), would increase their firepower from about three to ten rounds per minute. According to Sir Henry Durand (see n5) in his ‘Minute on the Subject of Arms for the Infantry of the Native Army. Dated the 3rd April, 1868’, although Sir Robert Napier in December 1867 had proposed ‘to arm with spare Enfield rifles some of the native troops now serving in Abyssinia’, there was no report that he had acted on the matter. The ‘despatch of the Secretary of State ... calls upon the Government of India to consider the question in its broadest and most comprehensive relations’. When Napier arrived at Zula, ‘the Field Commissary of Ordnance was authorised to issue Enfield rifles to the 3rd and 25th Regiments Native Infantry’. Henry Mortimer Durand The Life of Major-General Sir Henry Marion Durand vol 2 (1883) 386-94; Trevenen J. Holland and Henry Hozier Record of the Expedition to Abyssinia vol 2 (1870) 96.

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Sir John Lawrence,4 & General Durant5 are in favor of the step. And so was Lord Stanley. The Cabinet will meet tomorrow to consider again the Education Question & measure.6 / The Lord President has had an interview with the ArchBp of Canterbury, wh: the Duke believes will m remove many difficulties,7 & is most anxious to state his views / & plans again to the Cabinet. to: DOWAGER DUCHESS OF [ATHOLL?] [London, late January/early February 1868]

4696

original: h b/xix/a/125 editorial comment: An undated draft in d’s hand endorsed by aes on the first page: ‘On receiving Her Majesty’s book. Criticising’. Dating: see n2. Sic: Babbicombe.

Dear | D Dss of R1 I was deeply gratified by receiving this morning a copy of the2 from Osborne, & especially was I moved by the medium thro’ which it was so gracefully transmitted. Will you do me the favor of offering to the Queen on my behalf my 8humble9 acknowledgmt. of the this cherished dis[tinc]tion, & of my sense of H M’s most gracious kindness to me on this & ot[her] occ[asi]ons. I had read the book; & think that under any cir[cumstan]ces, I shd. not have read the book it witht emotion. The Doric earnestness of its tone, its genuine love of nature, & frequently its picturesque delineation, were are incontestable. / Most of t readers will tho the same Sun will all days shine rays recognise this latter charm in the Highland scenes, but being very familiar with S. Dev: what 8perhaps9 pleases me more than any 8excerpt9 passage in of the kind in the book is the description of Babbicombe bay: with its wooded cove & expectant nymphs. I thought it very bright & fanciful.3 Wh: W It was also Ano[the]r charm characteristic of the vol: is that wh: I have always held considered to be part of our Queen its writer – grace: for example the mode 4 Sir John Lawrence, governor-general of India 1863-9. 5 Sir Henry Marion Durand (1812-1871), a career officer in India who had served in the Anglo-Afghan and Anglo-Sikh wars, had been Indian foreign secretary 1861-5 and was military member of the governorgeneral’s council 1865-70 (the Indian counterpart of war minister). Promoted major-general and made kcsi in 1867, he would be appointed lieutenant-governor of the Punjab in 1870. 6 See 4699&n1. 7 See 4694&nn6&7. 1 The salutation is near-illegible. The recipient’s initial could be ‘A’ – perhaps the Dowager Duchess of Atholl (see 4766n1) – or ‘R’, perhaps the Duchess of Roxburghe (not yet Dowager), both ladies of the bedchamber to the Queen. 2 The omitted word is probably ‘book’. A copy of Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands (see 4663) in the Hughenden library is ‘Inscribed to the R. Hon. B. Disraeli from Victoria’. 3 The Queen had spent an hour at ‘Babbicombe [sic], a small bay’, aboard the Victoria and Albert on 20 August 1846: ‘Red cliffs and rocks, with wooded hills like Italy, and reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs are to appear – such rocks and grottoes, with the deepest sea, on which there was not a ripple.’ Leaves (New York 1868) 256. Adjacent to Torquay, Babbacombe is known as the ‘jewel in the crown of the English Riviera’.

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in wh: the successful suit of the C. P. is told: it is nothing can be more delicate & or conveyed with gentler dignity.4 I think the book will not only please, but that it will do good, for it not only satisfies the taste but it touches the heart[.] I thank you very much for yr kind enquiry after my wife. She has quite recovd.5 wh: 8illegible insertion9 as my happiness depends mainly on my hearth[,] is a result for wh: I cannot be too grateful. never

4697

to: [HENRY LOWRY-CORRY]

[London, early February 1868]

original: h b/xiii/101 editorial comment: A draft in d’s hand endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘? Feb 1868’ and preceded by a small card signed ‘aes’: ‘? The “Note on the State of the Navy”, referred to in long Memorandum [not found] dated 4 Feby 1868 by the Rt Hon: H.L. Corry (to be found among his letters) commencing “The following remarks occur to me on reading the “Note on the State of the Navy” in answer to the “Memorandum of the Naval Lords”[.]’ Dating: by context; see n1.

It appears 8possibly9 8is alleged9 by the Mem: of the Nav. Members of the Board, that France has nearly double the number of Iron-clads that England possesses.1 1st. 8The9 Question 8usually arises why,9 when during the interval that their fleets have respectively been constructed, the Expenditure of England on her Navy has been greater than that of France.2 Because during that period we have been with[ou]t due deference to the 8revol[uti]on in9 naval policy effected by the introduction of armor-clad ships, we have been spending as in old days [illegible deletion] immense sums on small / unarmoured wooden ships. We can’t have the We can’t keep up a 8large9 reserve of wooden as well as armorclads ships & 8we can’t establish a reserve of iron-clads, &9 maintain at their present strength numerous squadrons of 8them9 small-unarmoured ships scattered over the world. 2 wooden line of battle ships cd be built for the cost of one Iron clad while the armament of the present day costs 50 pr Ct / Yet on the 8building & especially the9 repairing of their wooden squadrons for their 3 yearly relief an enormous sum is every year expended wh: ought to be employed in building 8supplying9 our reserve of Iron-clads[.] 4 Victoria, the Queen’s eldest child, had been Crown Princess since January 1861. In Leaves, under ‘The Betrothal of the Princess Royal, September 29, 1855’, the Queen had recalled her daughter’s engagement to Prince Frederick William of Prussia, who, on a visit to Balmoral, had spoken to her ‘on the 20th of his wishes; but we were uncertain, on account of her extreme youth [fourteen], whether he should speak to her himself, or wait till he came back again. However, we felt it was better he should do so; and during our ride up Craig-na-Ban this afternoon, he picked a piece of white heather (the emblem of “good luck”), which he gave to her, and this enabled him to make an allusion to his hopes and wishes as they rode down Glen Girnoch, which led to this happy conclusion.’ Leaves 148-9. 5 Although ma had fallen seriously ill in mid-November 1867 and had recovered by the end of December, three months later observers would notice ‘unconcealable signs of illness and decay.’ Sykes 105. 1 The present letter repeats the matter in 4686. 2 England’s naval spending consistently exceeded France’s: from 1860 to 1867, British expenditure had totalled £91,124,985, while France’s was £63,213,954. For a yearly breakdown of these amounts, see Beeler 192.

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I confine myself to this point. There are many in the management of our Navy wh: require attention. With respect to the work 8estimate9 of the strength of the F. Navy, I think I doubt its accuracy. I believe it to be exaggerated, & that vessels are enumerated that are only capable of inferior armament & some of wh: are even not seaworthy. / Last year the H.M Govt, were nearly hurried by the same authorities into a vast expenditure on the ground of the formidable state of the Amer Navy. H.M. Govt. successfully resisted the agitators appeal, & it is now well known that the Un: States have comparatively speaking no navy, & that their Iron clads are capable only of coast defence. The principles on wh: the vast sums 8annually9 voted by Parlt. for the Navy are administered must be changed, or the H of C. will abolish the present machinery of administration. / What is the use of these squadrons? They do can not 8neither9 avenge our 8honor9 nor protect our material interests. If these first were insulted in were 8insulted or assailed9 in these days 8of telegraphs9 no naval commodore of sloops 8corvettes9 wd 8not9 be permitted with[ou]t instr[ucti]ons to avenge it 8wd. act on his own respon[sibilit]y.9 He wd demand 8wd require & await9 instr[ucti]ons. Nor cd. he secure repar[ati]on if ordered. The smallest S. Am: State has an ironclad in her ports wh: wd. shatter our 8send9 wooden ships to the bottom of the sea[.]3 to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Saturday] 1 February 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/47 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Letter courtesy of Liverpool Record Office, Liverpool Libraries.

4698

Rt Honble | Secy Lord Stanley Feb. 1. 1868 Dear S. Duke of Richmond has seen him & had, on the whole, a satisfactory interview.1 Courage! We / shall do. Your letter was certainly premature.2 Ever, | D.

3 Lowry-Corry on 1 February informed d that two months ago the Queen had told him ‘that She hoped we were building a sufficient number of armour clads ... I could not say that I thought we were [but] ... was drawing up a Paper respecting it, of which she desired me to send her a copy, “as she took a great interest in everything concerning the Navy.” Of course I obeyed Her Majesty’s command, and I believe it is usual to send copies of confidential papers for the Cabinet to the Queen. Your letter to me on the subject of the Navy Estimates [see 4686n2], unless circumstances should have altered your views in any respect, would enable me to give the information required, but I think I ought to let you see Biddulph’s letter [not found] before writing to him in reply. Pray let me have the enclosed again.’ h b/xxi/c/446. See 4728&n1. 1 See 4700. 2 This letter has not been found.

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4699

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 1 February 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Feb 1 1868 My dear Lord, A most anxious, difficult, & prolonged Cabinet. Stanley was on the point of writing you a letter of / despair, but, fortunately, he sate next to me, & I dissuaded him.1 We have appointed a small Comm[itt]ee; the Duke of Marlboro’, Hardy, & Northcote; to / prepare a proposition for the Cabinet by Tuesday, when we meet again.2 I have kept things smooth, & really think we shall do. The Duke of / Richmond, 8helps me,9 & most loyally, the moment he sees there were breakers a-head.3 Yrs ever | D.

4700

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Downing Street [Saturday] 1 February 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript.

Mr Sec: Hardy. C. of E., Feb. 1. ’68. My dear H., D. of Richmond has seen him, and had a satisfactory interview.1 He is much influenced by what D. of R. counselled, and I think you and Northcote may consummate his conversion by Tuesday.2 Yours ever, D.

4701

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 1 February 1868

original: rac b24 54 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Feb. 1 1868 The Chanr of the Exchequer with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet discussed the Education Measure, but made less progress than / the Chanr of the Exchequer could desire.1 It meets again on Tuesday for the same purpose.2 /

1 Stanley noted that in cabinet on this day (1 Feb) ‘nearly all agreed that the education dept ought to be reconstructed: the D. of Marlborough however held out, and threatened resignation. We separated without any agreement being come to. All however passed in perfectly good humour.’ Hardy called the education cabinet ‘not promising. Northcote & I are to meet the Lord President today thereon.’ Disraeli, Derby 328; Hardy Diary 63. 2 See 4705&n1. 3 See 4698. 1 See 4698. 2 See 4705&n1. 1 See 4699&n1. 2 See 4705&n1.

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Since this was written, the C of E has reason to hope that the Tuesday Cabinet may be definitive & satisfactory[.]3 to: [LORD STANLEY]

[London, Sunday] 2 February 1868

original: h b/xiii/27-8 editorial comment: Notes in cabinet between d and Stanley, docketed by d on the first page: ‘Feb 2/68 Education D of M threatening resignation’ and on the second page: ‘In Cabinet. Feb. 2. 1868 D of M. threatening resign[ati]on’.

4702

[d:] A Cabinet shd. not break up where no principle is concerned.1 [S:] I agree, but we are endeavouring to steer clear of a conflict of principle, which it is not easy to avoid. S. / [S:] I really think we have no alternative. If we don’t pass a large bill, (and we can’t) and can’t agree on a preliminary measure, what is to follow? / [S:] Can you let me go at five? Things don’t look well here. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Tuesday [4 February 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/371 editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand on the third page: ‘Feby 4. 1868.’ Dating: by context; see n1.

4703

Tuesday I shall be at D.S. at ¼ past one o’ck: Send at once to Ho: of Comm: for the two boxes sent down there yesterday: one from Ld. Stanley; the other from yourself; (with the Scotch papers in it.)1 / I have got my wrong Education papers. See if you can find the Bill, & if poss: / the Revised Code2 on my table. Yrs | D to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff52-3 editorial comment: Dating: by context: see nn1&2.

[London, Tuesday 4 February 1868]

4704

The Ld Chancr My dear Ld Cr. I shd. like to see you, when possible, about the C[orrupt] Practices Bill. What do the Judges say?1 / &c &c

3 Apparently d’s hope was based on the ‘satisfactory interview’ between Richmond and Marlborough at 4698. 1 See 4699&n1. 1 See 4712. 2 See 4688&n2. 1 d would learn on 6 February 1868 that the superior court judges vehemently objected to one of the provisions in the Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill; see 4710&n4.

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If we cd. come to some conclusion together, it wd. save a Cabinet tomorrow or Thursday morng,2 wh: I shd. be glad to / avoid. Yrs ever | D.

4705

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 4 February 1868

Feb 4 1868 My dear Lord, The Cabinet has concluded the Education Bill – all tranquillised, & tranquil.1 In fact, the Cabinet is agreed on every principle; but / the D of Marlboro’ wishes the Lord Pres[iden]t to be ex officio Minister of Education with no Board, a parliamentary Secy, & 5000£ pr annm. He maintains that there is / nothing invidious in this, as the President of the Council may sit, & it shd. be so declared in the Bill, in the House of Commons. It is very true that Lord John Russell did sit in the House of Comm: as / President of the Council, but the precedent is not a very strong one. He only sate for a few months or weeks. Besides, he was no ordinary man, had led the H of C. for twelve years, five of wh: / he was Prime Minister, & was himself of ducal rank.2 The House of Comm: will never sanction this suggestion of the D of M, & will feel, that, if carried, it will practically close the H of C. to the office 8& an office wh: they covet.93

2 For the cabinet on Thursday 6 February 1868, see 4713. 1 Stanley on this day (4th) noted a ‘Cabinet at 3. Education discussed, no settlement arrived at, but the general tone friendly. A committee of cabinet appointed to discuss the question.’ Hardy noted that d had made ‘a long statement of Lord Derby’s views aimed at the President of the Council. I doubt its effect and fear delay as inducing unpreparedness & so falling into snares. Overtook Disraeli & walked home with him late’. Disraeli, Derby 328; Hardy Diary 63. 2 While Russell was president of the council from 12 June 1854 to 7 February 1855, Parliament was prorogued on 12 August 1854 and reconvened on 12 December. In May 1854 Russell had ‘capriciously insisted upon resuming office himself and becoming lord president of the council ... Granville was ejected from the cabinet to make room for him, and Gladstone thought the whole transaction worthy of a set of clowns.’ odnb. Although the son of 6th Duke of Bedford, John Russell was not himself a duke; his elder brother was 7th Duke. 3 Derby, via amanuensis Frederick Stanley, would reply on the 5th with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘Your letter of yesterday has been a great relief to my mind, as I confess I anticipated serious difficulties from your Cabinet of yesterday. I am glad to find that, from the present at all events, they have passed over. The Duke of Marlboro’ is a man of a very resolute will and personally is entitled upon this question to every consideration upon our part. There is no doubt that he accepted the office of President of the Council mainly with reference to its connection with the Education Department, and he has applied himself zealously, diligently, and not without considerable success to the questions involved in that Department. But I confess that it does not appear to me that his proposal is practicable of permanently attaching to the Presidency of the Council a Department so extensive as that which I understand to be contemplated for the Ministry of Education. Before the Cabinet came to any conclusion on this point, I think it would be well that they should have before them a clear view of the nature and extent of the duties which it is proposed to throw on the new minister. They will, I think, be found to be such as amply and exclusively to occupy the attention of any one minister even if assisted by a subordinate of high position. It may be a question whether, or how, the new Department should be represented in the two Houses. That it should

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However, / there is no fear of any immediate trouble on this subject. Much may happen on the subject of Education before we introduce our Bill:4 &, as at present arranged, the point is not to be again mooted until we / can submit it to your for consideration personally. It will keep. On Thursday, we go into Scotland 8Scottish9 & Irish Reform.5 I hope to hear good accounts. You have my / best and constant good wishes: & you may rely upon my doing all that is possible to keep things together.6 Yrs sincerely, | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 4 February 1868

original: rac b24 57 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4706

2 o’ck: | Feb 4 1868 The Chr of the Exchr. with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He recommends Yr Majesty to issue a Royal Commission on the subject of International Coinage,1 referred to in the / enclosed papers.2 He himself doubts, whether the enquiry will lead to any practical result, & scarcely desires that it should; but the investigation will satisfy many minds, & gratify the French Government, who / wish, that the subject shd. be treated as of importance by England[.] Lord Stanhope, or Lord Halifax, might be the Chairman of the Commission, a literato-diplomatic, or, what Horace 8Walpole9 called Lord Macclesfield, “a mathe-

be so I have no doubt, but as to the how, it is a matter of extreme difficulty. If it were attached ex officio to the office of Lord President, and, as proposed by the Duke of Marlborough, the latter should be open to members of the House of Commons, the result would be either that the House of Lords would lose one of the few high offices to which it is at present exclusively entitled, or that the House of Commons would be called upon to part with the supreme control of a Department involving an immense expenditure of public money, and to the abandonment of which they never would consent. Much however remains to be done before we are in a position to bring a substantive proposition before Parliament, and I think it is well that we should have full time to consider our course, rather than offer a crude and undigested scheme.’ h b/xx/s/482. 4 See 4677n4. 5 See 4710&n1. 6 Derby (n3) was getting on ‘very slowly and cannot venture to name a day on which I may probably arrive in London. At present I am unable to stand without assistance, and am only moved for a couple of hours from my bed to my sofa. I hope you will not forget that as the meeting of Parliament approaches, the Queen will be desirous of knowing what are the subjects of discussion before the Cabinet, and, so far as you can tell her, what are the measures with which you propose to meet Parliament. I greatly doubt whether, even by that time, I shall be able to be in attendance.’ 1 The ‘Royal Commissioners to examine and report upon the proceedings and recommendations’ of the International Monetary Conference held in Paris in June 1867 ‘relative to the establishment of an universal system of international coinage’ would include Lord Halifax (chairman), Rivers Wilson (secretary), Charles Pelham Villiers, Stephen Cave, John Wilson Patten, Samuel Mountifort Longfield, Sir John Lubbock, Baron Lionel de Rothschild, Thomson Hankey, John Gellibrand Hubbard, Thomas Newman Hunt, John Benjamin Smith, George Airy, Thomas Baring and Thomas Graham. The Times (20 Feb 1868). See n7. 2 d may be referring to a printed 15-page report entitled ‘International Coinage’, dated 2 December 1867 and signed by Rivers Wilson and master of the mint Thomas Graham. It summarized the proceedings

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matical Lord”;3 then / there shd. be Yr Majestys Master of the Mint, & Astronomer,4 a Rothschild & a Baring, the Governor of the Bank,5 Sir John Lubbock,6 & others of that class: subject to Yr Majesty’s pleasure[.]7

4707

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 4 February 1868

original: rac b24 58, 56 publication history: m&b iv 580-1, omitting the final paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

6 o’ck: | Feb 4 1868 The Chr of Excr. with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet concluded the discussion of all the principles (not many) involved in the new Education Bill, & appointed a Committee: Lord / President, Duke of Bucks, Mr Walpole & Lord John Manners, to finish some details.1 The Cabinet is unanimous on all points of principle, but the Duke of Marlboro’ wishes the Lord / President to be the ex-officio Education Minister on a great scale, wh: is not an arrangement wh: wd. be popular in the Ho: of Commons, as it wd. seem to close the House of Commons to the Minister for Education: for / the precedent of Lord John Russell sitting in the Lower House is not a very strong one. He sate so only a few months, & was no ordinary man: had led the House of Commons twelve years, six of wh: he was Prime-Minister, & was of himself of ducal birth.2

of the conference (see n1) and concluded that it was now up to the government ‘to determine whether any special inquiry should be established into the results of the deliberations of the Conference’. h b/ viii/77. 3 Horace Walpole mentions ‘Lord Macclesfield, a mathematical Lord’ in his Memoirs of the Reign of King George the Second vol 1 (1846) 51. Mathematician and astronomer George Parker (c 1697-1764), 2nd Earl of Macclesfield 1732, mp for Wallingford 1722-7, fellow 1722 and president 1752-64 of the Royal Society and member of the French Academy and of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, formed what is today one of the most important collections of seventeenth-century English mathematical manuscripts, including the letters of Isaac Newton (now at Cambridge). 4 George Biddell Airy (1801-1892), frs 1836, dlc Oxford 1844, lld Cambridge 1862, cb 1871 and kcb 1872, was Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cambridge 1826, Plumian professor of astronomy and director of the newly established Cambridge University observatory 1828, member of the Astronomical Society 1828 and Geological Society 1829, correspondent of the Académie Royale des Sciences 1835, president of the Royal Society 1872-3 and of the Royal Astronomical Society for four terms. As astronomer royal 1835-81, he re-equipped the Royal Greenwich Observatory with instruments of his own design. 5 Thomas Newman Hunt (d 17 Jan 1884, age 78), governor of the Bank of England 1867-9, replying on the 11th to d’s letter of the 10th (not found), would accept to act as a commissioner. h b/viii/67. 6 Sir John Lubbock (1834–1913), 1st Baron Avebury 1900, frs 1858, had attended Eton 1845-9 before clerking in 1849 for his father, Sir John William Lubbock, at Lubbock, Foster & Co, later Robarts, Lubbock & Co 1860-1914, which the son headed 1865-1913. He would be mp (l) for Maidstone 1870-80 and London University 1880-1900, breaking with Gladstone over home rule in 1886. 7 Thomas Baring, C.P. Villiers and Lionel de Rothschild on the 11th, and J.G. Hubbard on the 12th (see 4724&n2), replying to letters from d (not found), would accept to act as commissioners. h b/viii/61d, 66, 68, 70. Halifax would reply on the 7th to d’s letter of the 5th (4709&n3) and J.B. Smith on the 12th to d’s letter of the 9th (4715nn1&2). 1 See 4705&n1. 2 See 4705&n2.

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The / Chanr. of the Exchequer has received General Grey’s letter expressing Her Majesty’s news respecting the Scotch Reform Bill & other matters of moment & / he will take an early opportunity of replying to it.3 to: LORD STANHOPE

original: kcr Stanhope mss 690(7)1 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 5 February 1868

4708

confidential Feby. 5 1868 The | Earl Stanhope My dear Lord. I have advised the Queen to issue a Royal Commission to consider the subject of Inter-national Coinage, as referred to in the accompanying / papers. It would be a source of satisfaction to me if your Lordship could preside over this Commission. It would consist of, probably, thirteen members, or so; & I intend / to ask, to be your colleagues, the Master of the Mint, the Astronomer Royal, Baring, Rothschild, the Governor of the Bank, Sir John Lubbock, Sir Philip Egerton1 / & such like.2 Believe me, | My dear Lord, | Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: LORD HALIFAX

Downing Street [Wednesday] 5 February 1868

original: hlp a4.106 1r-1v editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: National.

4709

confidential Feb. 5 1868 Right Honorable | The Viscount Halifax My dear Lord, I have advised the Queen to issue a Royal Commission on the subject of Inter-national Coinage, with reference to the enclosed papers.1 It / would, I feel convinced, give public satisfaction, if I could induce your Lordship to preside over it. I should ask to be your colleagues, the Master of the Mint, the Astronomer Royal, the Governor of the Bank, a Baring & a Rothschild, Sir / John Lubbock, & some capable members of the House of Commons on both sides – 8about thirteen.92 Believe me, | my dear Lord, | Very faithfully Yours, | B. Disraeli | T.O. / The object of the Commission wd. be to consider, & report, upon the proceedings of the National Monetary Conference held at Paris 1867, & the enclosed Re-

3 See 4712&n1. 1 Egerton would not serve on the fifteen-member commission; see 4706n1. 2 Replying on this day (5th), Stanhope felt ‘much gratified & honored’ by d’s proposal but ‘my hands are now full of Commissions. I belong to the Ritual Commission which meets regularly twice a week, & I belong also to the Irish Church Commission which will not stand idle.’ h b/xxi/s/494. 1 See 4706&n2. 2 See 4706&n1.

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port; & to examine, & report, on the recommendations of the Conference & their adaptability to our monetary system.3

4710

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Thursday] 6 February 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 581, omitting the last paragraph; Blake 485, the last sentence of the second paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

R. H. | Earl of Derby K G ½ past six | Feb 6 1868 My dear Lord, A very busy, but tranquil, Cab: Scotch Bill gone thro’,1 & waiting for finish the Ld Advocate on Tuesday / – our last Cab:2 Irish Bill discussed.3 Letter from the Ld. C. Justice of England in the name, & with the unanimous authority, of / all the Judges, protesting against the Parly. Elections Bill as “an impossibility”[.] In short, the Judges have struck!4 As I am to bring in the Bill the first / night,5 this was awkward. How[eve]r, we set to 8work9, like men. We must fall back on our original proposition, wh: the S. Committee of the House of Commons very / conceitedly altered.6 All going on very right with the D. of Marlboro’. D of Richmond of great assistance to me in this matter. I / have gained time & mollified him. He will do whatever you decide on. But so far as I can judge, the Education flame is more bright than lasting, & in a / month’s time, I am not sure the Ld. Pres[iden]t may not bring in a strictly preparatory measure in the Ho: of Lords, & keep the great question for the next / Parliamt.

3 Halifax would reply on the 7th ‘much flattered’ but ‘unwilling to undertake any duty which would occupy more than 3 or 4 months, & forecast my going abroad early in the summer. You, of course, know far better than I do, what the probable course of the Commission is likely to be, & I must beg you to bear in mind my wish in respect of time. I am quite ready to begin at once, & if on consideration you still wish me to undertake the task, & there is a reason the prospect of its being completed by about the time I have mentioned I shall be happy to meet your wishes. I shall be up for the meeting of parliament.’ h b/ xxi/a/30. See 4717. 1 For the Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill, see 4732&n2. See also 4712&n1. 2 See 4719. 3 Mayo would introduce the Representation of the People (Ireland) Bill in the House on 19 March. Hansard cxc cols 1940-52. 4 Sir Alexander Cockburn on this day (6th) had informed Lord Chelmsford that, upon examining the provisions of the Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill, he had learned that election petitions were to be ‘tried by one of the Judges of the Superior Courts, without a Jury ... I have consulted the Judges, and am charged by them, one and all, to convey to you their strong and unanimous feeling of insuperable repugnance to having these new and objectionable duties thrust upon them.’ The proposed scheme, he argued, was ‘unconstitutional and unjust ... [and] calculated to degrade the character of the Bench’, and the ‘performance by the Judges of the onerous duties which this bill proposed to cast on them is neither more nor less than a sheer impossibility.’ h b/xxi/c/295. Cockburn’s letter would be published in The Times on the 18th. 5 d would introduce the bill (see n4) in the House at the opening of Parliament on 13 February; see 4723&n1. 6 The Commons select committee in 1867 had amended the bill so as to increase the responsibilities of Queen’s Bench judges.

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But it must be in the Lords now, at any rate. We want education discussed by Dukes & Bishops. It will have a beneficial effect on all. Your signature is more healthy.7 There are no troubles here. Get well, & ever trust, Yrs f[aithfull]y | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Thursday] 6 February 1868

original: rac b24 60 publication history: lqv B i 491-2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: that ... that.

4711

Feb 6 1868 The Chanr of the Exchqr with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: A very good Cabinet, & did a great deal of business. Went thro’ the / Scotch Bill & noted all points for the Lord Advocate, who will attend next week. Cr of Exr discussed with his colleagues every possible / contingency, wh: may occur in attempting to carry the Scotch Ref: Bill, & they were unanimously of opinion, that, tho’ it is difficult to decide on such subjects / until one is in the field, that the Scotch Bill will not injure the Government, &, in all probability, will benefit Scotland. Talked over the Irish Bill, wh: will be ready for / more formal treatment next Cabinet, wh:, probably, will be the last before the meeting of Parliamt: Had great trouble about the Parliamentary Elections Bill, that is the / Bill introduced last year for transferring the jurisdiction over controverted elections from the House of Commons to Commissioners legally qualified & investigating / on the spot. The Select Committee of the House, to wh: this bill was referred, made it of a much stronger & peremptory character & / transferred the jurisdiction, in this matter, from the Commons entirely & absolutely to the Judges of the Land. Your Majesty’s Ministers proposed a new bill in deference to / this decision & the Chancr of the Exr was to have brought a bill 8it9 in on the first night of the Session, framed in this vein. This afternoon, a / long & most able letter 8came9 from the Ld. C. Justice of England, written in the name, & with the unanimous consent, of all the Judges, protesting against the Bill, & giving manifold, & / indignant, reasons, why the working of the measure was an “impossibility”: in short, the Judges struck! This placed Yr Majesty’s Government in / a great difficulty, but they set to work, & they will recur to their original proposition, improved; & the Cr of Exr has every hope of keeping his engagement with the H of Comm: for the first night of the Sess: / He assumes that a Cabinet on Tuesday will conclude all the business before the meeting of Parliamt[.]1

7 Derby had written to d on 5 February via amanuensis Frederick Stanley, but had signed his name. h b/ xx/s/482; see 4705nn3&6. 1 See 4710&nn1-6.

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4712

to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Thursday] 6 February 1868

original: rac b24 61 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Confidential Feb 6 1868 Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey1 My dear General, The Scotch Reform Bill is certainly a rock a-head, but it is not a sunken one. We have surveyed it in every aspect, & think / we can pilot thro’ the danger. I submitted to my colleagues in Cabinet, yesterday, the consideration of all the contingencies probable & possible in this matter, & they approved, / unanimously, of the course I suggested, & gave me full powers of action. Of course, until one is in the field, & 8can9 personally observe the disposition of the House, & hear all that is preparing, / either for obstacles or assistance, it is impossible to speak except provisionally, but as far as I can form an opinion, I think we shall manage this affair in a way satisfactory to / Her Majesty. With respect to the other point mentioned in your letter,2 I would observe, that the united action of the Protestant party, tho’ it may be modified, cannot be guided / by the Government, wh:, indeed, the more violent section of the Protestants looks

1 Grey on 3 February had written to d from Osborne a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘The Queen commands me to thank you for having sent her, a few days back, the draft of the Scotch Reform Bill, with the accompanying Mem[orandu]m from the Lord Advocate. The Bill seems clearly & intelligibly drawn, & in the points of the County & Borough Franchise, will doubtless meet with general acquiescence. But Her Majesty wishes me to call your attention to the danger, which the Lord Advocate himself seems to admit, of the objection taken by Mr. Gladstone & Mr. Cardwell to the increase of the total number of members of the House of Commons, as a means of giving Additional Representatives to Scotland, being successfully urged.’ The Queen believed ‘that the question of the distribution of seats in England, will inevitably be raised again in one shape or other, & that the result of a discussion upon it must be doubtful. What Her Majesty is, therefore, most anxious to know, is, how this may possibly affect the Government? And she wishes me to press upon you most strongly the expediency of adopting that course which will least endanger its stability. H.M. would deeply regret a vote which should place the Govt under the necessity of either resigning, or of disappointing Scotland in the expectation of getting the additional members to which she seems fairly entitled.’ h b/xix/d/37. 2 Grey (n1) in a postscript had expanded on ‘another subject which gives Her Majesty much uneasiness. It is the appearance, as an advertisement, in the Times of Saturday, of a Manifesto from what is termed the “Protestant Central Defence Association”, which appears to Her Majesty to be calculated only to inflame the Religious animosities which are the bane of Ireland. She regrets to see that it is signed by some of the Irish Members of Government, &, above all, by the brother & son of the Lord Lieutenant! Nobody, as you well know can be more opposed than the Queen to the doctrines of the Roman Catholics, & especially to what is called the Ultra-Montane Party amongst them; and the language used by Cardinal Cullen & his Adherents cannot be too strongly condemned. But in the present state of Ireland, this open arraying of the Members of one Church, against the others, seems to Her Majesty to be singularly injudicious.’ The ‘Manifesto’ was a series of five resolutions agreed to at the preliminary meeting of the Association in Dublin on 29 November 1867, followed by an ‘address to the Protestants of Ireland of all denominations’ (dated 13 January 1868). It outlined, among other threats, the dangers of ‘“a sacerdotal conspiracy, organised by the Ultramontane party”’ and led by Cardinal Cullen, whose object was ‘“the overthrow of Protestantism, and the establishment of a hierarchical supremacy, exercising exclusive control over the education of the people”’. The Times (1 Feb 1868). See n6.

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upon with some distrust, in consequence of the liberal & enlightened policy of Lord Mayo. It is, however, satisfactory to / observe, that the present movement is really a Protestant, & not a mere Orange, affair, as the presence of many persons of influence, like Ld. Oranmore,3 Mr Peel Dawson4 & others, who have always discountenanced Orangeism, / testifies. Further, it must also be recollected, that the movement, in this instance, is defensive, & has been elicited by the manifesto of Dean O’Brien & the southern priests in favor of a repeal of the Union,5 & / other proceedings of that character. It is, in my opinion, to be regretted, that the son of the Ld. Lieutenant cd. not avoid mixing himself up in the declaration, but we must not forget, that young Claud / Hamilton is member for Derry, & that his seat would certainly have been forfeited, had he refused his signature. It is not impossible, that the elder Claud found himself in the same predicament.6 The Attorney General,7 who / represents the most purely Protestant Const[ituen] cy in Ireland, namely Trinity Coll:, consulted the Ld. Lt. & Ld. Mayo as to his course, & they impressed upon him, so strongly, the impropriety of one who fills the now no longer-sinecure / office of Public Prosecutor, associating his name, at this moment, with anything like party passion, that he declined to sanction the declaration, & wrote a letter to its originators in the sense expressed by Her Majestys representative[.] Yours sincerely | D.

3 Geoffrey Dominick Augustus Frederick Guthrie-Browne (1819-1900), 2nd Baron Oranmore and Browne, an Irish representative peer 1869-1900, had assumed the surname of Guthrie on his marriage in 1859 to Christina, only surviving child and heiress of Alexander Guthrie, of the Mount, Kilmarnock, and Bourtree Hill, Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland. 4 Robert Peel Dawson, mp (l-c) for co Londonderry 1859-74. 5 Richard Baptist O’Brien (1809-1885), after studies at St Patrick’s College, Carlow 1832, and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth 1833, had been ordained in 1838 and sent to Canada, where he was president of Saint Mary’s College (now University), Halifax 1840-5. While in Rome 1852-3 he had been deeply influenced by the ultramontanism of Pope Pius ix. He had founded the Catholic Young Men’s Society (modelled on the Protestant YMCA, founded 1844) in 1849 and had been president until 1866, when he became Dean of Limerick. According to O’Brien’s ‘Limerick declaration’ of December 1867, a petition of Limerick priests favouring what would become known as home rule, ‘“the only means of effectually tranquillizing Ireland is by a restoration of her nationality”’ and the British Parliament ‘“will never satisfy the yearnings of a whole people whose intellects and whose hearts combine in the cry for nationality.”’ The Times (31 Dec 1867). 6 Lord Claud John Hamilton, son of Lord Abercorn (ll of Ireland until December 1868), and his uncle Lord Claud Hamilton are listed among the several hundred ‘noblemen and gentlemen [who] have already joined the Association’ (see n2). 7 Robert Richard Warren (1817-1897), ba 1838, ma 1864 and lld 1868 Dublin University, an Irish barrister 1839, qc 1858, a bencher of King’s Inn (Dublin) 1865, sol-gen 1867 and att-gen 1867-8, was mp (c) for Dublin University 1867-8 and would be appointed judge in November 1868. Warren’s views were strongly evangelical.

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4713

to: SPENCER WALPOLE

[London, Thursday 6 February 1868]

original: qua 40 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

Right Honble | S.H. Walpole In Cabinet My dear Walpole, We want you much – in consequence of a letter from the Judges, who have / struck about the Parly. Elections Bill1 – & unless we determine our course immediately, the Governmt. will meet Parlt. in / a scrape. We must decide to day. Come on as soon as you possibly can.2 Yrs siny, | D

4714

to: LORD MAYO

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 7 February 1868

Confidential Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo Feb 7 1868 My dear Mayo – What do you think of a New Devon Commission? There has been no enquiry of the kind since the famine.1 Delane / has made the suggestion, more than once, to Stanley, who has, several times, pressed it on me.2 I blame myself for not having mentioned it to you before. Delane / says, that the Landlords case has never been stated, & that people of the present day know nothing about the subject. 1 See 4710&n4. 2 Walpole is listed as attending cabinet on 6 February 1868. The Times (7 Feb 1868). 1 Sir Robert Peel in 1844 had appointed a commission to research the problems with Irish land leases (the first time a British government had taken such a step). Headed by William Courtenay (1777-1859), 10th Earl Devon, it had reported that the population of Ireland had risen from six to eight million people and that leases were favourable to (usually Anglo‑Irish) landowners. The report, released in February 1845, a few months before the outbreak of the potato blight of 1845-52, had concluded that ‘“the agricultural labourer of Ireland continues to suffer the greatest privations and hardships ... he is badly housed, badly fed, badly clothed, and badly paid for his labour.”’ Quoted in Richard Barry O’Brien The Home-Ruler’s Manual (1890) 129. See 4784. 2 Stanley on 24 January had recorded a meeting with Times editor John Delane, who ‘anticipates an outbreak in Ireland next spring; wants a new Devon commission to enquire into land-tenures, arguing that the landlords’ side of the case has never been fairly stated, and that in this way, many prevalent fallacies will be exposed.’ The following day Stanley had written to d about that meeting. ‘He thinks there will be a fresh attack in Ireland some time in the spring. No reason assigned, but his opinion on this fact is strong. He advises a Devon commission to enquire into the whole subject of law, saying that the landlords never have had their case fairly stated.’ On 8 February Stanley would record that the previous night he had broached the idea with Mayo, who was ‘well inclined, but thinks the selection of men to serve upon it will not be easy.’ On the 15th he would note that the issue had been discussed in cabinet that day ‘but no result was come to’ and on the 22nd that in that day’s cabinet ‘We agreed to a new Devon commission, and a limited land-bill.’ Disraeli, Derby 327-30; h b/xx/s/796. The Devon Commission’s report would be submitted on 20 September 1870 and published in 1871.

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I shall be at D.S., if you wish to talk over this, at four o’ck: at yr service. If adopted, it wd., I suppose, supersede the necessity of a Land Bill. But we must communicate with Ld. Derby at once, so that we may get the consent of the Cabinet on Tuesday.3 Yours | D. to: JOHN BENJAMIN SMITH

Downing Street [Sunday] 9 February 1868

original: mpl [6] editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4715

J.B. Smith Esqr | M.P. Feb 9 1868 Dear Mr Smith Her Majesty is about to issue a Commission to enquire into the subject of Inter-National Coinage, or, rather, to consider / the proceedings of the Monetary Conference held at Paris last year, & to report on the adaptability of their recommendations to our own monetary system. Lord Halifax will preside / over the Commissioners. As I know, that you have given much attention to the subject,1 I should be happy, if agreeable to yourself, to recommend Her Majesty / to insert your name in the Commission.2 Believe me, | dear Mr Smith, | Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 10 February 1868

original: rac b24 62 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4716

Feb 10 1868 The Chancellor of the Exchequer with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet was summoned to day by Sir Stafford Northcote, in / consequence of a communication he had received respecting the Bribery & Parliamy. Elections Bill. The matter tho’ urgent, is not one of great interest & / importance, but the Cr of Exr troubles Yr Majesty with this line, lest Yr Majesty might be perplexed by a Cabinet being summoned, when in his / last communication he mentioned, that Tuesday wo[ul]d be the next, & final, one before the meeting of Parliamt[.]1 to: LORD HALIFAX

Downing Street [Monday] 10 February 1868

original: hlp a4.106 3r-3v editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

The | Lord Visct Halifax

4717

Feb 10 1868

3 There would be a cabinet on Tuesday 11 February. The Times (12 Feb 1868). 1 See ix 4591&nn1&2. 2 Smith would reply on the 12th agreeing to serve on the commission. h b/viii/69. See 4706n1. 1 See 4711.

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My dear Lord, I contemplate your concluding your labour by Easter.1 We propose, that Mr Rivers Wilson, of the Treasury, shd. be Secretary / of the Commission.2 He is entirely master of the subject, wh: will tend to expedition. Yrs very faithfully | D.3

4718

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 10 February 1868

Right Honble | The Earl of Derby K G Feb 10 1868 My dear Lord, That you may not be disquieted, I write a line to say, that the unexpected Cabinet to day was called by Northcote, / in consequence of a communication he had received respecting the Bribery & Elections Bill. More urgent than important.1 Other matters all / right – & I have only to hear that you are improving, to be quite serene, tho’ on the eve of battle, or, at least, the opening of the campaign. I have / kept the Queen well posted as to affairs: that is to say, I have sent her a report after every Cabinet &c &c. Ever yrs | D.

4719

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 11 February 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Feb 11 1868 My dear Lord, We went thro’ the Scotch Reform Bill to day, with the Ld. Advocate – all right.1 The Irish Bill hangs fire: it will not do / to disfranchise small Irish Bill 8Boros9 under 5000 pop: after our dogmas & practise of last Sess:2 We did a good deal of other business; & everything seems tranquil, & as little cause of / anxiety as can be, in your absence. The Lords want rubbing up, & I have not hesitated to use your name pretty strongly. I wanted them to have plenty of hard business in / hand immediately, so as to prevent vague declamation about education, Ireland &c.3

1 See 4709&nn1-3. 2 See 4706nn1&2. 3 Halifax would write to d on the 13th: ‘I mean to come to town on Monday & shall be at your orders from that time.’ h b/viii/61e. See 4727&n1. 1 See 4716. 1 See 4732&n2. 2 Four boroughs had been disfranchised by the Reform Act 1867: Totnes, Great Yarmouth, Lancaster and Reigate. 3 Derby on the 13th would reply to d from Knowsley with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I do not anticipate

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But the Lord Cr, tho’ I have pressed him, has not the Bankruptcy Bill ready, / wh: wd. have set all the lawyers talking for weeks.4 The D of Richmond, however, has promised a large Railway measure by Monday;5 &, / I hope, the Oaths Bill6 will also be ready about that time[.] We have plenty of work in the Commons & never went into the field more prepared. / Ever yrs | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 11 February 1868

original: rac b24 63 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4720

Feb 11 1868 The Chanr of the Excr. with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet went thro’ the Scotch Reform Bill today,1 attended by the Lord Advocate: a / Highland Lord Advocate, & a very able man. He is a Gordon, & a Godson of Yr Majesty’s Royal Sire, & was christened “Edward Strathearn”. It is said to be very unusual, that / a Lord Advocate shd be a Highlander.2 His accounts of the prospects of the passing of the Scotch Bill were favorable, having been assured on authority, that the Duke / of Argyll had written to Mr Gladstone, & counselled, that the opposition to the increase of the numbers of the Ho: of Commons shd not be insisted on. Then, the Cabinet took / the Irish Bill again,3 but did not like it; &, finally, they agreed to feel the pulse of the House, & wait events a little before further considering the subject.

any difficulty about Irish Questions, but I hope that the Government will be as cautious as possible as to what they say upon [William Edward] Forster’s Motion on Education. It is just the question upon which we should invite the utmost possible extent the views & opinions of independent Members, & avoid committing the Government before the moment for action to any definite scheme.’ h b/ix/f/2. 4 Derby (n3) was ‘very much annoyed that the chancellor should not have been ready with his Bankruptcy Bill. Not only was it distinctly understood in November that that Measure should be brought forward in the House of Lords, but I wrote some weeks since, to press it upon his particular attention, adding at the same time that the Duke of Richmond would probably have ready the Bill on the Mercantile Marine. His answer left me no room to doubt but that, for his part, he should be perfectly prepared, and that although the Duke of Richmond thought that the Mercantile Marine must be introduced in the H. of Commons, he should have one ready which should require some attention on the subject of Railways. I shall look anxiously for the Report of today’s proceedings.’ The Bankruptcy Acts Repeal Bill would be introduced in the Lords on 9 March and Cairns, succeeding Chelmsford as lord chancellor, would move second reading there on the 23rd. Hansard cxc col 1208, cxci cols 1-32. See 4754. 5 The Regulation of Railways Bill would be introduced in the Lords by Richmond on Thursday 19 March. Hansard cxc col 1214. 6 The Promissory Oaths Bill would be introduced in the Lords by Chelmsford on 13 February and given second reading on the 18th. Hansard cxc cols 689, 851-61. 1 See 4732&n2. 2 Edward Strathearn Gordon, born at Inverness (the traditional Highland capital), had been named after Prince Edward (1767-1820), 1st Duke of Kent and Strathearn and Earl of Dublin 1799, the Queen’s father, who had had no male issue. 3 See 4710n3.

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In the House of Commons, 1 The Parliamentary Elections & Bribery Bill4 2 The Scotch Reform Bill 3 The Public Schools Bill5 / 4. A Bill for the transfer of the Telegraphs from Public Companies to the State6 & 5 The Suspension of Hab: Corpus in Ireland will immediately & amply occupy the attention of members.7 Cr. of Exr / wishes he cd. say as much for the Ho: of Lords. In the absence of Lord Derby, it was desirable, that their Lordships shd. have been engaged in hard business, wh: wd. have prevented debates / on Education, Ireland, & other vague, & declamatory, subjects. In this view, he had hoped, that the Bankruptcy Bill wd. have been introduced instantly by the Ld. Chr; that the Duke of Richmond shd. / have introduced a large Railway measure;8 & so on: but these measures, long promised & prepared, are, he fears, not as forward as they ought to be. The Transport service seems / to have broken down: the animals wandering wild, & no refreshing streams. But, still, he hopes, that, in a week’s time, there may yet be order.

4721

to: [CABINET COLLEAGUES] [Downing Street, Wednesday] 12 February 1868 original: h b/xx/d/373 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Immediate Feb 12 1868 The Queen wishes that the Members of the Cabinet shd., in future, use labels printed on paper similar to the enclosed, whenever / they forward boxes to Her Majesty.1

4722

to: MONTAGU CORRY

[London] Wednesday [12? February 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/122 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n2.

Montagu Corry Esq Wednesday You forgot my appointment, today, with General Grey, wh: I fixed for his return from Windsor, probably 3 o’ck or about, but it might be / later. It is possible, there-

4 See 4710n4. 5 See 4726&nn1&2. 6 George Ward Hunt, as new chancellor of the exchequer, would introduce the Electric Telegraphs Bill in the House on 1 April. Hansard cxci cols 678-82. 7 See 4726&nn3&4. 8 For the Bankruptcy Acts Repeal Bill and the Regulation of Railways Bill, see 4719nn4&5. 1 In the h collection, d’s note is followed by a printed label, at one end: ‘The Right Honble. | Chancellor of the Exchequer. | The Queen.’ and upside down at the other end: ‘The Queen. | Chancellor of the Exchequer.’ h b/xx/d/373a.

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fore, that I may not be able to keep my appointment with Ld. Garlies.1 If so, you must state the / cause to him. See the Chanr of Lancaster & inform him, that H.M. Govt. wish his name to be inserted in the Royal Monetary Commi[ssi]on.2 This will be / instead of Mowbray, whom, I am glad, to get rid of. D. ½ past 12 o’ck: A letter just arrived from Genl. Grey. saying proposing to come on immediately. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Thursday] 13 February 1868

original: rac b24 65 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4723

Feb 13 1868 The Chanr of the Exr with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The House of Commons met after its adjournmt of ten weeks; rather a good attendance, tranquil / & good-tempered. There was much pretended displeasure about the Judges refusal to assist try Election petitions. The truth is, that all those, who are opposed to the House of / Commons relinquishing its jurisdiction in this matter, made the refusal of the Judges an excuse for their opposition to the measure. They could consent to transferring their jurisdiction / to the Judges, but to no less a tribunal! The debate was animated & interesting; short speeches & all to the point, &, concluding by seven o’ck:, no sp speakers for / mere time.1

1 Alan Plantagenet Stewart (1835-1901), Lord Garlies, 10th Earl of Galloway 1873, kt 1887, a jp and dl for Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigstonshire, capt Royal Horse Guards and hon col Royal Scots Fusiliers, would be mp (c) for Wigtonshire 1868-73. 2 Wilson Patten would be among the commissioners appointed by the Queen listed in The Times on 20 February 1868; see 4706nn1&2. 1 In the House on this day (13th) d had introduced the Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill. Pointing outthat the Election Petitions Act 1848 had transferred the House’s authority to a tribunal, d underlined that ‘at no time perhaps have there been, more than recently, greater complaints and charges against the inefficiency and unsatisfactory character of that tribunal’. But as the present bill had recently been compromised by the Queen’s Bench judges’ refusal to preside over election petition cases (see 4710&n4), d had proposed the formation of ‘a new and original tribunal’ of three members and a ‘new court, to be called the Parliamentary Elections Court, or some technical name of that kind’, whose judges would earn £2,000 yearly. d’s speech had been followed by brief comments from nineteen members, including Gladstone, who approved of the transfer of jurisdiction from the House to the court, especially as it would allow for expeditious local inquiry. As it stood now, he said, election petitions were often not decided until four or five months into the session, during which time ‘most important votes have been given – votes, perhaps, deciding the fate of great measures, or the fate of administrations – by Gentlemen who are not the true representatives of the electors of the kingdom.’ He believed, however, that ‘all the difficulty of principle and practice would be raised to a maximum by the endeavour to create a tribunal which will be judicial in its character, and which will not have the immense advantages of reputation which attach to the Courts of Law in Westminster Hall’. Hansard cxc cols 693-728 (d 693-702). See 4787n2.

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Cr of Exr. thinks the house, notwithstanding all their indignation, & tall talk, of last year, will manage to keep their jurisdiction & prevent / any measures against bribery. It was impossible however for the Governmt. of Yr Majesty not to prepare, & bring in, this measure. There would have been a denouncing howl, / if they had not. They have saved their honor; & they stand well with the House; wh: will, probably, get on pretty well witht any alteration of the law.

4724

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Friday 14 February] 1868

original: h b/xx/d/71 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Endorsed in another hand on the first and fourth pages: ‘Coinage Commission. Sheep Dogs. Letter from Queen.’

St Valentines Day | 1868 Notwithstanding the date, this is a letter of business. Sir J. Lubbock’s reply being received,1 write a line to Mr Hubbard to say, that I am sorry the offer I / made him cannot be left open, & he must send you his decision at once.2 If in the affirmative, give instructions for the preparation of the Commission. / Open the Queen’s box, & when you have read H.M. enclosure,3 wh: I have not done, see Mr Hunt, & let me have a report from him on the point when I arrive at D.S.4 The / Chanr of the Duchy, of course, accepts.5 I spoke to him in the House. D.

1 This reply by Lubbock (see 4706&nn1&6) has not been found. 2 Hubbard had replied to d on the 12th with reservations that his duties as chairman of the Public Works Loan Commission and member of the Ritual Commission ‘occupy three days of the week in which I could not certainly attend.’ He would write to Corry on this day (14th) placing his services at d’s disposal. h b/viii/70, 72. 3 Next to this letter on the microfilm is a newspaper clipping and an undated note from the Queen on Osborne paper thanking d ‘for several letters ... The Queen sends an Extract from a Scottish newspaper on the subject of the Shepherds’ dogs. It is a hard case.’ The undated clipping, headed ‘Gordon. The Shepherds’ Dog Tax.’, reports on a meeting held in Gordon on ‘Friday evening, when a large number of shepherds, some from considerable distances, were present. James Henderson, shepherd, Huntlywood, was called to the chair, and read a paper on the subject showing the hardship and evils of this tax. It was explained that they could either petition Parliament through the petition from all Berwickshire, or by a separate one from Gordon district only. The former course was unanimously agreed upon, and it was resolved to communicate with the originators of the Berwickshire petition.’ In his lengthy paper, Henderson had stated: ‘“We consider the taxing of a bona fide shepherd’s dog an unjust act of legislation, and a very great hardship to the shepherd, and thereby an oppressive act”’. Petitions from farmers and shepherds representing various Scottish districts requesting a remission of the tax on shepherds’ dogs would be presented to the House on this day (14th), the 21st and 28th. h b/xx/d/71a, b; The Times (15, 22, 28 Feb 1868). 4 Hunt’s report has not been found. The dog tax question would be discussed in the House on 23 April during debate on Hunt’s budget speech. Hunt did not think this was ‘a matter between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the shepherds, but one between the shepherds and their employers. I admit that it is hard upon the shepherd to have to pay 5s. for his dog; but I do not admit that it is hard for the shepherd’s employer to have to do so. When we reduced the tax upon dogs to 5s., we thought no exemption was necessary.’ Hansard cxci col 1191. See 4726&n5. 5 For John Wilson Patten, see 4706&n1.

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to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Friday] 14 February 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 583; Weintraub Disraeli 459, extract from the second paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4725

Confidential Feb 14 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I received your letter this morning, & learn, with deep regret, that there is no immediate prospect of the Cabinet having the advantage / of yr guidance & authority.1 I cannot shut my eyes to the danger of the present state of affairs, but, after twenty years of confidential co-operation, scarcely with a cloud, I need not, I feel convinced, / assure you, at this critical moment, that all shall be done on my part, wh:

1 Derby on the 13th had written to d from Knowsley (via amanuensis Lady Derby) a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘Parliament sitting, and I still lying here like a useless log! You may imagine how much this annoys me, and the more so as, although I hope that I have turned the corner within the last day or two, after a slight relapse of three of four days, my Doctors (for I have two in attendance) will not venture to name any time for my probable removal. I have no doubt you were as much surprised as I was at the Article which lately appeared in the Times – but except as to my intention of immediate resignation, I cannot say that I think the writer was very wrong in the views which he has taken. I have for some time been aware that the increased frequency of my attacks of illness would, at no distant period, incapacitate me for the discharge of my public duties. During the past year I have hardly ever been really well, & the steps which I have been obliged to take for patching myself up for particular occasions, have not been without their effect on my general health – and I am warned that there are symptoms which will require constant vigilance, probably for the remainder of my life, if I wish to guard against a sudden and complete break-up. To no one except the Queen, have I communicated upon this subject, on which it is due to you that I should receive the earliest intelligence. What I have said however to H.M. is simply this – that while on the one hand my increasing infirmities hold out little expectation of my being able for any long period to serve H. Majesty, I hoped She would do me the justice to believe that I would not willingly desert Her service during a period of difficulty. But that if the appearance of political affairs should be smooth, I hoped that H.M. would bear in mind my anxious desire to be relieved from duties to which I should shortly find myself unequal. I added that I thought it was right that H.M. should be the First Person to receive an intimation of my views, in order that She might have full time to consider the course which it might be necessary for Her to pursue. Nothing could be kinder and more considerate than the answer which I received, in which, after some gratifying expressions of Her personal feeling, & the assurance that She shrank from the idea of being deprived of my services, She added that She had no right to place Her own wishes in opposition to the consideration of health, and even of Life, which I brought before Her. She hoped however at all events that my Resignation would not be tendered during the course of the present Session – and to this I have no hesitation in agreeing, so long as my Colleagues are willing to overlook the probably inefficient manner in which I shall be able to discharge my duties. To no other Member of the Cabinet, not even to Stanley, have I made my intentions known – but what particularly pleased me in the Queen’s answer was, that She by no means contemplated the break-up of the present Government as the result of my retirement. And I am sure that, so far as She is concerned, you, with the aid of the majority of our present Colleagues, will receive the same cordial support which I have enjoyed.’ h b/ix/f/2.

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perfect devotion can accomplish, to maintain, unimpaired & unsullied, your interests & influence.2 Yours sincerely, | D.

4726

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 14 February 1868

original: rac b24 66 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Feb 14 1868 The Chanr of the Excheqr with his humble duty to yr Majesty: A tranquil night; the House in good working gear. The Public Schools / Bill brought in by Mr Walpole, & an interesting debate.1 Mr Ayrton made a very clever speech against it: original & incisive.2

2 d’s views on his future role in government may be gleaned from a letter of the 13th from General Grey to the Queen, relating a conversation he had had with d on the 12th. Grey had reported that ‘notwithstanding Lord Derby’s illness, [d] takes the most sanguine view – & said he did not know that the Govt. was ever more united, or the Party more cordial in its support than at the present moment – nor did he anticipate any difficulty in the Reform Bills, believing that the wish of the Opposition was not to turn the Govt. out at present. Genl. Grey then alluded to the article in the Times, on the necessity of a “reconstruction” of the Govt – vizt to Lord Derby’s illness – & the impression that seemed generally to exist that he meant to retire – & asked how this wd. affect the Govt. & the Party. He answered that this was a subject on which it was more difficult for him to say a word than anyone else – as the direction of affairs having fallen very much upon himself, during Ld Derby’s illness, it might be thought he was looking to succeed him – & he could say for himself (& this is certainly perfectly true), he had always acted most loyally towards Ld. Derby in his unfortunate absence. No inconvenience had hitherto arisen from it. The position of the Govt. had even been strengthened during the last week. But he could not shut his eyes to the fact that questions might arise, when Parlt. met, which would make a reference that the Prime Minister at a distance [was] very inconvenient and he believed that even in the event of Ld Derby’s retirement the Cabinet would still act cordially together – & that an arrangement might even be possible to gain additional strength in the House of Lords. Ld. Derby’s retirement, however, if it cannot be avoided, would be a great misfortune, for the Opposition which was now inclined to be quiet, might very likely break out into more more [sic] violent action. This difficulty must however be faced – for he admitted that since the article in the Times of Tuesday, & similar notices in other Papers, the question of the position of the Govt. was very likely to be brought forward. All this, however, was for Lord Derby himself, & no one else in the Govt., to consider. They had a clear line before them, & he did not anticipate any great difficulty in pursuing it. Genl. Grey asked him if, supposing the House determined, in opposition to the purpose of the Govt, not to increase its numbers, but to give additional members to Scotland by extending disfranchisement to England, what he would do. “Certainly not resign” he said, adding that “it would not break his heart” if it did so. He thought they would probably give 10 additional members to Scotland instead of 7 – and seemed to hope this wd satisfy them – tho’ they asked for 15 as the correct number.’ rac b24 64. 1 Walpole, who had introduced the Public Schools Bill in the House on 5 December 1867 (‘“to make further provision for the good government and extension of certain Public Schools in England”’), on this day (14th) had moved second reading. The measure, he said, was ‘substantially the same’ as the one presented in the Lords by Clarendon on 11 May 1866, itself founded on a royal commission report devolving from earlier debate (following Clarendon’s introduction of the bill on 13 March 1865). The report’s recommendations covered five areas: functions and constitution of the governing body, rights of foundations, endowments and properties, management of the schools and the system of study pursued in them. The schools were Winchester, Eton, Shrewsbury, Westminster, Rugby, Harrow and Charterhouse. Hansard cxc cols 634-5, 742-75. 2 Following Walpole (n1), A.S. Ayrton, to the argument that classical education had contributed to the morality of the country, had countered that ‘when a certain class of public men were most under the influ-

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Afterwards, Lord Mayo / introduced suspension of Hab: Corp: Ireland, with great temperateness & tact,3 & leave was given with only one stupid murmur from an Irish member4 / who alike proved the necessity of the measure, & the lenient manner in wh: its provisions had been exercised. C of Er. encloses a Memm: on Dog Tax, wh: he thinks Yr Majesty may find not uninteresting[.]5 to: [MONTAGU CORRY?]

[London, Sunday] 15 February 1868

original: h b/xxi/h/31a editorial comment: A note in d’s hand written on the cover of a letter from Lord Halifax to d at Downing Street postmarked ‘Doncaster’ on 14 February 1868 and ‘London’ on the 15th.

4727

Remind me to answer this to day.1 D to: [HENRY LOWRY-CORRY]

[London] [Saturday 15 February 1868]

4728

original: h b/xxi/c/460 editorial comment: Recipient and Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

Did I understand you, that the three new Iron Clads wd be completed this year?

ence of classical education, society was sunk in the lowest moral pollution’. He asked the government to either remove the metropolitan schools from the bill (‘leaving them to be dealt with as a whole’) or put them all into the bill ‘and refer it to a Select Committee’ so that ‘justice might be done to the children of the inhabitants of the metropolis who stood in greatest need.’ 3 In the House on this day (14th) Mayo had introduced the Habeas Corpus Suspension (Ireland) Act Continuance Bill, which he proposed should remain in effect until March 1869, and which he emphasized was ‘absolutely essential’ to the Government’s efforts ‘to frustrate and destroy the efforts of the Fenian conspiracy’. Nobody could say that in consequence of the suspension in Ireland of Habeas Corpus ‘there is not as much freedom of action, freedom of discussion, freedom of thought, freedom of writing and speaking in that country as in any other part of the kingdom’; the only freedom interfered with ‘is the freedom to rebel’. Passage of the bill would be swift, with second reading on the 17th and third reading on the 19th. It would be introduced by Malmesbury in the Lords on the 20th and 24th, passed at third reading on the 27th and given royal assent on the 28th. Hansard cxc cols 775-87, 802-10, 982, 985, 1053-70, 1099. 4 John Bagwell (1811-1883), a jp, dl for co Tipperary, high sheriff of Tipperary 1834 and a lord of the treasury 1859-61, was mp (l) for Clonmel 1857-74. Bagwell (n3) had lamented that Mayo ‘had given no notice of any measure on the Irish Church, on the land question, or on education – the three great questions which agitated the public mind in Ireland’, or ‘any measure ... for the amelioration or pacification of Ireland’. 5 This memorandum may be the ‘report’ (not found) that d had requested earlier on this day (14th); see 4724. 1 Halifax on this day (14th) had written to d from Hickleton: ‘I have heard from Mr Hubbard that he has not sent any answer to your proposal that he shd be one of the members of the Commission [see 4706&n7]. I conclude therefore that you cannot get it out for 3 or 4 days. It will be convenient to me, contrary to my expectations to remain here till the middle of next week & if you would not mind the trouble, I should be obliged to you for a single line by tomorrow’s post to say when I shall really be wanted.’ h b/ xxi/h/31. See 4724&n2. For d’s reply, see 4731&n3.

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and if so, how many in the whole year?1 I think your new programme will give great satisfaction.2 D.

4729

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 15 February 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Feb. 15 1868 My dear Lord, A very good Cabinet, & I am glad to say I have had the great satisfaction of having all my views, with regard / to Naval expenditure, adopted by an unanimous Cabinet.1 The Estimates are reconstructed; the naval expenditure adapted more to the / requirements of the age; three additional iron-clads immediately to be laid down; a reserve of seven iron-clads secured by the end of this year, irrespective of / these three, wh: will not be finished perhaps till near 1870:2 & the modern style of wooden ships also well-attended to. On this head we shall meet Parlt. with a good front. Ever yrs | D.

4730

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 15 February 1868

original: rac e52 26 publication history: m&b iv 581-2, omitting the last paragraph; Beeler 79, extracts editorial comment: C of Ex paper.



Feb 15 1868

1 On the verso of d’s note (most likely written in cabinet on 15 February) is Lowry-Corry’s reply: ‘None of the 3 new ships will be completed this year – We shall launch either 2 or 3 of them, now building, during the financial year.’ h b/xxi/c/460. In two letters dated ‘Feby 15’ and docketed ‘?1868’, Lowry-Corry had written to d: ‘I am anxious to take the opinion of the Cabinet this afternoon as to the best course to address in reference to Mr. Seely’s motion which stands for Tuesday next. In my own opinion, as well as in that of my Colleagues, the persistent attacks which have of late been made on the administration of the Navy, and which assumed for the first time, a personal character in the Times of yesterday, demand, for our own justification, a searching enquiry, and we are disposed to think that the importance of the subject would justify the appointment of a Royal Commission which would be free from all party line, & might be composed of persons whose opinions would have great weight. I am sure the appointment of such a Commission, the field of whose inquiry should be as comprehensive as possible, could be well received.’ ‘We have 10 armour clads in Commission at home & in the mediterranean – 8 more are fitting & will be ready for sea – some early in the next financial year and the latest by August. The Hercules, just laminated, will also be ready during the year. I am sorry to find from the enclosed that the Controller was a little out of his reckoning this morning, and, until I can discover some means of getting over this difficulty, it will be necessary to reduce the new armourclads from six to five.’ h b/xxi/c/447-8. 2 Stanley noted that in cabinet at 3:30 on this day (15th), ‘Corry talks of new iron-clads, but will reduce the African squadron.’ Disraeli, Derby 329. For more on ironclads and on Lowry-Corry as a proponent of increased naval expenditure for building and outfitting warships, see 4686&nn2,11&12. See also 4729 and 4730&n3. 1 See 4728&n1. 2 British ironclads ‘laid down, ordered, converted, or purchased’ in 1869 included Devastation, Thunderer and Rupert; in 1870, Dreadnought, Cyclops, Gorgon, Hecate and Hydra. Beeler 206.

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The Chanr of the Exchqr with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: In the Cabinet to day,1 he brought forward the condition of Yr Majesty’s Navy, with reference to the / Navy Estimates, & in consequence of some observations of Yr Majesty on the subject, when he was last at Osborne.2 He has been, since that period, been unceasingly / working to effect some change in our system of naval expenditure, & to adapt it more to modern requirements; & he has the utmost gratification in informing / Yr Majesty, that he has induced the Cabinet, this day, unanimously to adopt his views; that the Naval Estimates have been re-constructed; & without any material / increase of expenditure, Yr Majesty will now have a real, &, he hopes, rapidly increasing Naval Reserve. The Cabinet determined to-day / to lay down immediately three more iron-clads.3 He calculates, that Yr Majesty will have, at the end of this year, a reserve of seven iron clads, irrespective / of these three, wh: will take two years to finish. He will take an opportunity of sending Yr majesty a paper on these matters,4 drawn up more precisely, than this / rapid note, written after a late Cabinet, & wh: requires, he feels, all Yr Majesty’s ever gracious indulgence.5 to: LORD HALIFAX

Downing Street [Saturday] 15 February 1868

original: hlp a4.106 4r-4v editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4731

The | Lord Visct. Halifax | G.C.B. Feb 15 1868 My dear Lord, You are master of your own time, & it is for you to give the first meeting of the Commission.1 It is complete, & you / shall have the names by next post.2 The formalities

1 See 4728&n1. 2 See 4682. 3 Lennox on this day (15th) had written to d: ‘Read these Letters before the Cabinet, they passed between me & Mr Corry this morning. The result is that we have struck off 124,000 £ today, which will give us 3 additional Iron Clads. By cheese paring the other day we got 50,000 £ i.e. another Iron Clad. Therefore we have now four more Iron Clads than we had, when the Admirals struck, & with the same Estimates.’ h b/xx/lx/277. 4 This paper has not been found. 5 d’s letter is preceded on the microfilm by two documents, each marked ‘Enclosure’: the first (dated 12 February) is a list of ‘Iron-clad’ (12) and ‘Unarmoured’ (10) ships under the heading ‘During the next financial year it is proposed to build the following ships’; the second (dated 13 February) is a memo from Navy controller Robert Spencer Robinson, docketed ‘Admiralty. Whitehall’, commenting on the list and concluding that ‘All the Small Vessels building and repairing will be absorbed by the wants of the service for reliefs at home and abroad, and no addition to our effective reserve can be looked for from that Source.’ rac e52 24, 25. 1 See 4727. 2 See 4706&n1.

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however, I am told, will not be completed until Friday or Saturday of next week, & you will, therefore, probably / fix your first meeting for the week after.3 Yrs faithfully, | D.

4732

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 17 February 1868

original: rac b24 67 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Feb 17 1868 The Chanr of the Exchequer with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He submits, for Your Majesty’s pleasure, the proposed names of the / Royal Commissioners on International Coinage.1 The Scotch Reform Bill was introduced tonight, & produced some discussion: but nothing was said, or happened, in any way significant.2

4733

to: LORD CHELMSFORD

Downing Street [Wednesday] 19 February 1868

original: che [1] editorial comment: Letter stitched in a family album and transcribed by Dawn Lorraine Thesiger, sister of 3rd Viscount Chelmsford. Transcription kindly provided in August 1973 by their mother, Gilian, Dowager Viscountess Chelmsford, of Hazelbridge Court, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey.

Confidential Chancellor of the Exchequer | Downing St | Feb 19th 1868 Dear Lord Chancellor, After all I regret to observe that Mr Justice Shee is no more.1 – The claims of our legal friends in the House of Commons, supported as they are by much Sympathy on our benches, must not be treated with indifference & therefore I venture to ex-

3 Halifax on the 16th would reply from Hickleton ‘quite ashamed of having given you so much trouble for so small a matter ... I shall certainly be up before next week, so that the first meeting might be early next week. I should like to see you before we commence our work that I may know what your views are & what you expect from us & I will take an opportunity of communicating with you on my arrival in town.’ h b/ xiii/h/32. 1 d’s document has not been found, but see 4706&n1. 2 In the House on this day (17th) lord advocate Gordon had introduced the Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill, which was followed by comments from 11 mps, 9 of them Liberals. d had defended the bill as ‘the largest, the most extensive increase of the constituency of Scotland which ever was presented to the consideration of this House’, taking issue in particular with the objection by William Edward Baxter (Montrose) to the question of redistribution of seats. Hansard cxc cols 811-50 (d 842-6). 1 Sir William Shee (1804-1868), Kt 1864, a barrister (Lincoln’s Inn 1828), serjeant-at-law 1840, queen’s serjeant 1857 and mp (l) for co Kilkenny 1852-7, was a justice of the court of queen’s bench 1863-8 (the first Roman Catholic to sit in England and Wales since 1688). On 15 February it had been erroneously announced that Shee had died the previous day. On the 17th, a report of the 15th from the court of queen’s bench had stated that Shee, ‘whose death by some mistake had been stated, was better to-day, and it was believed in course of recovery.’ Shee had died on the morning of this day (19th) from apoplexy. The Times (15, 17, 20 Feb 1868).

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press a hope that you will not decide on the successor of Mr Justice Shee with any precipitation.2 Yours very faithfully | B. Disraeli3 to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH original: cam add 9271/3/13 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 19 February 1868

4734

Confidential Feb 19 1868 His Grace | The Lord President My dear Duke of Marlboro’, It is necessary, that Yr Grace, & myself, should have some very confidential conversation together,1 & I will take my chance of finding you at home today, or in D.S., at five o’ck: Yours sincerely | D. to: HENRY MANNING

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 19 February 1868

original: mann a 831 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper. Sic: embarassment.

4735

His Grace | The ArchBp of Westminster Feb 19 1868 My dear Lord, I was very sorry indeed, that I could not avail myself of yr kind offer of calling on me before you left town,1 but yr note / reached me at a moment of great pressure &

2 James Hannen (1821-1894), Kt May 1868, pc 1872, frs and Baron Hannen of Burdock, Sussex 1891, a barrister (Middle Temple 1848), had stood in 1865 as a Liberal for Shoreham and Bramber but was defeated. As a justice of the court of queen’s bench 1868-72, Hannen was not regarded as a success, as the court was dominated by Cockburn and Blackburn. He would be judge of the probate and divorce court 1872, president of the probate and admiralty division of the high court of justice 1875, and would famously preside over the Parnell special commission 1888-9, authoring the final report. The Times on the 22nd would report that Hannen had been recommended by the Queen to replace Shee. 3 Replying on the 20th from Eaton Square, Chelmsford did not think it right ‘to be influenced in making such an appointment by party considerations. The best qualified man in the Profession without any reference to Politics ought in my opinion to be selected ... I cannot help feeling greatly hurt that you should think it necessary to warn me against acting with precipitation upon the present occasion and that an idea should be entertained that I can be persuaded to yield to party influence when in my judgment the last man to be made a Judge is not to be found in our ranks. I am compelled in self defence to have it distinctly understood that I cannot suffer the smallest interference with my Judicial appointments the entire responsibility of which I alone must bear.’ h b/xxi/c/183. 1 In a letter of the 18th from Knowsley marked ‘Private’, Stanley had informed d that Derby ‘has decided to resign: indeed there is hardly any option in the matter, for the doctors say he cannot thoroughly recover without complete rest for some months. He wishes to keep this quiet for the time, but I suppose it will leak out. You will hear from him in a few days.’ h b/ix/f/12. For Derby’s letter informing d ‘of the absolute necessity of my resigning my present Office’, see 4736n1. 1 Manning had last written to d on 15 January requesting an interview to discuss ‘our Irish matters’ prior to his departure from London ‘for a fortnight’ on the 20th. h b/xxi/m/169.

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embarassment from the illness of Lord Derby, & it was impossible for me to fix any time to have the honor of receiving you. / Which I much wish, at this moment, to do. Could your Grace call on me tomorrow at two o’ck:?2 Yours sincerely, | D.

4736

to: LORD STANLEY

original: dbp Box 12/3/48 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 20 February 1868

Confidential Feb 20 1868 Right Honorable | Secy Lord Stanley Dear S. I have received the letter from Knowsley.1 I ought to see you directly, because at two o’ck, to day, Manning comes to me about / R. Cat: Univy:,2 & that will be long, &, then, there will be Ho: of Comm:3

2 Manning would reply on this day (19th) ‘most happy to come tomorrow at 2 o’clock. I fully understand your silence ... The present moment is truly a crisis, but I trust that all may issue in good.’ h b/ xxi/m/170. 1 Derby on the 19th had written to d from Knowsley (via amanuensis Lady Derby) a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘Stanley will have given you a full account of the state in which he found me, & will have prepared you for the communication which I should not be justified in delaying, of the absolute necessity of my resigning my present Office. I am certainly better, and I hope in a fair way towards recovery, but that recovery must be very slow, & my Doctors not only do not encourage me to hope to move from hence much under a month, but are unanimous in their opinion that, if I hope to regain a moderate degree of health, absolute repose of mind & body for some months to come is indispensable. I had hoped that I might have been enabled to struggle through the present Session; but as matters stand, my attempt to do so would not only be a certain failure, but would involve risks of life which I am not justified in incurring. I have not yet written positively to the Queen, nor will I do so till I hear from you – but I ought not to delay making this announcement to H.M. longer than is absolutely necessary. I am not insensible of the public inconveniences which may be caused by my Resignation at this moment, nor of the increased difficulties in which it will place you. I trust however that, if H.M. should send for you, which under the circumstances I should think most probable, you will not shrink from the heavy additional responsibility. You may be assured of receiving from me all the support which, out of Office, it is in my power to give – and, so far as I can, I shall urge upon our friends to extend to you, separately, the same generous confidence which for 20 years they have reposed in us jointly. And I cannot make this communication without gratefully acknowledging your cordial and loyal co-operation with me, in great times and bad, throughout that long period – nor, above all, the courage, skill, and judgement, with which you triumphantly carried the Government through all the difficulties & dangers of the last year. I think that I ought not to resign without asking the Queen if she desires to mark Her approval of my services, to allow me to recommend some 5 or 6 names for the honours of the Peerage. I think to that extent H.M. will not refuse my request. We have often talked over the personal question in connexion with this promotion; & I should be glad if, in answering this letter, you would send me a List of those whose claims you may think the strongest. My intention of resigning has been already surmised, & will, no doubt, be very generally anticipated – but I should be obliged by your not announcing it as an irrevocable decision, even to our Colleagues, until I shall have had an opportunity of submitting it to, and having it accepted by, the Queen.’ h b/ix/f/4. 2 See 4735&nn1&2. 3 The House on this day (20th) would meet from 4 to 5:45 pm. To questions by George Whalley and C. Darby Griffith, d had replied that he had ‘no reason to believe that the Estimates [of November 1867] for the Abyssinian Expedition have been exceeded.’ Hansard cxc cols 985-1002 (d 988-9).

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I must answer Lord Derby by return of post,4 &, before that, there are many points / respecting the constitution of the Ministry, wh: will require our joint & serious consideration. Pray come on, then, as soon as you can: by twelve o’ck: or / earlier if possible.5 Ever yours | D. to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Thursday] 20 February 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 585, omitting the penultimate paragraph; Blake 486, the first three paragraphs; Bradford 278, the first and part of the second paragraph; Weintraub Disraeli 459, extracts; Aldous 188, the third paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4737

Confidential Feb. 20 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby K. G. My dearest Lord, I have not sufficient command of myself at this moment to express what I feel about what has happened; &, after all, has happened so / rapidly, & so unexpectedly!1 All I will say is, that I never contemplated, nor desired, it. I was entirely content with my position, & all that I aspired to was, that, after a government of tolerable length, &, at least, / fair repute, my retirement from public affairs should have accompanied your own; satisfied, that I had enjoyed my opportunity in life, & proud, that I had been long confidentially connected with / one of the most eminent men of my time, & for whom I entertain profound respect & affection. I will not shrink from the situation, but I do not underrate its gravity, & mainly count, when you are convalescent, on your guidance / & support. I have talked over affairs with Stanley.2 Our difficulty will be our more than debating weakness in the Ho: of Lords. If, when you were present there, you felt the necessity of some support, what / must be the state of things now, with Lord Chelmsford & Lord Malmesbury for the managers! Such a condition is impossible: & it appears to me most desirable, that, as you once contemplated, & once formally mentioned to Lord Chelmsford, that Lord Cairns shd. be induced to take the Great Seal.3 After him, I think the Duke of Marlboro’ the most competent man in our ranks to

4 See 4737. 5 A note from Stanley dated ‘Thursday’, docketed in another hand ‘To settle about announcing the resignation of Ld Derby. proby. 20th Feb.’, reads: ‘Dear D. I will come at or about 11.30. Yrs, S.’ Stanley on this day (20th) would record: ‘Called on Disraeli at his request to discuss the situation. We talked for an hour. I promised him cordial co-operation and support. We tried to arrange the necessary changes.’ On the 21st he would write to d from the foreign office: ‘As you are now de facto Premier, I send on any semiofficial letters to you, as I have been in the habit of doing to Lord Derby. Please forward them when recd, to the Queen. I enclose a label.’ h b/ix/f/13; Disraeli, Derby 329; h b/xx/s/799. 1 See 4736&n1. 2 See 4736n5. 3 Cairns would be appointed lord chancellor on 29 February.

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address a Senate. He has culture, intellectual grasp, & moral energy: great qualities, tho’ in him they / may have been developed perhaps in too contracted a sphere. I will not trouble you with any note about peerages to day;4 particularly as I have seen Ld Barrington. I hope Lady Derby has not suffered from all her anxieties & labors. I am hers, | & yours, ever, | D.5

4738

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Friday] 21 February 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. d has corrected the ‘5’ of ‘1858-9’ from a ‘6’. Sic: Brydges; much supporters.

Confidential Feb. 21 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, Very few persons have ever requested me to support their claims for peerages: the late Walter Long1 (repeated by his son)2 & Lord Galway:3 the / only ones to be remembered. But in Lord Barrington’s list,4 tho’ nominally numerous, & nominally only, I observe the absence of names, wh: I have always believed to be those of claimants:

4 See 4738&nn1-9. 5 Frederick Stanley on the 21st would reply from Knowsley with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘My father desires me to thank you for the letter he received from you this morning. He will write to you in a day or two, but cannot do so today, as he has been dictating a rather long letter to the Queen, and is not yet allowed by his Doctors to do much. I rejoice to say that I can give you a satisfactory account of his improvement since Stanley left, the day before yesterday – and at this time every day’s progress is of very great moment.’ h b/ix/f/5. 1 Walter Long (d 31 January 1867), mp for Wiltshire n for thirty years (1835-65), had written to d on 18 October 1866: ‘My Family have been Proprietors in the County since the time of Edward the 4th, and Sir Robert Long, represented the County in 1433. Many have also represented it since, up to the present Century during which my Father and myself and now my Son have been Members in succession ... In 1816 a Baronetcy was offered to my Father and declined. At the same time a Peerage was offered to the Rt. Honble C. Long, and he became Lord Fainborough, but at his Death it became extinct. I have successfully maintained the Conservative Cause in three Contests, and no other Conservative would have succeeded last year but my son. May I also add that it was at Lord Derby’s particular requests that I continued in the representation in 1859.’ h b/xxi/l/254. 2 Richard Penruddocke Long, mp for Wiltshire n since 1865, would write to d at great length on 7 November 1868 announcing his retirement at the dissolution (due to his wife’s health) and, deeply hurt at the way his family had been passed over, asking d ‘to do this tardy justice to my Father’s, my own, & my family’s services, though he who for his long, close, & unvarying devotion to yourself best deserved the honor is no longer alive to receive it.’ h c/i/a/81. 3 Lady Galway had written to d on 25 October 1866: ‘Many thanks for your very friendly answer [not found] ... [Galway] has read your kind note, & will not object to my doing what is right about it, tho’ still disinclined to take any part in it himself. If you advise it I will write to Lord Derby myself, but I feel shy about it, and for the chance of its not being in any way disagreeable to you, have written the enclosed note for you [not found] to show or send Lord Derby with the paper. Surely it is a very different thing from creating a new Peerage, & if it could be arranged, through your kind intervention, before there is a talk of a Dissolution, I should be very glad as I do not at all mind the expence of an extra Election.’ h c/i/a/38. 4 Barrington’s list has not been found.

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notably, that of Sir John Trollope:5 / & that of Sir Brook Brydges, who, I clearly remember, some years ago, forwarding a MS. claim, wh: he said was a copy of what he had forwarded to you.6 I fear, therefore, that there is some other list of 1858-9 – wh: may / have escaped Barrington’s notice, & yr recollection. In the House, the superior claims seemed to me to be those of Sir John Walsh7 Sir John Trollope, who has acted, of late years, as our leading Squire at troublous / & critical moments – & Lord Galway – not very rich, but very true, & of “the old guard” of the days of 1846.8 Out of the House, Mr Andrew Fountayne Wilson Montagu is / a claimant for the revival of one of the many honors of the Montagus. He is much supporters by all the managers of the Party, being a man of immense wealth & influence & one, who, tho’ very eccentric, has / shown, & proved by his services, great interest in the welfare of the party.9 This is all that occurs to me. Young Long presses the services of his father & family: & what he considers a promise to the / former.

5 Sir John Trollope would be created 1st Baron Kesteven on 11 April 1868. London Gazette (14 Apr 1868). 6 Sir Brook Bridges would be created Baron Fitzwalter on 11 April 1868. London Gazette (14 Apr 1868). Bridges on 22 July 1859 had written to d, enclosing several manuscript documents listing revived baronies, about the revival of the Barony of Fitzwalter: ‘It will I think strike you that it is rather from deficient Evidence than any other Circumstance that I am precluded from claiming the Barony as a right, which I am thus now compelled to ask as a favor from Her Majesty.’ He would write on 28 March 1868: ‘I avail myself of your kind permission to convey to you in writing the request which I was anxious to make to you this morning. I had seen Lord Derby previously, and he desired me to communicate to you that he had given his approval to the bringing before you of the proposal which I make. My object has been to connect as much as possible the new Title which Her Majesty is graciously pleased to confer upon me with the ancient Barony to which I have a claim.’ On 9 April he would thank d for his assistance in altering the title, as per his request, to ‘Baron Fitzwalter of Woodham Walter in the County of Essex.’ h c/i/a/31a-e. 7 Sir John Benn Walsh would be created 1st Baron Ormathwaite on 11 April 1868. London Gazette (14 Apr 1868). 8 According to Sir Henry Edwards, writing to d in 1862, Trollope ‘represented a very influential section of the landed interest in the House of Commons’. Qtd in m&b iv 300n1. Galway, an Irish peer, was not elected to a seat in the Commons until 1847, as mp (c) for e Retford, a seat he would hold until his death in 1876. 9 Montagu, a descendant in the female line of Charles Montagu (Earl of Halifax, finance minister to William iii), had bought out d’s huge debts, charging him 3% rather than the 10% d had been paying. Barrington would inform d on 13 September 1868 that ‘Delane told me that, if it was desired to offer a Peerage cheap, that honour wd certainly be declined by Mr Montagu, ... [who] gave as his reason for this that he had no legitimate issue, & meant to divide his large landed estates between his two natural sons. At the same time D. said that he wd. probably spend lots of money for the benefit of the Conservative cause.’ Montagu would reply to d’s ‘generous letter of the 20th inst.’ (not found) on 23 September. He believed ‘that my ceasing to be a commoner at this critical moment would so far as our Elections are concerned have an unfortunate influence. My agents work night and day as a Peer’s agents could not openly work’. W.D. Rubinstein Men of Property: The Very Wealthy in Britain since the Industrial Revolution (1981) 201; h c/i/a/77; h b/xxi/m/414.

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I would not have troubled you with this, had not you directed me to do so. Ever yours, | D.10

4739

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street, Friday 21 February 1868

original: rac b24 68 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Friday | Feb. 21 1868 The Chanr of the Exr with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He has not troubled your Majesty with any report of the proceedings / in the H of Comm: for the last two or three days, as there was nothing of interest, wh: wd. justify the intrusion. The House has been tranquil, but not / idle. It has risen at an early hour, but transacted a good deal of business.1

10 Derby would write to d from Knowsley on the 24th (via amanuensis Frederick Stanley) a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I was about to write to you when I received Stanley’s telegram from which I am glad to find that you have no serious difficulties in the way of forming a Government. I hope that neither you nor he, will have misunderstood the purpose of my telegraphic answer. You will not for a moment suppose that I wish to retain nominal Office for an hour longer than is absolutely necessary; on the contrary, the sooner the new arrangements can be made the better it would be for all parties, and the more agreable [sic] to me, nor can there be the slightest objection to its’ being publicly known that my resignation has been tendered and accepted, and that you have been charged with the duty of forming a new Administration. But I have only this morning heard, by a few lines from the Queen, Her Majesty’s acceptance of my resignation, and I am promised a fuller answer, probably by tomorrow’s post. Her Majesty has said nothing as yet upon the subject of the Peerages, and I have consequently been unable to write to any of those to whom I propose to offer them. I require, therefore, a few days for the disposal of this subject, and of other minor matters which I shall have to wind up, and which I shall have no power of doing after you have once formally kissed hands as Minister. This final & formal step is the only one for which I think it necessary to ask for a short delay. You have my best wishes for the success of your endeavour to form your Government, and if I can be in any way of service to you, you may entirely command me. I will not trouble you with speculations as to your probable arrangements, your main difficulties, as it seems to me, will be the Exchequer, and the Lead in the Lords. Could you not, to avoid extensive changes, continue for the present session to hold the former in conjunction with the Office of First Lord of the Treasury? I know the work will be tremendous, but such a combination in former times was not unusual. As to the Lords, Cairns would undoubtedly be a great acquisition to your Govt., but Stanley, who suggested him as a possible Leader, forgot that it would be impossible for a Lord Chancellor to hold that Office. I shall be most anxious to hear your contemplated arrangements and that you have every prospect of success in the arduous task which you have undertaken.’ h b/xix/d/42a.   1 In the House on the 18th, there had been lengthy debate on a motion by Charles Seely for a select committee (appointed) to inquire into ‘“the application of Monies voted by Parliament for the use of the Admiralty in the building, repairing, and equipment of Her Majesty’s Ships”’ and into how the navy department’s accounts ‘“should be prepared for presentation to this House.”’ There had also been first reading of the Landed Property Improvement (Ireland) Bill and second reading of the Industrial Schools (Ireland) Bill. On the 19th, there had been second reading of the Bank Holidays Bill and of the Life Policies Nomination Bill, lengthy debate on second reading by Gladstone of the Compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill and third reading (passed) of the Habeas Corpus Suspension (Ireland) Act Continuance Bill. On the 20th, there had been first reading of the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill and of five others. Hansard cxc cols 862-940 (d 886), 941-85, 985-1002 (d 988-9).

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To night, after a very interesting discussion on Metropolitan Taxation, introduced by Mr. Goschen,2 the / House was, at 8 o’ck:, counted out!3 If this practice continues, Your Majesty’s servants will be far from deeming it unconstitutional. to: LORD MAYO

[London, Saturday] 22 February 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: The top centre portion of the first page (presumably the C of Ex crest) of the ms has been cut out.

4740

Lord Mayo Feb 22 1868 I think you had better mention this subject at the Cabinet today:1 I return Ld Derby’s letter, that you may be fortified with his sanction[.]2 Yrs | D. to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street, Monday [24 February 1868?]

original: dbp Box 12/3/49 editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Endorsed by Stanley: ‘Received 12.10. If any one calls, say I shall be here by 1.30. S’. Dating: by endorsement and context; see 4742&n1.

Dear S. Pray come on to me immediately. Yrs | D. to: CHARLES GREY

Monday 11 o’ck:

Downing Street [Monday] 24 February 1868

original: rac c32 107 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Confidential

4741

4742

Feb. 24 1868

2 In the House on this day (21st) in committee of supply, George Goschen had made a lengthy speech, citing numerous financial statistics, on how improvements – in sanitation, accommodation for the sick poor in workhouses, education of the poor – ‘could be carried out with the present limited resources at the disposal of the municipal and parochial authorities ... In a great part of the country the burden of the rates was so heavy that there was little possibility of carrying out further great improvements without re-casting, to a certain extent, the present system of municipal and parochial taxation.’ Hansard cxc cols 1011-37. As president of the poor law board under Gladstone, Goschen in 1869 would introduce a Rateable Property (Metropolis) Bill. 3 On this day (n2) forty members had been absent. 1 Stanley on this day (22nd) would record: ‘Cabinet at 3.30: sat two hours: nothing known or guessed of Ld D.’s resignation having been sent in. Church-rates: Irish land: ecclesiastical titles bill etc. discussed. We agreed to a new Devon commission, and a limited land-bill.’ Disraeli, Derby 330. 2 Derby’s nine-page letter of 6 February to Mayo is attached to d’s letter in the ms bundle: ‘I lose no time in acknowledging your Confidential Memorandum upon the Irish University Question. I am still of opinion that, if it could have been carried into effect, your original idea was the best, of constituting a Body of a University in Ireland, consisting of Delegates from Trinity College, the Queen’s Colleges, and the Roman Catholic College ... I am ready to give my adhesion to the scheme which you propound for the constitution of a Roman Catholic University, protected as far as possible against extreem Ultramontane influences’.

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Lt: Genl: | The Hon Charles Grey My dear General, Stanley, who thinks delay pernicious, has undertaken to manage the affair, from wh: I shrink.1 He has telegraphed to Lord / Derby, & hopes to get an answer while the House is sitting to day.2 If the reply be such as he anticipates, I could go down to Osborne tomorrow, & kiss / hands, provided, as I contemplate, I shall be able to communicate with my colleagues in the interval. Yours ever | D. Let me know, whether you / remain in town, & I will report to you as events progress.3

4743

to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Monday] 24 February 1868

original: rac c32 108 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Lt: Genl: | Hon: Charles Grey 6 o’ck: | Feb 24 1868 My dear General, No reply to the Telegram. There has been a letter also sent, I am informed, by this post / – so that a reply tomorrow morning is considered certain by Stanley.1 If it be what he expects, he will, probably, make8, himself,9 the announcement & move the necessary adjournment;2 / &, then, we cd. go down together to Osborne8, by the 12 o’ck. train tomorrow or what you will.9 What annoys me, is the inconvenience you may be experiencing. Your sincerely obliged | D.

4744

to: CHARLES GREY

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 24 February 1868

original: rac c32 112 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.



Grosvenor Gate | Feb 24 1868

1 Stanley on this day (24th) would record: ‘Disraeli sent for me, in some agitation, to talk over the state of affairs: he had scruples about kissing hands etc. till he had heard again from Lord Derby, lest it should be thought he was acting with indelicate haste. We agreed to telegraph to Knowsley, and apply for sanction, so that no feeling of that kind should be possible. I did so, and wrote to Ld D. later to explain.’ Disraeli, Derby 330. 2 On this day (24th) the lord advocate E.S. Gordon would move first reading of the Court of Session (Scotland) Bill and of the Court of Justiciary (Scotland) Bill, the House adjourning at 6:30 pm. Hansard cxc cols 1071-95. 3 Grey would reply on this day (24th) from St James’s Palace: ‘I shall remain in London tonight – & shall be here except for a couple of hours this afternoon, when I am going to South Kensington. If you go to Osborne tomorrow, we might go together, & remember that I am only here to be of any use to you I can – & that I await your orders as to seeing & speaking to Walpole or anyone else you may think desirable.’ h b/xix/d/39. 1 See 4745. 2 See 4750&n1.

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Lt Genl: | Hon: Charles Grey My dear General, As there shd. be no secrets between us, I send you the enclosed. Tomorrow will throw light upon them. Yours ever, | D. to: LORD BARRINGTON

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 24 February 1868

4745

original: bl add ms 58210 ff11-12 publication history: Weintraub Disraeli 460, the last sentence editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

The | Lord Vist Barrington Grosvenor Gate | Feby 24 1868 My dear Barrington,1 After post tomorrow, I will write to you, & if there be any business, I will take the liberty of asking you to call on me. It will be about 11 o’ck. S. / has received his telegraphic reply, wh: he says makes things more confused than ever: but tomorrow is to bring light. I cd. not send you the tel:, as S. properly suggested, / it shd. be sent to Grey. I am to much touched by all your fidelity, & sympathy with me, now & always, but I always loved you. Yrs | D. to: LORD DERBY

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 25 February 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 589, the first paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

4746

Grosvenor Gate | Feb. 25 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I remain in London 8tho’ supposed to be at Osborne9: if I be forced to go down, I shall not kiss hands, nor shall I, until I have your sanction.1 Ld Cairns has accepted the / Great Seal,2 & all our other late colleagues have placed themselves at my disposal, except Walpole, who is at Ealing.

1 Barrington on this day (24th) had written to d from Cavendish Square: ‘I copied my letter to Lady Derby, & sent it with two or three slight verbal alterations. You will be much pressed for time, but if you cd let me know how things stand, before you go down to the Queen tomorrow, I shd like it much. If you think I cd be of any use in the way of smoothing matters with Malmesbury or any of them, I shall be glad to do my best. Perhaps you wd prefer that I shd come up to G. Gate in the morning ... Henry Lennox fully believes that Gladstone & Co. have got hold of Ld. Cranborne!’ h b/ix/f/16. 1 See 4742&n1. 2 Cairns on the 26th would write to d acknowledging his letter ‘of yesterday [not found], in which you are so good as to ask me to hold the Great Seal in the Administration the formation of which Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to confide to you on the resignation of Lord Derby. The honour done me, & the

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I find the question of the Chancell[orshi]p of the Exchequer a very difficult one, & have / decided on nothing yet: several combinations have been proposed,3 one of wh: wd. bring Northcote to the Exchequer, but, I think, Abyssinia requires his practised hand in debate.4 I have postponed writing / so late, in order, that I might send you my last intelligence, that 8I can only add –9 I am, as ever, | Yours | D.5

4747

to: GATHORNE HARDY

[London, Tuesday] 25 February 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript.

Right Honorable Gathorne Hardy Feb. 25. ’68. My dear Hardy, The Queen has accepted the resignation of Lord Derby and has entrusted to me the formation of a new Government, which I hope, and believe, will not materially differ from the late one.

confidence indicated, by a proposal to join your Government in so high a position I deeply appreciate; & if it should be the pleasure of the Queen to entrust to me the Custody of the Great Seal, I cannot do otherwise than place my poor services at the disposal of Her Majesty.’ Cairns would write to d again later that day: ‘I want to write myself, at the earliest proper moment, to the Lord Chr. Pray let me have one line “yes” or “no”, to tell me if I may do so now or should wait. I am not in Court today, & if you shd wish to see me I can go to you at any time.’ h b/ix/f/22-3. 3 Stanley on the 26th would record: ‘I went at 2 to call on Disraeli, and found his arrangements prospering ... Cairns has accepted; Chelmsford expresses annoyance openly, but will soon recover his temper; Walpole wishes to retire, saying that his position in the cabinet without office, is anomalous, which is true, but the reason is, that he is influenced by his wife, who hates D. I see no reason why he should be pressed to remain, but the Queen wishes it. Northcote and Hunt are the two talked of for the exchequer, but the inconvenience of moving N. at this moment is obvious, and Hunt, though not in the first rank, is sensible and laborious. He would in fact be subordinate to Disraeli: and at the present time it is not likely that any important financial changes will take place.’ Disraeli, Derby 330-1. 4 Northcote on this day (25th) wrote to d suggesting Walpole or Hunt for the exchequer. ‘Hunt, I think, would do his work well, and if you think Walpole would not do I think you had better take him ... If matters so turn as to make you wish me to go to the Exchequer I am quite ready; though I would much rather stay where I am, with all the work I now have in hand.’ He would write on the 26th: ‘Montagu’s appointment under Hunt would I think be fatal. I have been suggesting to Corry the following[:] Wilson Patten – Exchequer[,] Montagu – Duchy of Lancr and then if you please you might put H. Lennox in Montagu’s place, though I should have preferred seeing Cave there. I feel sure Wilson Patten, if he would take the appointment, would strengthen us, whereas there would be a risk in putting up Hunt even with a good Sec. Treasury under him, and with such a man as Montagu we should never be safe.’ h b/ix/f/19, 25. 5 Derby would reply on the 26th from Knowsley (via amanuensis Lady Derby) with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I feel very sensibly your kindness in postponing, to suit my convenience, your formal acceptance of Office. My chief object in asking for a short delay was that I might be enabled as Minister to communicate to a few of our friends H.M.’s consent to my recommendation of their promotion to the Peerage. This I have now received, and if there should be any trifling matter which I ought to wind up before leaving Office, I am sure I may rely upon you to afford every facility for having it done. I limit my recommendation to three, or at most, four – Walsh, Trollope, O’Neill, and perhaps Sir Brook Brydges [sic]. Others may wait, and perhaps it may be just as well that they should feel themselves indebted to an actual, rather than a late, Minister. You appear to be getting on very successfully in the formation of your Administration. I shall be anxious to know your final arrangements, and cordially wish you success.’ h b/ ix/f/9.

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I have not been able to write yet to my late colleagues, but I write to you, not only because I hope I may count on your assisting me in my great task, and because there is no one, among my late colleagues whose services to the Queen, at this moment, I wish more to engage, but because I have some difficulty in a matter of urgency, tho’ of a different kind, respecting which Mr. Corry will speak to you and invoke your aid.1 Yours ever, | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY] original: lcc lc.1 Item 11; Frame d5 editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 25 February 1868

4748

Feb 25 1868 All that must be said 8to the Deputation9 is, that the Queen has commanded the presence of the C of E. at Osborne.1 D. to: CHARLOTTE, BARONESS LIONEL DE ROTHSCHILD [London, Tuesday 25 February 1868]

4749

original: ps 1562 publication history: Weintraub Charlotte & Lionel 220 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.

Your devoted Dizzy – to be communicated by Lord Stanley at the House today.1 to: LORD BARRINGTON

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 25 February 1868

original: bl add ms 58210 f13 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

The | Lord Vist Barrington | M. P.

4750

Grosvenor Gate | Feb 25 1868

1 Hardy on this day (25th) would record: ‘About ¼ to 1 Corry came to me with a letter from Disraeli offering me office under him as Ld Derby had resigned. I was taken aback but spoke favourably in case Cairns were in the Govt. & agreed to receive a great deputation of the Nat: Union of W[orking] M[en’s] Associations for Disraeli ... D’s note to me is flattering & if the Govt. is on the same basis I do not see how one cd refuse assistance.’ Hardy would reply to d on the 26th: ‘I ought not to have left your note unanswered though I probably said enough to the Bearer of it to explain myself. I shall be glad to render you such assistance as I can in your arduous task which I hope you may bring to a successful issue. I am glad that you did not receive the deputation. The spokesmen were singular[ly] illchosen & their topics very injudicious. I therefore contented myself with a very few words & as many platitudes.’ Hardy Diary 64; h b/xx/ha/24. 1 See 4747&n1. 1 According to Stanley Weintraub (ph), d’s ‘laconic note’ was in response to Charlotte’s inquiry as to who would succeed Derby. For Stanley’s announcement in the House on this day (25 February 1868) of Derby’s resignation and d’s ‘formation of a Ministry’, see 4750&n1.

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Mon tres Cher, Only a hurried line to say all is settled, & that the announcements will be made in both houses to night: in the / Commons by Stanley – to be kept close till then.1 Yrs ever | D. I have seen Malmesbury; all right.2

4751

to: CHARLES GREY

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 25 February 1868

original: rac c32 119 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in. Sic: hear.

Lt. Genl: | Hon: Charles Grey Grosvenor Gate | Feb 25 1868 My dear General, Ld. Malmesbury is all right, & will move the adjournment of the House of Lords: Ld. Stanley, who has been here, undertaking to / do all, that is necessary in the House of Commons. I wrote to Mr Walpole, who is at Ealing, but expected in town about one or two “to call for his letters.” I don’t think I shall succeed / with him, from what Ld. Malmy. says, but I shd. still think a royal intimation wd. keep him in the fold.1 I shall see all the others in the course of the morning, but from / what I see hear, all is right. I must now communicate to Lord Chelmsford!2 Yrs ever | D. 1 In the House on this day (25th) Stanley would announce that the Queen had accepted Derby’s resignation and that d, ‘by Her Majesty’s command’, was forming a new ministry. Gladstone would express his regret ‘that a career so long, so active, and in so many respects so distinguished and remarkable as that of [Stanley’s] father, should have been brought to a close by the failure of his bodily health and strength.’ In announcing the news in the Lords on this day (25th) Malmesbury would remark how painful it was ‘for those friends who have served under [Derby] in office, and who have sat by him as I have done, through many dreary years of Opposition!’ Stanley and Malmesbury would move adjournment until the 28th. Hansard cxc cols 1095-9. 2 Barrington on this day (25th) would write from White’s, ‘much obliged for yr letter this afternoon, & most pleased to find that “all was right”. The details in both Houses went off, as you have of course heard, satisfactorily. Knightley & H. Liddell have been dining with me this evening, & I am glad to find that they speak so favourably of the prospects. Ld. Salisbury made an ass of himself, I hear, this afternoon at the meeting of the committee of the Carlton Club, by informing them, à propos of the reception of one of the Irish Law Officers of the Crown in Ireland, that he intended to blackball any new proposal of Mayo & Taylor. He received no support. I hope you will not think it presumptuous on my part, if I suggest that you shd have a meeting of the Party in Downing St, as soon as practicable, and that Stanley shd there & then speak out as to Lord Derby’s wishes in yr favour.’ h b/ix/f/17. 1 Walpole would reply to d’s letter (not found) from Ealing on the 26th: ‘Subsequent reflection has very much confirmed the first impressions which I stated to you yesterday. I have so long felt that my position in the Cabinet was so anomalous, & in some respects, constitutionally speaking, so untenable, that if it had not been for Lord Derby’s uncertain state of health, & my great unwillingness to do anything to embarrass him, I had intended, during the sess, to request permission to retire from it. I have plenty to do in serving on Committees & Commissions – and for the present at least I believe I can be more useful in attending to the business of the House of Commons, as a private Member, than I am likely to be in any other Capacity. With every wish for your complete success in the well-earned position to which you have been called.’ h b/xxi/w/75. 2 See 4754.

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The Duke of Richmond has been hear since I wrote this: all right, & says he can answer for the Duke of Marlboro’[.] to: CHARLES GREY

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 25 February 1868

original: rac c32 120 publication history: m&b iv 589, omitting the last paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in. Endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘recd at 6.15’. d had written ‘1867’ and put an ‘8’ over the ‘7’.

4752

Lt Genl | Hon Chas Grey Grosvenor Gate | Feb 25 1868 My dear General, I have not written to the Queen, because I thought you wd. keep Her Majesty au fait: & that it wd. be better for me to be silent till / I could give H. M. a digested acct.1 Ld. Cairns has accepted the Great Seal,2 & all my colleagues have placed themselves at my disposal, except Walpole, who, I fear is / still at Ealing. I am deeply considering the question of the Chr of Exchequer, but have done nothing: the more so, as about two 8hours9 ago, I received a mysterious intimation not to precipitate affairs in / this direction, as “a most important & influential adhesion” was possible. I conclude it can’t be Gladstone! I hope you will make out my writing: but my pen has been going all day, 8& my hand is quite weak9[.] Ever yrs sinly. | D.3 to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate, Tuesday [25 February 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/50 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘9 o’ck Gros Gate’ written in. Endorsed by Stanley on the fourth page: ‘Mr. Disraeli Feb 25. 1868 Lord Derby’s resignation Genl Grey coming up. To come at 11’. Dating: by endorsement and context; see n1.

4753

Tuesday morng | 9 o’ck Gros Gate Right Honorable | Secy. Lord Stanley Dear S. I have just had another communication from the Court, & the Genl. is to be here before eleven.1 pray / come at eleven yourself, that we may have the advantage of counsel.

1 See 4756 and 4757. 2 See 4746&n2. 3 Grey would reply with an undated letter docketed ‘Feb/68’: ‘I have kept the Queen fully informed as you suppose, & will now send her your note just received, which will explain your silence. I have recd. a telegram from H. M. approving my staying as long as I can be of any use to you – So have no scruple about keeping me even tomorrow. I cannot well see Walpole till you have done so – or at least have heard that he will not stay ... The Queen has asked me when you are likely to go down to Osborne. Perhaps you will tell me – or shall I call in Grosvenor Street tomorrow a little after 11? Unless I hear to the contrary I shall do this. A few words in conversation are worth pounds of note paper. I shall be curious to hear who the important Adhesion is likely to be!’ h b/xix/d/40. 1 See 4752n3.

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No letter to me from Knowsley; but there may be one addressed / to me at D.S. That will reach me in an hour, if it be there.2 Yours ever | D.

4754

to: LORD CHELMSFORD

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 25 February 1868

original: che [3] editorial comment: Letter stitched in a family album and transcribed by Dawn Lorraine Thesiger, sister of 3rd Viscount Chelmsford. Transcription kindly provided in August 1973 by their mother, Gilian, Dowager Viscountess Chelmsford, of Hazelbridge Court, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey.

Grosvenor Gate Feb 25th 1868 Dear Lord Chancellor, The announcement in Parliament has informed you of the accepted resignation of Lord Derby & the office, which the Queen has confided to me of forming a new Government – My first wish is so far as possible to recall to the management of affairs my former Colleagues – but there are some obstacles to this course & the principal one is found in the house over which you preside. If Lord Derby in his time was so sensible of the weakness of our party in debate in the house of Lords, that he was constrained to submit to yourself an arrangement which tho delayed, he still contemplated I am sure you will feel that with out Lord Derby I have no 8option to have9 recourse to this plan among others of strengthening H.M. Government in the upper house of Parliament – if therefore for this reason, & for no other it is not in my power to submit your name for the custody of the great seal to the Queen – in the list of the new Ministry. I can assure you it would afford me sincere gratification if you could suggest to me some other mode by which her Majesty might testify Her sense of yr services.1 Believe me yours Sincerely | B. Disraeli 2 See 4755&n2. 1 Chelmsford would reply on the 26th: ‘Your letter has caused me greater surprise than I know well how to express. You allude to the circumstance of “Lord Derby having in his time been so sensible of the weakness of our party in debate in the House of Lords that he was constrained to submit to me an arrangement which (you say) though long delayed he still contemplated.” The facts connected with that arrangement were the following. Some months before Lord Derby came into office I was sitting next to him in the House when he suggested to me the importance of securing additional strength to our debates & asked me whether in the event of my again holding the Great Seal I would be willing after two or three years to resign it in favor of Cairns (not then a member of the House) upon receiving some other high office such as President of the Council. I expressed my willingness to do anything for the benefit of the party, & if I remember rightly I was reminded of this arrangement by Lord Derby when he offered me the Seal for the second time. Some time after I had been in office & after Cairns was one of the Lords Justice I pressed Lord Derby to make him a Peer but he objected on the ground of Cairns having declined the Dignity when he had offered it him & also on account of the Peerage not being usually conferred on a Lord Justice. I overcame these objections & Cairns was called to the Upper House – Lord Derby having thus secured a powerful debater on our side though not a member of the Government. I did not anticipate any recurrence to the proposed arrangement & I learn from you for the first time that though delayed it was still contemplated by Lord Derby. If so it was very unlike his open & generous nature to have kept his intentions a secret from me. I may deceive myself but I am not aware that I have failed in any instance in the discharge of the duties of my office either in the Court of Chancery or in the House of Lords. You apparently seem to think that my services deserve some recognition though they are not regarded in the formation of your new Ministry. But you ask me to assist you in proposing some way of acknowledging them which has not occurred to yourself and in the passage with which your letter concludes you say “I assure you it would afford me sincere gratification if you could suggest to me some other mode by which Her Majesty might testify Her sense of your Services.”’ h b/ix/f/86. See also 4763.

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to: LORD BARRINGTON

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 26 February 1868

original: bl add ms 58210 f14 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

4755

6 o’ck: Gros. Gate | Feb 26 1868 The | Lord Visct Barrington | M. P. My dear B.1 A cordial, & perfectly satisfactory, tel: from K.2 My heart is 8quite9 relieved. Yrs ever | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 26 February 1868

original: rac c32 121 publication history: m&b iv 601, omitting the last two paragraphs; Bradford 278, the second to fifth paragraphs; lqv B i 505-6; Weintraub Disraeli 460, extracts; Weintraub Victoria 346, extracts; Blake 491, the second to fifth paragraphs editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

4756

12 o’ck: | Feb 26 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He ventures to express, his sense of Yr Majesty’s most gracious kindness to him, & of the high honor, wh: Yr Majesty has / been graciously pleased to confer on him. He can only offer devotion. It will be his delight, & duty, to render the transaction of affairs as easy to Yr Majesty, as possible / – & in smaller matters, he hopes he may succeed in this; but he ventures to trust, that, in the great affairs of state, Yr Majesty will deign not to withhold from him / the benefit of Yr Majesty’s guidance. Your Majesty’s life has been passed in constant communion with great men, & the knowledge, & management of important transactions. Even / if Yr Majesty were not gifted with those great abilities, wh: all now acknowledge, this rare & choice experience must give Yr Majesty an advantage in / judgment, wh: few living persons, & probably no living Prince, can rival. He, whom Yr Majesty has so highly preferred, presumes to trust to Yr Majestys condescension in / this behalf. Mr Disraeli proposes to have the honor of waiting on Yr Majesty tomorrow 8(Thursday)9 afternoon.

1 Barrington on this day (26th) had written to d from Downing Street: ‘I will not bore you with another interview, but I must tell you that I hear from several that it wd give the greatest satisfaction to the Party if you were to propose to Genl Peel & Lord Cranborne to join you. They would refuse, as I understand that they are rather bitter, especially the latter, but it would be a step towards reconciliation, & be generally well received. Ld. Hylton would be the man to “get at” Peel. You need not answer this, and I dare say you have already thought the matter over, but I considered it right to let you know what I had heard.’ h b/ ix/f/21. 2 Derby had sent d three telegrams from Knowsley. Two on the 25th – ‘Nothing this morning from H.M. Can take no step till I hear. May do so by late post if so will telegraph or write’, and at 5 pm: ‘I have heard from H.M. My formal resignation is sent in.’ – and one on this day (26th): ‘Many thanks. Do not wait any longer.’ The ‘submarine telegraph between the Isle of Wight and the mainland’ had been out of order for days and communication restored only on this day (26th). h b/ix/f/6-8; The Times (27 Feb 1868).

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General Grey has gone to Ealing this morning / to see Mr Walpole, who, last night, tho’ very kind, wished to “consider” the proposition Mr Disraeli made him.1 As Genl. Grey says this must go by an immediate train, Mr. Disraeli will write fuller by post.2

4757

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 26 February 1868

original: rac c32 122 publication history: Bradford 279, the last sentence of the eighth paragraph and the first sentence of the ninth paragraph; lqv B i 506-8; Blake 488-9, extracts from the eighth and ninth paragraphs; Weintraub Disraeli 463, extract from the eighth paragraph editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: older.

Feby. 26 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: All his late colleagues, except Lord Chelmsford & Mr Walpole,1 have placed their services at / Yr Majesty’s commands, &, at present, he contemplates recommending Yr Majesty to allot to them the same offices, wh: they previously filled. His difficulty, at this moment, is the Chancell[orshi]p / of the Exchequer. The business of that office with a declining revenue, increased expenditure, & a heavy budget impending, would be too much for him to / attempt to execute. Sir Stafford Northcote would make a Cr. of Exr, that would inspire confidence & satisfy everyone; but it would be unwise to take him from the India Office, wh: he has / mastered, especially with all the threads of the Abyssinian affairs in his hands. Altho Mr Disraeli is aware, that Yr Majesty is naturally disinclined to the entrance of strangers / into Your Majestys service, he is nevertheless much inclined to con bring before Yr Majesty the claims of Mr Ward Hunt, the present Secy of the Treasury, to the post. Mr / Disraeli would be much mistaken, if Mr Ward Hunt wd. not prove a very distinguished minister of finance.2 He is a gentleman by birth, & member for his County: of Northampton; but being a younger son, / who succeeded to the estate by the unexpected death of his brother,3 has had the advantage of a legal training for the Bar. Mr Disraeli ought to observe to Yr Majesty, that Mr Ward Hunts appearance / is rather remarkable, but anything but displeasing. He is more than six feet 4 in: hig in stature, but does not look so tall from his proportionate breadth – like St. Peters, no / one is at first aware of his dimensions.

1 See 4751n1. 2 See 4757. 1 See 4751n2 and 4754&n1. 2 See 4746n4. Hunt would write to d on the 27th: ‘I am anxious for a telegram respecting the Queen’s pleasure about my appointment at the earliest possible moment, as I want to get my address into our local papers which are published tomorrow evening. I shall be at the Treasury early, so please to send the message there.’ h b/ix/f/27. 3 Hunt, the eldest of thirteen children – all female but for a brother, Edward Vernon (1829-1832) – was 43 and had a ba and ma from Christ Church, Oxford.

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But he has the sagacity of the elephant, as well as the form. The most simple, straightforward, & truthful man Mr Disraeli ever met: & of a very / pleasing & amiable expression of countenance. He has gained golden opinions in the execution of his office as Secy of the Treasury, & is so popular in the House of Commons, that the Opposition even intimated recently, that / if a new Speaker were required, they were not disinclined to consider Mr. Ward Hunt’s claims. This trait will convey to Yr Majesty the thorough respectability, even the high consideration in wh: Mr Hunt is held. He is a XChurch man, & not / much more than forty years of age, tho’ from his form apparently much older.4 Mr Disraeli feels great confidence in Mr Hunt, but of course is not insensible to the responsibility of recommending so great / a promotion. He has written at this length, because if, after still further deliberation, he ventures to recommend Mr Hunt to Yr Majestys consideration, he thought Yr Majesty wd. like to know / something about a new servant.5 Lord Cairns has accepted Mr Disraeli’s offer to recommend him to Yr Majesty for the custody of the Great Seal.6 to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 27 February 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/51 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in. Endorsed by Stanley on the first page: ‘Remind me to write to Gladstone on this. S.’ Sic: Ma’Guire.

4758

Right Honble | Secy Lord Stanley Grosvenor Gate | Feb 27 1868 Dear S. Say tomorrow, that you have heard from me, & that I wish the House to be adjourned until Thursday next, when I have every belief, that / the business of the Country will be resumed.1 I will give Ma’Guire, a day when I return 8take my place.92

4 Hunt was a very large man who suffered from gout, of which he would die in 1877. 5 The Queen would reply to this letter and to 4756 on the 27th: ‘The Queen thanks Mr Disraeli very much for his kind letters recd: today & can assure him of her cordial support in this arduous task wh. he has undertaken. It must be a proud moment for him to feel that his own talent & successful labours in the service of his own region & Country have caused for him the high & influential position in which he is now placed. This person has long found Mr. Disraeli most zealous in her service, & most ready to meet her wishes & she only wishes her beloved Husband were here now to assist him with his guidance. The Queen rejoices to see how much unanimity he has found amongst his Colleagues. She will be glad to see Mr. Disraeli tomorrow – but does not ask him to stay over night as she knows how precious every moment must be to him. The Queen wd. ask him to telegraph at what hour she may expect him tomorrow.’ h b/ xix/a/31. 6 See 4746&n2. 1 See 4759n4. 2 Irish mp (l) John Francis Maguire, a brilliant orator, would push for improvements to the Irish national education system. Stanley on 29 February would send d a note: ‘The enclosed tells its own story, and relieves you of one small difficulty.’ The enclosure is a letter of the 28th from Maguire to Stanley informing him ‘that, owing to the kindness of Mr. Trevelyan & Mr Kinnaird, he has obtained Tuesday the 10th of

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I hope to arrange, by telegraph tomorrow, that / Hunt’s writ may be moved 8tomorrow,9 on his acceptance of office as C of Er. Yours ever, | D.

4759

to: LORD DERBY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 27 February 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b iv 590, omitting the second and part of the first and third paragraphs; Hawkins Derby 366 and Blake 489, extracts from the fourth and the fifth paragraphs editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

Grosvenor Gate | Feb 27 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I duly received yr telegram of yesterday, & yr letter this morning.1 I have, therefore, arranged to go down to day by 3 c’ck: train & / therefore, I suppose, in four & twenty hours, the thing will be done. I hope, that Lord Chelmsford will have his audience tomorrow, & that Cairns, & the new Chanr. of the Exchr / will be sworn in on Saturday.2 Cabinets on Monday & Tuesday: meeting of the party on Wednesday; & of Parliament, for business, on Thursday.3 I think Hunt must / be Chanr of the Exchequer, & I have prepared the Queen for it. If H.M. approves, he must be summoned for Saturday; & then Stanley, tomorrow, when the Ho: of Commons meets, / can order his writ to be moved.4 With respect to some intimation in yr letter of your wishes being attended to in some slight matters, permit me to say very distinctly, once / & for ever; that, in the position in wh: I am so unexpectedly placed, I consider myself, & shall always consider myself, only your Deputy. Your wishes will always be commands to me, & commands that / will be heartily obeyed. I shall never take any step of importance in public life witht. apprising you of it before it is decided on, & witht. at least seeking the counsel wh:, / I trust, will never be refused.

March for his motion; & therefore that he will not interfere with the Government business of Monday the 9th.’ Maguire’s lengthy speech on 10 March would stress the injustice of maintaining an official church that represented only a fraction of Ireland’s population and would elicit ‘the first declaration by Gladstone against the Church of Ireland, ultimately resulting in disestablishment (1869).’ h b/xx/s/801, 801a; dib. See 4805nn1&2. 1 See 4755n2 and 4746n5. 2 See 4762n1. 3 For the 2 and 3 March cabinets, see 4776&n10, 4784 and 4786. The party meeting would apparently be held on Thursday 5 March (not the 4th), Hardy noting on the 6th: ‘yesterday ... At H.O. Disraeli’s meeting well attended. He spoke well but told nothing as was the case in the House itself. Bouverie was fierce & foolish. Ld. Russell as usual intensely spiteful & false. I foresee storms & doubt if the ship will not founder.’ Hardy Diary 65. 4 In the House on the 28th a new writ would be issued for Northampton County (Northern Division) for George Ward Hunt, chancellor of the exchequer. Stanley would move adjournment until Thursday 5 March. Hansard cxc cols 1100-1.

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And I do, even solemnly, entreat you, never to permit any sentiment of estrangement to arise between us, but to extend to me 8for ever9 that complete / confidence wh: has subsisted so long between 8us9; which has been the pride & honor of my life; & wh: it will ever be my constant effort to cherish & / deserve.5 Yours ever, | D. to: CHARLES GREY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday 27 February] 1868

original: durg [11] editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in. Dating: d was at Osborne on 28 February; see 4762n1. Sic: Friday 28.

4760

Lt. Genl: | Hon Chas Grey Grosvenor Gate | Friday 28 1868 My dear General, Could you come on to me?1 All’s well, in every respect. But the Queen wants / me to telegraph when I shall arrive,2 & many other things press, wh: I can’t arrange without yr advice & knowledge. There must be a Council to swear in Ld / Cairns & so on – & then about Ld Chelmsford, he must give up the Great Seal first3 – & many other things of that kind on wh: / it is best to talk. Yrs ever | D. to: [CHARLES GREY]

Grosvenor Gate, Thursday 27 February [1868]

original: durg [10] editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘G. Gate’ written in.

4761

Thursday Feb. 28 27: | G. Gate Ld. Chelmsford to have an audience on Friday 8the 28th9 to resign the great Seal[.] ___

5 Derby on the 28th would reply from Knowsley: ‘One line to thank you for your very kind letter of yesterday, and to assure you that, so far as I am concerned, there is no danger of any sentiment of estrangement arising between us, who for more than twenty years have worked together with unreserved and unbroken confidence. But I cannot accept for you the position which you are willing to accept for yourself, of being considered as my Deputy. You have fairly & most honourably won your way to the highest round of the political ladder – and long may you continue to retain your position! At the same time, whenever you are inclined to consult me or ask for my opinion, I shall be most happy to give it you frankly & unreservedly. But I shall not be so unreasonable as to expect that it shall always be adopted, or be surprised, still less affronted, if upon any ground you find yourself unable to act upon it. Your arrangements so far appear to be going on satisfactorily. Hunt’s promotion is a rapid one, but I think he will justify your selection. I am at a loss to make out whom you have to place in his very responsible Office. I have received the Queen’s sanction for the four Peerages for which I had applied, and I will write to the four Gentlemen to inform them. If the Queen has any fancy about a postponement, I should think that, to the three who are now in Parliament, it would rather be a convenience than otherwise. Before concluding, let me beg of you to offer my congratulations to Mrs. Disraeli upon your having attained a post, your pre-eminent fitness for which, she will not be inclined to dispute.’ h b/ix/f/10. 1 See 4761n1. 2 See 4757n5. 3 See 4762n1.

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A Council at Osborne, on Saturday to deliver the / Gt Seal to Ld. Cairns & the Excheqr Seal if Chanr appointed.1

4762

to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH original: cam add 9271/3/14 editorial comment: Black-edged Osborne paper.

Osborne [Thursday] 27 February 1868

His Grace | The Lord President Feb. 27 1868 My dear Duke of Marlboro’, Council on Saturday the 29th. at ½ past one o’ck: at Osborne.1 Pray t8m9ake all the necessary arrangements. Notice must also be given to Lord Chelmsford. I / wrote, also, to Mr Helps2 to prevent any mistake – & hope Yr Grace will decypher this scrawl, but tho’ responsible for many things, I am not responsible for pens, ink & paper in this palace. Ever yrs | D.

1 See 4762n1. Grey on this day (27th) wrote to d: ‘I return you Lord Derby’s letter, which the Queen has sent back to me. Walpole was not at home yesterday – but I wrote him a letter & left it at his home which I hope may have the effect – if anything was wanted. I told Mrs Walpole I had been sent by the Queen to see him, but did not mention the reason. I enclose a copy of my letter of which I hope you will approve. I shall be at the Waterloo Station at one.’ h b/xix/d/42. ‘Derby’s letter’ is apparently one to d of the 24th located here among Grey’s papers; see 4738n10. Grey had written to Walpole on this day (27th): ‘I came down here by the Q’s command, on the chance of seeing you: for H.M. was most anxious that I shd. express to you, formally from herself, her earnest hope that, under the unfortunate circs of Lord D’s retirement, you will continue to give her the support of your experience & influence in the Cabinet. H.M. is desirous of doing whatever she can to facilitate Mr. D’s task of reconstituting the Govt. – or rather, she hopes, of continuing the Adminn. as formed by Ld D. – and she feels how essential it is that all the other members [of] her Govt should hang together. Should you leave the Govt. at this moment, it might be taken to imply either a distrust of the strength of the new arrangement, or a disinclination on your part to serve without Ld. D., which cd. be very damaging. And I need hardly say that H.M. has always looked to you, as to one of those on [whom] she cd. personally rely, & whose presence in the Cabt. gave her increased confidence in the General conduct of affairs. I sincerely hope that this appeal may be unnecessary, & that I shall be able to tell H.M. that She may still rely upon your support & assistance. I shall go down tomorrow by the one oclock train – & any communication will find me at St. Jas. Palace till ½ past 12.’ h b/xix/d/42b. 1 d had left London on the afternoon of this day (27th), would arrive at Osborne at 7 pm and have an audience with the Queen at 7:30 pm; see 4766. On the 29th at 1:30 pm the Queen would hold a privy council with Marlborough, Tankerville and Pakington. Chelmsford would have an audience with the Queen and deliver up the Great Seal, which would then be received by Cairns. d would deliver up the seals of office of chancellor of the exchequer (which G.W. Hunt would receive) and leave Osborne later that day. The Times (28 Feb, 2 Mar 1868). 2 d’s letter to Arthur Helps has not been found.

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to: LORD CHELMSFORD

Osborne, Thursday 27 February 1868

original: che [2] editorial comment: Letter stitched in a family album and transcribed by Dawn Lorraine Thesiger, sister of 3rd Viscount Chelmsford. Transcription kindly provided in August 1973 by their mother, Gilian, Dowager Viscountess Chelmsford, of Hazelbridge Court, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey.

4763

Osborne | Thursday 27 Feb 1868 Dear Lord Chancellor. The Queen has signified to me her Majestys pleasure to grant your Lordship an audience on Saturday next the 29th Feb at halfpast one o’clock. to receive the great seal – I should feel gratified if on this occasion, I could hear that you had considered the latter part of my last letter1 & that it was in my power to meet with your wishes in a manner which I am sure would be agreeable to her Majesty.2 Yours Sincerely | B Disraeli to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Osborne [Thursday] 27 February 1868

original: h b/ix/f/30 editorial comment: Osborne paper. Endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘To M.C.’

4764

Feb 27 1868 I have written to Taylor1 – 8to9 Council office – & 8to9 Ld. Chelmsford, who is to resign the Great Seal.2 All to come on Saturday. Council here at ½ / past one o’ck: Ld. Cairns to come. Mr. Hunt. His writ to be moved.3 Take care that Ld. Chelmsford has due, & the earliest notice of the arrangements as / to rail & ship. Mr Helps, looked after, will do all that is necessary.4 Have you remembered my 8news9papers, wh: you always forget? Will tomorrow’s post bring me them? Alas! I fear not. Faithless child!5 D.

1 See 4754. 2 For Chelmsford’s reply, see 4771n1. 1 This letter has not been found. 2 See 4763. 3 See 4759nn3&4. 4 See 4762&nn1&2. 5 See 4766nn2&3.

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4765

to: MONTAGU CORRY

[Osborne, Friday] 28 February [1868]

original: h b/ix/f/34 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see 4766.

Montagu Corry | Esqr 28 Feb. | ½ past one I send this by Queen’s Messenger – & shall in all probaby. write also by post.1 Forward the enclosed immedly.2 All is sunshine here – moral & material.3 Yrs | D.

4766

to: MONTAGU CORRY

Osborne [Friday] 28 February 1868

original: h b/ix/f/33 publication history: Weintraub Disraeli 461, extracts editorial comment: Osborne paper. d has written the ‘8’ of ‘28’ over a ‘9’.

Confidential Feb 28 1868 My dear Montagu, I arrived here yesterday at 7 o’ck:, & about ½ an hour afterward, had my audience of Her Majesty. I was standing in the / Closet when the door opened & the Queen came in, radiant with smiles, & holding out her hand, saying “You must kiss hands” wh: I did8, immediately &9 most heartily, / falling on my knee, & saying I kissed her hand in faith & loving loyalty. Then she sate down, wh: she only does with the chief minister, I still standing, & talked / so long, that I had hardly time to dress. I dined with her quite alone – i.e. Princess L. & Dss of Ath:1 & I dine again with her today.

1 See 4766. 2 This document has not been found. 3 At Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, the morning of this day (28th) had been ‘overcast (dull)’; there was no afternoon report. The Times (29 Feb 1868). 1 For the Princess Louise, see ix 4268n5. The Dowager Duchess of Athole (or Atholl) (1814-1897), Anne, only daughter of the late Henry Home Drummond of Blair Drummond, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1839 had married George, Lord Glenlyon, who had succeeded his uncle as 6th Duke of Atholl in 1846. She was mistress of the robes 1852-4 and 1892-5, lady of the bedchamber 1854-92 and one of the Queen’s intimate personal friends. Peerages (1869, 1930); The Times (19 May 1897).

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I thank you for yr letter2 – & I hope tomorrow will bring ano[the]r.3 Yrs | D.

2 Corry on the 27th had written to d from Downing Street: ‘On thinking it over, I feel almost sure that the promise as to G. Bentinck, which in your opinion binds you, was made before the offer to him of the P.L.B. Secretaryship, and is therefore, now discharged. His refusal was based on the ground that he could not join a Ministry engaged in carrying a measure against which he had taken a prominent part. You are going to introduce analogous measures this Session. Further, you only have it in your power to offer him the very identical place that he, within a year, has refused. Surely these facts would satisfy Lord Lonsdale. His appt would, I am convinced from what I hear, be as much ridiculed as Beach’s would be applauded. The latter is the sort of working man very much required at the P.L.B. where Lord Devon seems to take it rather easy. Barrington tells me that H. Lennox has told him of this morning’s interview with you, and is perfectly aware that Robert Montagu’s is the place you have in your mind for him. This being so, and his tongue such as it is, do you not think it would be wise of you to write at once & prepare R.M. for some change? Hunt’s appointment gives universal satisfaction. I have not met, or heard of a dissentient; and I have seen many people this afternoon. Taylor, Noel and Barrington are well pleased with the feeling at the Carlton. Even Sandford tells me that he feels less hostility to a Govt with you at the head, than to one led by Lord D. What you did last session might have been expected of you from your known opinions, but Lord Derby’s conduct was unpardonable. He added that he heard of no rumours of attack which were likely to come to anything: this he said with a disappointed air that amused me. Fred Stanley gives Taylor what must be considered a bad account of his Father. He remains nearly as weak as last week, and so nervous, that the mere reading or dictating of a letter on business raises his pulse – sometimes 25 beats in a minute. Taylor repeated some more of their conversation, which was chiefly a narrative of events which are known to you. He said that his Father had wished to continue in office till he could have given those Peerages, but that, that being impossible, he confided in your willingness to carry out, in those cases, his promise. Sir J. Walsh has been to Taylor today, but is not clamorous. I hope to write something more worthy reading tomorrow.’ h b/ix/f/28. 3 Corry on the 28th would write from Downing Street: ‘I have seen Helps, since receiving your letter, and have no doubt all will go well tomorrow. The House adjourned at 5, to Thursday. Lord Stanley said Maguire would probably have Monday given him for his debate. Thereupon Gladstone, Cardwell, Glyn and others on their front bench held a consultation, which has ended in A. Kinnaird & Trevelyan withdrawing motions which they had on the paper for Tuesday, and in Maguire’s putting down his for that day (the 10th)[.] It is evident they wish the Irish Reform Bill to come on previously. It is down for the 9th, but I suppose you will now postpone it, and take the 2nd reading of the Scotch Bill then; this being in accordance with your original intention, and a “sell” for them. Henry Lennox hears that it is “not desirable that he should vacate his seat.” So I conclude there is an end of that matter. I am aware he is writing to you, but he said he should not mention this. 6.30 P.M. Your Box has been just brought to me. Feeling sure that you would think it right, under the circumstances, I have opened and detained your letter to Robert Montagu [see 4768]. There is no doubt it is wise, now, to withhold it, but I did not like to do so without assuring myself that it contained nothing else of importance. I am glad I did so, but, at the same time ask your pardon for an apparently unwarrantable liberty. In spite of the Morning Post, the Lord Chelmsford has failed to rouse a feeling that he has been ill used: All, to whom the truth is told, laugh at him. The Editorial comment in the Standard on “Truth’s” letter, copied into the Pall Mall, puts the matter right. He himself, in the letter I forward, annihilates his main argument in his first letter. H. Lennox has shown me White’s letter. One or two of my Radical friends have spoken somewhat in the same strain to me today. Dalglish, one of them, is however obstinately opposed to an increase of the House. He will even speak against it. This is a bore. He even said that he had rather name no additional Members for Scotland. That will be the solution of the difficulty, I really begin to think. What a lovely day, even here ... On the whole the tone of public opinion is excellent. Fleming wants you to offer the P.L.B. to Eustace Cecil.’ h b/ix/f/31.

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4767

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Osborne [Friday] 28 February 1868

original: h a/i/a/356 publication history: m&b iv 592, omitting the last paragraph editorial comment: Osborne paper.

Private Feb 28 1868 Mrs Disraeli My dearest Wife, I arrived here yesterday at seven o’ck:, & had an audience about half an hour afterwards. The Queen came into Her closet with a very radiant face, holding out her hand, & saying “You must kiss hands”, wh: I did immediately, & very heartily, falling on my knee. Then / she sate down, wh: she never used to do, & only does to her first Minister, & talked over affairs for half an hour; 8(I standing);9 so that I had scarcely time to dress for dinner.1 I dined with Her / Majesty, & Princess 8Louise,9 & the Duchess of Athole, quite alone – & I am to dine with the Queen again today. All day long, I have been writing letters, & I hear Vitzthum is expected down here for dinner today.2 Adieu! my dearest, D.

4768

to: LORD ROBERT MONTAGU

Osborne [Friday] 28 February 1868

original: h b/ix/f/35 editorial comment: Osborne paper.

confidential Feby. 28 1868 Right Honorable | Lord Robert Montagu Dear Lord Robert, In accomplishing the task, which the Queen has entrusted to me, of forming a new Government, I am anxious, so far as is in my power, to retain, in H. M. service, those, / who had assisted Lord Derby in the conduct of affairs; &, as far as possible, in the same posts, wh: he had selected for them. I find it necessary, however, to make some changes in the offices out of the Cabinet, &, as / those changes may involve the office wh: you held in the late Ministry, I have thought it right to tell you, that, in case they occur, I shall still endeavour to avail myself of your / services by offering you another, & considerable, post.1 Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli

1 See 4766&n1. 2 On this day (28th) d would dine with the Queen, Count Vitzthum and Sir Thomas and Lady Biddulph. The Times (2 Mar 1868). 1 Montagu, vice‑president of the committee of council on education since 19 March 1867, would hold that office until 1 December 1868.

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to: LORD ABERCORN

[Osborne, Friday] 28 February 1868

original: abc [2] editorial comment: C of Ex paper. h b/ix/f/38b is a draft.

4769

Confidential Feb. 28 1868 His Excellency | The Lord Lieutenant | of Ireland My dear Lord Abercorn, In accomplishing the task, wh: the Queen has entrusted to me, of forming a new administration, I am anxious, so far as is / in my power, to retain in Her Majesty’s service those, who had assisted Lord Derby in the conduct of affairs, &, as far as possible, in the same posts, which he had selected for them. / But this is not the reason that I appeal to Yr Excell[en]cy to continue to be the Representative of the Queen in Ireland. It is because I wish to secure in that / country the presence of a Viceroy, whose admirable ability, in every respect, has already vindicated Her Majesty’s authority under almost unprecedented difficulties, & in whose wisdom & resource, will be found the / best means for the improvement & welfare of the country. I hope, therefore, my dear Lord, that I may have the satisfaction of informing Her Majesty, that you have / consented to continue in Ireland your sagacious, popular, & beneficial rule.1 I have the honor to remain, | my dear Lord, | Your Excell[enc]ys faithf[ul]l Servt. | B. Disraeli to: JOHN DELANE original: tia Vol 17/13

[Osborne, Friday] 28 February 1868

4770

Private Feb 28 1868 J.T. Delane Esqr Dear Delane, I can’t resist sending you a line of congratulation on the successful manner in wh: our Chancellor of the Exchequer has been / received.1 Do you remember our conversation at Lord Cairns? What you said decided me. I was always very much for it myself: indeed it was, of course, my own suggestion; but it / was carped at by commonplace minds, who seemed shocked at the sudden elevation, & talked of other people as being “looked up to” in the City.

1 Abercorn, ll of Ireland since 13 July 1866, would continue in that post until 1 December 1868. He would reply from Dublin Castle on the 29th that, ‘in reply to your very kind and flattering letter, I beg to assure you that I am most happy to offer any such services as I can command for your acceptance, and, under your Government, to continue to represent Her Majesty to the best of my ability in this country.’ h b/ ix/f/38a. 1 George Ward Hunt would succeed d as chancellor of the exchequer on 29 February. ‘So rapid a rise of so comparatively young a man, without “family influence,” is, we believe, unprecedented’, the Birmingham Daily Post would write. Hunt was ‘but 43 years of age, and has only been ten years in Parliament’; he was assuming ‘an office which is generally given to men of greater age and more experience.’ The Times (2 Mar 1868).

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Your clear, & sagacious / judgment came to my aid opportunely – wh: shd. teach both of us the advantage of dining out. It is rather nervous work; but I am in good spirits on the whole. Here, everything is sunshine, moral & material. Yrs sincerely | D.

4771

to: LORD CHELMSFORD

Osborne [Saturday] 29 February 1868

original: h b/ix/f/88 editorial comment: Osborne paper.

Right Honorable | The Lord Chelmsford Feb 29 1868 Dear Lord Chelmsford, I received your letter this morning.1 I only alluded to your understanding with Lord Derby, because I thought it must be impressed on your memory, & / did not wish to dwell in detail on circumstances necessarily of a character not agreeable. After the allusion to that understanding, & the necessity of my acting on it, the rest of my letter invited communication. / You could have arranged with me an any cause for your retirement most to your liking, & you could have responded to my enquiry.

1 Chelmsford had replied to 4763 on the 28th: ‘I am most anxious upon the termination of my official life that you should not have any reason to attribute to me any misstatement of circumstances which could justify your determination not to permit me any longer to hold the Great Seal. I therefore hasten to correct a part of the letter which I wrote to you upon receiving your communication that it was not your intention to submit my name to Her Majesty for the custody of the Great Seal in the list of the new Ministry. I was under the impression that when Lord Cairns was called to the Upper House the arrangement for my quitting the Woolsack in his favor would not be acted upon. But from a letter which I have received from Knowsley this morning it appears that I was mistaken in this respect. It is right you should know for your own justification the account which Lord Derby gives of the arrangement. He says “With regard to the understanding between you and me your recollection is tolerably accurate except that no definite period was named and certainly not that of two or three years, as neither of us at the time could contemplate such a term of Office. What I did say upon the two occasions to which you refer was, that looking to the necessity of strengthening ourselves in the House of Lords I hoped you would not take it amiss if after a certain time I should ask you to resign the Great Seal in Cairns’s favor. You answered most kindly that you placed yourself entirely at my disposal but hoped that it might be done in such a manner as not to cast a slur upon you. I answered that I hoped I should be able to make an arrangement by which you might have some Office of high rank such as the President of the Council to fall back upon, and had such opportunity occurred I should probably before now have asked you to act upon our understanding.” It appears therefore that I had no right to question the propriety of the statement in your letter that the arrangement though delayed was still contemplated by Lord Derby ... if you had recalled to my recollection the particulars of this arrangement and had intimated to me that your convenience required it should now be carried out I should readily have consented to resign and make way for Lord Cairns for whom I have the greatest regard and whose superiority to me in every respect I readily acknowledge. But the mode in which my dismissal (for I can call it by no other name) was communicated to me places me in a very different position from that which Lord Derby contemplated in carrying out the arrangement. The appointment to some other “Office of high rank” is of course out of the question nor do I at all covet such a distinction. But I cannot help feeling very acutely that the manner in which I have been removed from my Office has cast a slur upon my reputation against which I am sure Lord Derby would have carefully guarded and which nothing but some mark of Her Majesty’s gracious approval of my services (if they have been approved) can possibly remove.’ h b/ix/f/87.

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Instead of that, from a total misapprehension of my communication, wh: / was really influenced by delicacy, the public have been invited to our confidential communications, with the usual consequences under such circumstances.2 I shall do nothing to add to the controversy, but shall be always ready to show the great respect I entertain for you.3 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Osborne [Saturday] 29 February 1868

original: rac a37 1 publication history: lqv B i 508 editorial comment: Osborne paper. Sic: embarassing.

4772

Feb 29 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Lord Chelmsford seems already to find, that he is rather in the wrong, &, his visit today will not, therefore, be embarassing. He has appealed for facts / to Knowsley, & the decision has been against him. His letter is candid & apologetical, but Mr Disraeli thinks that some misapprehensions should still be noticed, & he has written a short / & friendly reply, wh: will meet Lord Chelmsford on his arrival. He encloses the correspondence for Her Majesty’s approval1 & approbation, if indeed Her Majesty has time, or taste, to attend to such little matters. He / would not have presumed to do so, had not Her Majesty yesterday2 deigned to refer to the pa circumstances.

2 mp (28 Feb 1868), under the heading ‘The Lord Chancellor’s Dismissal’, had noted that ‘On Tuesday afternoon Lord Chelmsford, when he took his seat upon the woolsack, had not been informed that Lord Derby’s resignation had been accepted by the Queen, and Lord Malmesbury ... expressed his surprise that the Lord Chancellor had not previously been made acquainted with it by Mr. Disraeli.’ That evening Chelmsford had received from d a communication [4754] stating that d ‘could not include Lord Chelmsford in the list about to be submitted to her Majesty for reappointment to the office of Lord Chancellor. It was in this curt, not courteous, manner that the new Premier marked his sense of the services which Lord Chelmsford has rendered to the Conservative party’. On this day (29th), mp had printed a letter from ‘A Barrister’ (dated ‘Temple, Feb 28.’) complaining about ‘the wholly unprecedented circumstance’ of Chelmsford’s dismissal (‘the mantle so rudely torn’ from his shoulders) and reproaching d for ‘saddling the public with an unnecessary expenditure ... of £5,000 a year (the amount of an exChancellor’s pension).’ 3 See 4774&n1. 1 See 4754n1 and 4771n1. 2 See 4766.

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4773

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY?]

[London, February-March 1868]

original: h c/ix/10e editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on an envelope addressed ‘The Queen’ and marked in the same hand at bottom left ‘A. Athole’. Dating: by context; see 4776&n7.

Let me know on arrival at D.S. amount of fund in hand & what was the pension to Mrs Faraday.1 D.

4774

to: LORD CHELMSFORD

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 1 March 1868

original: che [4] editorial comment: Letter stitched in a family album and transcribed by Dawn Lorraine Thesiger, sister of 3rd Viscount Chelmsford. Transcription kindly provided in August 1973 by their mother, Gilian, Dowager Viscountess Chelmsford, of Hazelbridge Court, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey.

Grosvenor Gate Mar 1st 1868 Dear Lord Chelmsford. I have much gratification in informing you that the Queen has signified her Majesty’s gracious pleasure to confer upon you the distinction of a Grand Cross of the Bath in recognition of your public services.1 Believe Me Dear Lord Chelmsford, | Faithfully Yours, | B Disraeli

1 Chemist Michael Faraday, who had died on 25 August 1867, had been receiving a pension of £300 from the national exchequer. A letter from ‘Y.’ had proposed that it now be conferred upon his widow, ‘a sacred charge upon the nation’. The Times (21 Jan 1868). Although Faraday and Sarah Barnard (18001879), married on 12 June 1821, were childless, see 4776&n7. 1 Chelmsford would reply on this day (1 March): ‘When at the close of our conversation yesterday you signified to me that you would have pleasure in placing my name before Her Majesty for some distinction to be conferred upon me I did not suppose it would be of the description which you have mentioned in your letter. I appears to me that the distinction of a Grand Cross of Bath is entirely unsuited to the position of an ex-Chancellor and that I should suffer in public estimation by accepting it, inasmuch as it would be the first instance of its being considered to be a suitable recognition of judicial services. You have placed me under a difficulty in having to decline any distinction which Her Majesty has signified her gracious intention to confer upon me. But as I must consider that Her Majesty has been moved to Her gracious intention by your suggestion, I may with more freedom but with perfect respect express my opinion upon the subject. I am too old to care for decorations which I can wear only for a few short years and then they will pass into oblivion. When in one of your letters you informed me that there was a desire to recognize my services “so as to meet my wishes in a manner which would be agreeable to Her Majesty” I could not help hoping that Her Majesty might be advised to dignify me with some honor which would convey to posterity a lasting token of her Royal grace and favor. At the same time I did not think that it would be becoming or respectful to follow the course proposed to me in your letter announcing to me that it was not your intention to submit my name to Her Majesty for the custody of the Great Seal & “suggest some other mode by which Her Majesty might testify the sense of my services.” I may now I trust be permitted to state that it has not been unusual (especially where the Great Seal has been held for a second time) to advance the Chancellor to the dignity of an Earldom & I may refer amongst other instances in recent times to Lord Loughborough, Lord Eldon & Lord Cottenham.’ h b/ix/f/89. See 4776&nn4&5.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 1 March 1868

original: rac a37 2 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper. Sic: Sclater Booth.

4775

Mar: 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr. Majesty: He has signified to Sir W. Page Wood Yr Majesty’s pleasure, that the office of Lord Justice shd. be offered to him.1 He / has signified to Lord Chelmsford, that Yr Majesty has been graciously pleased to confer on him the distinction of a Grand Cross of the Bath, in recognition of his public services.2 Mr Disraeli proposes that Mr Sclater Booth, Secy. / to the Poor Law Board, shd. be appointed Secy. to the Treasury. It is an office, that requires great health, capacity of labor, & the power of saying “No” to the numerous jobs daily enforced by Members of Parliament on both sides, & often adroitly veiled.3 It / would be wise to offer the Secretaryship of the Poor Law Board to Lord Eustace Cecil – a very competent man. He wd. probably 8refuse9 it, but the offer would be conciliatory & con, perhaps, conciliating[.]4 The Cabinet is summoned for three o’ck tomorrow, / when the whole question of Irish policy will be considered, & definitively arranged.5 Lord Stanley has gone down to Knowsley at Lord Derby’s request; but the report is not unfavorable, only the physicians have declared, that / recovery is impossible if he either receives, or dictates, letters.6

1 Sir William Page Wood would reply on this day (1 March) to d’s letter (not found): ‘The many communications I have received on the mere rumor of my promotion to a higher office corroborate the impression made by your own proposal of it, that I am not considered too old [at 67] for the discharge of its duties – and although (without any affectation) I can say, that it costs me some lingering regrets to resign some of the contemplated occupations of leisure after retirement, I accept as a duty, and at the same time sincerely appreciate as a great honor & distinction the high office to which I have been thus courteously invited.’ h b/ix/f/44. Wood would succeed Cairns as lord justice of appeal and succeed him as lord chancellor in December 1868. He would become 1st Baron Hatherley, of Down Hatherley, in the county of Gloucester, on 10 December. The Times (11 Dec 1868). 2 See 4774&n1. 3 George Sclater-Booth on this day (1 March) replied to d’s letter (not found) accepting ‘the post which you are so kind as to offer me ... I will do my best, but shall certainly need the indulgence of those with whom I am placed in contact at the Treasury and in the House of Commons.’ He would become financial secretary to the treasury on 4 March. h b/xxi/b/634. 4 Cecil, younger brother of Lord Cranborne (who had resigned abruptly in February 1867; see ix 4338&n2), on this day (1 March) at 6 pm would reply to d’s letter (not found) offering him the position of poor law board secretary. ‘I am sure you will readily interpret my rejection of so flattering an offer, as proceeding, not from any want of appreciation of the honour intended to be conferred upon me, but from the disinclination that I have of undertaking at the present moment the responsible duties of a Government Office.’ h b/ix/f/41. 5 For the 2 March cabinet, see 4776n10. 6 Stanley, whose ‘report’ to d has not been found, at Knowsley on this day (1 March) had noted: ‘Found Ld D. wonderfully recovered, his spirits excellent, voice clear and strong, but he is still very weak in the limbs. He talked to me of the Queen’s way of writing to him, about which he was at first very sore: but I think he now understands her nature. She is civil to persons in power under her, whose good will contributes to her comfort (and not always to them): but sees no reason for wasting civility on those who can no longer be of use to her.’ Disraeli, Derby 331.

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Mr Disraeli encloses the letter from Ld Derby he found on his return from 8to9 London;7 not, he sincerely trusts, from any / egotism, but because he thought it would be interesting, & 8in some degree,9 satisfactory to Yr Majesty. He presumes also, for the same reason, to enclose the letter of Lord Abercorn.8

4776

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 2 March 1868

original: rac a37 5 publication history: lqv B i 509, the third and fourth paragraphs; Blake 488, the fourth paragraph; Weintraub Disraeli 463, extracts from the second and third paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

March 2 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Sir W.P. Wood has accepted Yr Majesty’s gracious offer. It was made on Sunday morning / & accepted the same day.1 The reply is enclosed, that Yr Majesty may see, that the paragraphs, wh: had circulated in the newspapers, that Sir William was / appointed 8days ago9 were entirely without foundation. Mr Disraeli would never presume to make even a small parliamentary appointment without previously submitting the name to Yr Majesty’s / pleasure.2 Lord Chelmsford declines the distinction Yr Majesty graciously conferred on him, & wishes to be made, like Lord Eldon & Lord Cottenham, an Earl!3 Lord Eldon was Chancellor twenty years;4 Lord Cottenham, / a very doubtful promotion, had at least inherited two large family fortunes, & was very rich.5 It seems impossible, that Yr Majesty can entertain such preposterous / claims. Mr Disraeli recommends Yr Majesty to grant a pension of two hundred pr annm: to Lady Brewster.6 Mrs Faraday had £150 pr ann: with remainder to her niece.7 It wd. be better, Mr Disraeli thinks, to / grant Lady Brewster 200£ pr annm. & not

7 d enclosed a transcription of Derby’s letter of 28 February (4759n5). 8 d enclosed a transcription of Abercorn’s letter of 29 February (4769n1). 1 See 4775n1. 2 ‘As intimated by us last night, Lord Cairns has accepted the office of Lord Chancellor, and there is little doubt but that Sir William Page Wood will be appointed Lord Justice of Appeal in his room.’ The Times (28 Feb 1868), citing the Globe. 3 See 4774n1. 4 Lord Eldon had been lord chancellor 1807-27. On 7 July 1821 George iv had insisted on conferring on Eldon the earldom which he had previously refused, with the titles of Viscount Encombe and Earl of Eldon. 5 Cottenham had been lord chancellor 1836-41 and 1846-50. ‘Greville described the promotion of this “plain undistinguished man” as “one of the most curious instances of elevation that ever occurred” (Greville Memoirs, 3.328) ... On 27 May 1850 he abruptly resigned, to be granted in the following month the titles of Viscount Crowhurst and earl of Cottenham; in 1845 and 1849 he had succeeded to the baronetcies held by his older brother and uncle.’ odnb. 6 Sir David Brewster, who had died of pneumonia on 10 February, had married secondly in 1857 Jane Kirk Purnell (b 1827), second daughter of Thomas Purnell of Scarborough, with whom he had a daughter, Constance Marian (b 27 January 1861). See n8. 7 See 4773&n1. Two nieces had lived with the childless Faradays at the Royal Institution for extended periods: Margery Ann Reid (1815-1888), between 1826 and 1840, and Jane Barnard (1832-1911), from the early 1850s, both of whom helped Faraday with his duties during his declining years.

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saddle the pension list with so young a life as that of her daughter.8 If Yr Majesty approves, Mr Disraeli will signify Yr Majesty’s pleasure / to Sir James Simpson.9 The affair makes a great excitement in Scotland. The Cabinet, just over, has lasted three hours; entirely on Ireland. It is to meet again tomorrow on the same subject.10 Mr Disraeli will write a full precis.11 It was very important. to: [LORD MALMESBURY]

Downing Street [Monday] 2 March 1868

original: hcc 9m73/461/21 publication history: Malmesbury 379 editorial comment: Extant identical copies of this circular letter in d’s hand include kcr v269 c399, nor f/185/1, scr dd/hy c/2165 [74], brd bc.d68 d3 [2] and add [1]; see n2. Recipient: by context; see n1.

4777

Downing Street | March 2: 1868 My Lord,1 The lamented illness of Lord Derby having compelled his retirement from the head of affairs, I have been entrusted by Her Majesty with the formation of a New Administration.

  8 Sir James Young Simpson (see n9) on 20 February had written to the Duchess of Atholl requesting a pension for Brewster’s widow and daughter (see n6), who had been ‘left very, very poorly provided for; while the children of his first marriage are well off’. Writing to ma on the 26th asking for her influence, Simpson had compared their case to that of Mrs Faraday and her niece (see n7). He would write to d on 8 March thanking him for Lady Brewster’s £200 pension. h b/c/ix/10a,d,h.   9 Sir James Young Simpson (1811-1870), 1st Bt 1866, medical studies at the University of Edinburgh 1827, licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 1830 and md in 1832, was senior president of the Royal Medical Society of Edinburgh 1835, appointed to the City Lying-in Hospital in Edinburgh 1836, chair of midwifery at the University of Edinburgh 1839, one of the Queen’s physicians for Scotland 1847 and president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 1850. Simpson advocated obstetric anaesthesia (chloroform), breastfeeding, the medical education of women and the health-giving properties of red wine. 10 Stanley on the 3rd would summarize this day’s (2nd) ‘cabinet on Irish affairs. We discussed education, land, church; the latter subject slightly, the two first fully. It was impossible for anything to be more orderly and well managed than the proceedings: which was not formerly the case. I kept a note of what passed, but the substance was, that we agreed without dissentients to Mayo’s plan for a Catholic college, to have a charter: and also to his bringing in a bill including the greater part of what was in that of last year, and at the same time proposing the appointment of a new Devon commission. The church question was approached with great caution, Cairns being known to have strong opinions upon it. The general wish seemed to be, to commit ourselves as little as possible, and endeavour to tide over the present session, leaving church matters to be dealt with by the new parliament.’ About the cabinet on the 3rd he would record: ‘the business almost exclusively Irish: Catholic University: land question: church: etc. The most important decision come to was to support, at least not to oppose, the repeal of the eccles. titles act. (I have kept a note of the proceedings.)’ Disraeli, Derby 331. 11 See 4786.   1 Malmesbury on this day (1 March) had reminded d ‘that you shd as soon as possible send a lithographic circular to each Peer who receives Colvilles Summons to ask him to continue to you the same support wh he gave Ld Derby N.B. Direct the envelopes yrself or at all events put yr Autograph Signature in the corner of each “Experto credo” flagello. I hear nothing but satisfaction on the part of our friends at our going on under you. I shall call at yr house in case you want to see me but have nothing to say.’ h b/ ix/f/43.

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In making this announcement to your Lordship, permit me to express / an earnest hope, that you will continue, to the present Government, the same measure of support, which you accorded to the last. I should hardly presume to make such a request, had I not the consolation of feeling, that I am supported by the confidence of Lord Derby. I have the honor to remain, My Lord, Your faithful Servt., B. Disraeli2

4778

to: LORD CAIRNS

[London, Monday] 2 March 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff3-4 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out. Sic: Bagallay.

Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor Mar 2 1868 My dear Ld Chancellor, I forgot, in the Cabinet to day, to speak to you about the V. Chan[ce]ll[orshi]p. I don’t know, whether it is in yr gift, or mine; / & dont care. We are the same, & I trust always shall be: but I hear very bad accounts, & from the other side, of Bagallay’s chance of keeping the seat for us. Clive says / it is hopeless.1 Now we must not lose another seat, or we really shall tempt the enemy to action. I was anything but displeased with the tone of the Cabinet today / on the crucial question.2 I think you & I may not only steer the ship thro’ all the difficulties – but in time – which is wanted – tranquillise a chronic irritation.3 Yrs ever | D.

2 There are several visually identical copies of this circular in d’s hand, all dated 2 March 1868 (see ec): kcr v269 c399 is presumably to Lord Stanhope; nor f/185/1 is to the Duke of Northumberland; scr dd/hy c/2165 [74] is presumably to Lord Hylton; brd bc.d68 d3 [2] is to Lord Bradford; and add [1] is to William Wells Addington (1824-1913), 3rd Viscount Sidmouth 1864, a dl of Devon 1852 and a jp for Devon, capt 3rd Devon Mounted Volunteer Rifles 1860 and mp (c) for Devizes 1863-4. 1 Richard Baggallay would retain his seat as mp (c) for Hereford at the election in September 1868 upon his appointment as solicitor-general, but would be defeated for the second seat by J.W.S. Wylie (l) on 17 November. George Clive (l) would be re-elected for Hereford on that date. 2 The Irish church; see 4776n10. 3 Cairns on this day (2nd) would reply that ‘The office of VC is, as I understand, in your gift. I had hoped from what Taylor, & from what Baggallay in his letter to Taylor, said, that the seat was reasonably safe. I am very sorry it is not: but I agree with you that at the starting of a new Government it wd. be an awkward blow to lose another seat. Baggalay wd. make a very good V.C. but if you think your information as to the seat is trustworthy, I don’t see what can be done, but that Taylor shd. explain the case to Baggallay & smooth him over. In the public & professional view, [George Markham] Giffard wd. be an appointment even better than Baggallay. Taylor was to have some information as to Hereford tonight. I am sure the Cabinet came to the only resolution possible for a Conservative Government. Much will depend on the very words used in the Ho of Commons. I think it wd. be desirable even in hinting at a Scheme wch. wd. ameliorate the position of R.C. & Presbytn. Ministers, to put it that this was for the new Parlt., & not for the present Parlt. or for the Government to determine. If Gladstone & his friends go for anything like Ld Russell’s proposition they will fail signally. If they throw it over, & go for complete disendowment of every body, they may catch voluntaries, radicals & anti-popery men, & make a formidable Phalanx. h b/xx/ ca/17. See 4789&n5.

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to: THE DUCHESS OF WELLINGTON

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 2 March 1868

4779

original: ssh [1] editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Mar 2. 1868 Her Grace | The Duchess of Wellington Dearest Duchess, I hope the new Government is not to lose the brightest ornament of the late one; & that Your Grace will still deign, tho’ / I guide the helm, to fill the high office of Mistress of the Robes.1 I need not assure you with what entire satisfaction Her Majesty will learn / that arrangement from Your ever devoted Servt, | B. Disraeli to: LORD BRADFORD

[London, Monday] 2 March 1868

original: brd bc.d68 d3 [1] editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out.

4780

Right Honorable | The Earl of Bradford Mar: 2 1868 My dear Lord, I was very sorry to miss you yesterday, particularly as it has occasioned you the trouble of receiving this letter. / I hope my appeal may be successful, when I request, that you will allow me to assure the Queen, that you have consented, under the new Ministry, to / fill that office, wh: you, so efficiently, occupied in that of Lord Derby.1 We must all mourn his retirement, but I know his best consolation is, that his friends shd all keep together[.]2 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: HENRY WHITMORE

Downing Street [Tuesday] 3 March 1868

Henry Whitmore Esqr | M.P.

Mar: 3 1868

original: mopsik [170] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4781

1 The Duchess of Wellington (2nd Duke) was mistress of the robes 1861-Dec 1868 and 1874-80. 1 See 4777&ec&n2. 2 Bradford would continue as lord chamberlain in the Queen’s household until 8 December 1868. He would reply to d on this day (2 March): ‘We must all indeed deeply regret the retirement of Lord Derby, & the cause of it, but I can most sincerely assure you that both on public & private grounds, it is most agreeable to me, if I continue to hold office under the Crown, that it should be under your auspices & chieftainship & I heartily wish you success in the great duty which you have undertaken. I was sorry not to see you & Mrs. Disraeli yesterday, & beg to be very kindly remembered to her.’ h b/ix/f/45.

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Dear Whitmore I hope you will do me the favor of filling in the new administration the office, wh: you held under the government of Lord Derby. / I am sure, that nothing would please our great friend more, than to find all his followers holding together.1 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

4782

to: CHARLES ADDERLEY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 3 March 1868

original: hro [1] publication history: From an undated Henry Bristow Ltd catalogue, p 38, item 265: ‘A.L.S., initial. 2pp. 8vo, to C.B. Adderley, 1st Baron Norton [1814-1905] ... (soiled; conjugate leaf removed; with annotations by Adderley).’ Sent to the Disraeli Project on 31 July 1973 by Hampshire Record Office.

10, Downing St., Mar. 3. 1868. I hope you will do me the favor of filling, under the new administration, the office wh. you held in the government of Lord Derby. Our great friend wants us all to stick together.1

4783

to: EDWARD EGERTON

Downing Street [Tuesday] 3 March 1868

original: ps 1461 publication history: Julian Browning Catalogue 23 (February 2000), item 82: ‘Autograph Letter Signed ‘D’ ... to Edward Egerton M.P., asking him to continue in his office ... 2 pp. ... Marked Private. 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, 3 March 1868.’ Browning prints an image of the second page, transcribed below.

Derby. We must ever miss our great chief, but what will please him most, is, that we shd. all keep together.1 Yours sincerely, | D.

1 Whitmore would reply on 4 March: ‘I cheerfully acquiesce in your wish therein expressed that I should retain the office which I held under Lord Derby ... Your unvarying kindness to me during a period of nearly sixteen years has made me your willing follower & faithful ally, and I am glad of this opportunity of tendering you my grateful acknowledgments.’ He assured d that ‘no effort shall be wanting on my part to keep our friends together & to uphold the Party of which you are now the distinguished head.’ h b/ix/f/55. A lord of the treasury since 12 July 1866, Whitmore would hold that office until 1 December 1868. 1 Adderley, under-secretary for the colonies since July 1866 (until December 1868), would reply on this day (3rd): ‘I shall be very happy to retain this Under Secretaryship & to serve under your Lordship, & I hope & believe the whole Party will give you cordial support. I enclose a Mem. I am sending you on the Education proceedings both of the Episcopal & Lay Committees of which after consulting you I became a part, & of the National Society.’ h b/ix/f/51. 1 Egerton would remain under-secretary for foreign affairs until 12 December 1868.

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to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 4 March 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 13-14, the second to fifth paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4784

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Mar: 4 1868 My dear Lord, I was very much pleased at receiving a letter from you this morning,1 & had not the 1 Derby on 3 March had written to d (via amanuensis Lady Derby) from Knowsley a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘Anxious as I am for the permanence of your Government, I cannot refrain from expressing my apprehension as to the forthcoming discussions upon the Irish Questions. These appear to me to constitute your greatest danger & I shall be anxious to hear in what manner you propose to deal with them. As to the Land Question, it is in such a state of hopeless confusion that an additional failure, after the many which have already taken place, cannot seriously injure the Government – and for my own part, I am fast coming to the conviction that the best thing for Ireland would be to leave it alone altogether. I have already given in my adhesion to Mayo’s scheme for a R. Catholic University, not as the best, but as the only practicable solution of the Question. I think it doubtful whether the R. Catholic Prelates will accept our offer. If they do not, upon them will rest the responsibility of rejecting fair & liberal terms. If they do, I think our Protestant friends will acquiesce, for fear of something worse. But your real difficulty will arise when you come to deal with the Established Church. You know that I have always entertained a very strong opinion, adverse to the Right of Parliament, to eliminate any part of the property of that or of any other Corporation – and this was the main pursuit of our successful opposition to the Appropriation Clause, the object of which was to convert to secular purposes any surplus, over and above what might be deemed requisite for the maintenance of the Establishment. It seems to be generally assumed that this principle is no longer tenable – but the moment you depart from it, you will find yourself involved in inextricable difficulty. The obvious course would appear to be, at all events, to wait for the Report of the Commission which we issued last year – but Stanley says, though I do not agree with him, that Parliament will not, and Gladstone says that it shall not, admit that ground for postponement of Legislation. In my opinion however, the safest course for the Government will be to abstain from making any proposition whatever. The Opposition may possibly carry an abstract Resolution, condemnatory of the present state of the Irish Church, but if called upon to say how they propose to deal with it, they will be found at hopeless variances among themselves. Is the Establishment to be altogether abolished? and with it all other Religious Endowments, as Maynooth, Regium Donum, &c. This is the scheme of the Liberation Society, but will meet with no amount of support. Is the Property to be only partially confiscated? and if so, on what principle is the confiscation to take place? Is all the Property, of whatever description, to be thrown into our Fund, which the Government will be responsible for raising, and for doling out in the shape of Salaries to Bishops, Deans, & Clergy? Then again, whether the Confiscation be total or partial, what is to be done with the confiscated Property? I presume that the Rents and Real Charges will still have to be levied, & I doubt whether any other application of them will be less distasteful than the present to those who have to pay them. Lord Russell’s crude proposal to divide the whole Property into eight parts, retaining two for the Church, & distributing the other six among R. Catholics & Presbyterians, met with no support from any quarter – and even if the R. Catholic Clergy would accept of a portion of the spoil, by way of endowment, the proposal so to apply any portion of the Protestant revenues, would meet with a most determined opposition from nearly one half of the Irish Members, from a large portion of the English Conservatives, from the whole body of the Protestant Dissention, and from Scotland à l’unanimité. I might go on at considerable length, to point out the objections to any course of action, & the almost certain failure of any proposal which could be made by the Government, accompanied by the risk of mortally offending the Protestants, without at the same time satisfying the R. Catholics, but I will not take up more of your time, which must be fully occupied; only as the Question has much been discussed in Cabinet, I was anxious to enter my caution against their being led away by the popular cry, that something must be done, and induced to give hasty pledges, or still worse, to bring forward without sufficient consideration a scheme which must result in failure. The difficulties of this Question are such that I am convinced your safety is to sit still – and instead of showing your hand, to compel your adversaries to exhibit theirs, with all their discrepancies & contradictions. I need hardly say that I shall look anxiously for the Report of Thursday’s Debate – though I presume that this Question will hardly be brought on the tapis, or at all events would be only incidentally touched upon.’ h b/xx/s/483.

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Cabinet sate three hours again last evening, I / shd. have written to you, by that post, on the same subject. We have discussed our Irish Policy for two days, & have arrived at conclusions, wh: are very much in unison with / yr suggestions. To bring in a Land Bill, wh: will deal with all those points of the controversy on wh: there begins to be a concurrence of opinion; & with respect / to the others, to propose another Devon Commission.2 The famine, & the Emigration, have happened since the labors of that enquiry, & we think that such a body of evidence will be collected, / as to the present improved state of the country, that a great effect may be produced on public opinion. The Cabinet adopted unanimously the University scheme wh: / you had approved.3 With regard to the great difficulty & the real danger8, the Church,9 altho’ there was great difference of opinion in the Cabinet on the merits of the Question, there was unanimity that it ought / not to be treated except in a new Parliament; & also, that no pledge shd. be given of maintaining absolutely unchanged the present state of ecclesiastical affairs.4 The two propositions of Ld Russell & of the Voluntaries shd. / be shown, on analysis, as neither of them practical;5 & the third course, the practical alternative, vizt. the endowment, or quasi-endowment, of the Presbyterian & R. Cath: Clergy, & in what manner & by what means – is far too grave a thing to be decided in the last Session / of a Parliament elected by a limited constituency. Would the next Parlmt. be content with such a settlement? Might it not re-open the issue? This will be our general position on Maguire’s p motion6 / but will it do? And if they carry a resolution, that it is necessary to deal with the Irish Ch:, & carry it must not a Government act on it, or resign? I purpose to say very little tomorrow on taking my seat.7 /

2 See 4714. 3 See 4786. 4 See 4776n10. 5 ‘Voluntaries’ argued that religion should be placed on a voluntary basis, with all denominations having equal status before the law. According to a report of 3 September 1867 from Dublin, ‘The Freeman announces that the Roman Catholic prelates have considered and repudiated Earl Russell’s proposal for the division of the revenues of the Established Church between Protestants and Roman Catholics.’ The Cork Examiner had noted that ‘the proposition which comes from Roman Catholics and Liberals, that the revenues should be transferred to the Roman Catholic Church, is deprecated as “more dangerous”’ because it risked ‘alienating the most valuable allies – the voluntaries of England and Scotland.’ The Times (4 Sep 1867). 6 See 4758&n2. 7 See 4788&n1.

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Stanley gave me good accounts of you. May they continue!8 Ever yours | D.9 to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street, Wednesday 4 March [1868]

original: h r/i/a/207 cover: wait | Philip Rose Esq | 6 Victoria St | B. Disraeli editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed by Rose: ‘1868’.

4785

P. Rose Esq Wednesday Mar 4 My dear Rose, Could you come on to me this afternoon: any time after ½ past four; & we might look after Loftus accts.1 Yrs snly | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 4 March 1868

original: rac d23 27 publication history: lqv B i 509-11 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4786

ireland March 4. 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet was occupied almost entirely on Monday, & Tuesday, with the consideration of their Irish Policy. The subject divided itself under four heads: material improvement of the country; the land question; the Education question; the Church question.

8 See 4775n6. 9 Derby on 6 March would reply (via amanuensis Lady Derby) from Knowsley with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘I should not have troubled you again so soon, had it not been for a question raised in your letter of the 4th. Inst. whether, if the Opposition should carry a Resolution that it is necessary to deal with the Irish Church, the Government must not either act on it, or resign. My answer is, decidedly neither the one nor the other. I should decline to recognize the authority of a vague and abstract Resolution, passed by an expiring Parliament and which could have no binding force upon its successor. I should avow that the Government were not prepared to legislate upon this subject in the course of the present Session, and I should challenge the Opposition, if they had any definite plan, to bring it forward at once and enable Parliament & the Country to force their judgment upon their proposed mode of dealing with the Question. I am sorry to find that there is some difficulty, which Taylor will explain to you, with regard to Sir Brook Bridges’s Peerage, but I do not see, after all that has passed, how it can be postponed as is wished. I will however write to you farther upon this subject, as I shall have shortly to communicate with you, confidentially, on the general subject of Peerages & Promotions, & in the meantime I will abstain from sending up to you, for submission to the Queen, the Titles selected by my four new Peers. You seem to have begun smoothly enough yesterday, but it would appear that Lord Russell, though he has formally abdicated the Leadership, has not relinquished the post of objector in Chief in the Lords.’ h b/ xx/s/484. 1 Thomas Loftus was ma’s solicitor.

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These were the results. With respect to the first, the Report of the Commission on Irish Railways1 might be / immediately expected, & would probably lead to an extensive measure, affecting beneficially every part of the Country. 2. Education. As a Royal Commission was now pursuing its enquiries on Primary Education,2 their report must / be sent in before that branch of the subject 8could be9 considered, but the Cabinet were prepared to recommend a charter to a Roman Catholic University, provided the Governing body contained such a decided Lay representation as would prevent its / being a mere sacerdotal institution. Lord Derby had already given in his adhesion to this scheme of Ld Mayo, not as the best, but the only, practicable solution of the Question “It is doubtful, whether the R.C. Prelates will accept our offer. / If they do not, upon them will rest the responsibility of rejecting fair & liberal terms. If they do, I think our Protestant friends will acquiesce for fear of sanctioning worse” 8Letter of Ld. Derby to day.93 An application has been / made by a deputation of R.C. Prelates from Ireland to Mr Disraeli to enter into negotiations on the measure before it is introduced to Parlmt:, but he has declined this offer, tho’ with much courtesy, & expressing his wish, after the proposition has been / made public, to listen to considerately to any criticism & suggestions made by the Prelates. The truth is the House of Commons will receive with prejudice the measure, if the first confidence is not made to itself. Then, as to the Land. The / Cabinet resolved to bring in a Land Bill,4 wh: shd. treat all those points, on wh: there is now a great concurrence of opinion: & with respect to the others, they will propose another Devon Commission,5 confident that its investigations will authoritatively &, authentically / dissipate many errors, that now exist, & throw a great & beneficial light on the condition of the country. The famine, & the emigration, have occurred since the Devon Commission; & their results must be placed powerfully before public / opinion. With regard to the Church, the Government will show, by an analysis of the propositions; that neither the plan of Lord Russell, nor the scheme of the pure Voluntar-

1 In the Lords on 9 March Clanricarde would withdraw his motion for ‘a Copy of the Instructions issued to the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the State and Value of the Railways of Ireland’ following objections by the Duke of Richmond, who ‘hoped the Report would be furnished shortly after Easter.’ Hansard cxc cols 1209-12. 2 A Royal Commission of Inquiry into Primary Education in Ireland, the so-called Powis Commission (under the Earl of Powis), with seven Protestant and seven Catholic members, had been appointed in early January 1868 and would issue its multi-volume report in June 1870. The Times (7 Jan 1868, 20 Jun 1870). 3 See 4784n1. 4 In the House on 28 April, when asked when he would introduce ‘his measures respecting the Land Question in Ireland’, Mayo would reply that he would not introduce the land bill, which ‘had been ready for some time’, without the prospect of ‘a full discussion’ and ‘a chance of passing it this session.’ Hansard cxci col 1459. Under Gladstone there would be a Landlord & Tenant (Ireland) Act 1870 and a Land Law (Ireland) Act 1881. 5 See 4714.

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ies, is a practical proposition – & what / is wanted for Ireland is something, that can be done, not something, that can be said.6 There is no conceivable combination of existing parties that cd. disendow the Established Ch:, in order to endow the Roman Cath:, wh: virtually is the proposition of Lord Russell; nor / is it easy to imagine, that a measure of general disendowment, seizing the Church estate, Maynooth, & Regium Donum,7 could, for a moment, be sanctioned. There remains a third course, which is no doubt practical, tho’ public opinion upon it is by no means / settled or mature, that is some provision for the Clergy, both Presbyterian & R. Cath:, that are not endowed. Tho’ a majority of Parliamt: may be in favor of this principle (& that is doubtful) the varieties of manner in / wh: the principle may be applied are multiform – Whether an endowment of salaries; Whether of glebes & houses &c. But the question arises, whether so grave an issue & one so novel in its character, ought to be submitted to the / last Session of a Parlt. elected under the old constituency: whether it be not one, that the larger verdict of the new constituency shd. not be taken on; whether, if that were neglected, & some settlement now made, the new Constituency might / not evince a very just dissatisfaction, & demand, even at the approaching hustings, that the issue shd. be re-opened. Yr Majestys Government therefore are of opinion, that witht. declaring any uncompromising hostility to any of these plans of dealing / with the Revenues of the Church, they may with honor, & they hope integrity, relegate the whole question to the decision of the new Parliament.8 to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

original: lcc lc.1 Item 2; Frame d6 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 5 March 1868

4787

Mar 5 1868 Give instructions to the Draughtsman1 to prepare clauses for the Controverted Elections Bill, in consonance with this memorandum.

6 See 4784&n5. 7 The Regium Donum (Latin: royal gift), begun in 1673 under Charles ii and increased in 1690 under William iii, was an annual grant voted by Parliament for Presbyterian clergy in Ireland (discontinued 1869) and, from 1723, for Nonconformist ministers in Great Britain (discontinued 1851). 8 Grey would reply to d on the 5th: ‘The Queen desires me to thank you very much for your letter, & the very clear explanation it contains of the view taken by the Govt. of the important subjects which make up the “Irish question”. You rightly, as it seems to Her Majesty, consider not only what it might be desirable, but also what it may be possible, to do and if approached on all sides in the same spirit, she cd. fain hope that this question, difficult as it is, may not prove insoluble.’ h b/xix/d/44. 1 Perhaps Henry Thring; see ix 4368n1.

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The Bill is to go into Comm[itt]ee next Thursday / pro formâ; in order that these clauses shd be introduced.2 D.

4788

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons, Thursday 5 March [1868]

original: rac a37 6 publication history: lqv B i 512 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Commons’ written in. Another hand has written ‘68’ beneath ‘Mar: 5:’.

House of Commons | Thursday night Mar: 5: Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He made a statement this evening on taking his seat, which was very guarded, &, in that respect, so successful, that / it prevented all discussion. At least, the leader of the Opposition was silent.1 Mr Bouverie, a discontented Whig, opened a little, but hurt his own friends more, than Yr Majestys government. After / accusing them of governing the country with a minority, he said the opposition, with their superior numbers, were a “rabble”; with “leaders who cd. not lead, & followers who would not follow.”2 Mr Disraeli did not think it necessary to refute these assertions.

2 This memorandum (presumably a list of preliminary clauses) has not been found. d had introduced the Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill on 13 February (see 4723&n1). In the House on this day (5th), in moving the second reading (agreed to), d outlined the bill’s features: the Queen would nominate two superior court judges, who would cease their duties (but continue to receive their previous ‘salaries and emoluments’) in order to ‘investigate all questions of controverted elections on the spot’, becoming ‘Privy Councillors and members of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council’. This proposal would ‘obviate all the main objections to the tribunal originally suggested’. d moved that the bill ‘be committed this day week pro formâ, when I will move clauses to carry the scheme into effect.’ Gladstone thought d’s new scheme ‘a very great improvement on the provisions of the Bill which he explained on a former occasion ... The Bill also gives us the very great advantage of a local inquiry.’ Debate on the bill would resume only on 26 March. Hansard cxc cols 1141-4 (d 1141-3); cxci cols 296-321 (d 321). 1 In the House on this day (5th), for d’s first speech as pm, the galleries ‘were unusually crowded, and peers, ambassadors, and distinguished strangers overflowed into the lobbies and corridors.’ After eulogizing Derby, with whom he had spent twenty years ‘in confidential co-operation ... absolutely without a cloud’, d promised to follow Stanley’s ‘policy of peace’ in foreign affairs and ‘a truly liberal policy’ in domestic ones. He defended the suspension of Habeas Corpus in Ireland as ‘a means of protecting the Irish people from the machinations of an unprincipled foreign confederacy’ and looked forward to ‘an important debate on the whole condition of Ireland’, closing his brief speech with assurances that he would do his utmost to facilitate the Opposition ‘in bringing forward their Motions’. The Times (6 Mar 1868); Hansard cxc cols 1116-27 (d 1116-20). 2 Bouverie (n1) had stated that d’s new government ‘appears to be affected by the same fatal malady which afflicted that of Lord Derby – it is too weak in Parliamentary power, and the new Premier, not having a majority at his command, will be unable to carry on the business of the country in a satisfactory manner ... Why is it that the hon. Gentlemen opposite are now in possession of the Government? Simply because the Liberal party, which has undoubtedly a large majority here ... does not deserve to be called a party ... We have leaders who do not lead, and followers who do not follow. Instead of being an organized party, we are little better than a rabble.’

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Wild rumors are about of the Opposition consolidating on an abstract resolution respecting the Irish Church; but the time has gone by for Ministers to be subverted by resol abstract resolutions.3 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Friday] 6 March 1868

original: rac a37 7 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Commons’ written in.

4789

Ho: of Commons | Mar: 6 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr: Majesty: The Alabama question was introduced to the consideration of the House this evening, in a sufficiently able speech, by / a nephew of Lord Eversley.1 Lord Stanley rose immediately after him, & treated the manner in so complete & unanswerable a style, that the debate may be described as being closed. / The general impression in the House, as regards our relations with the United States, favorable & sanguine.2 Night advantageous to the Ministry. It will be necessary, / that a new V.-Chancellor should be appointed to fill the office resigned by Sir W.P. Wood.3 As there is no person in Parliament equal to the post, Mr Disraeli has taken pains to / enquire from the Lord Chancellor,4 & others,

3 Bouverie (n1) had asked: ‘Is the Irish Church again to be the battle-field upon which the opposite sides of the House are to carry on their party contentions, and the question on which Ministers are to be turned out and new Ministries formed?’ 1 George John Shaw-Lefevre (1831-1928), pc 1880, Baron Eversley 1906, was a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge 1853 and a barrister (Inner Temple 1854). He was mp (l) for Reading 1863-85 and Bradford Central 1886-95, a civil lord of the admiralty Apr-June 1866, parliamentary secretary to the board of trade Dec 1868-71, under-secretary for the home office Jan-Mar 1871, secretary to the admiralty 1871-4 and Apr-Nov 1880, first commissioner of works 1880-4 and 1892-4, postmaster-general 1884-5, president of the Royal Statistical Society 1877-9 and president of the local government board 1894-5. He would write Gladstone and Ireland (1912) and The Turkish Empire: Its Growth and Decay (1917). In the House on this day (6th) Shaw-Lefevre had proposed a motion (withdrawn) to obtain copies of further papers relative to negotiations with the U.S. for the arbitration of the ‘Alabama claims’ (see 4653&n4). After narrating at length the history of the Alabama – in decoying merchant vessels by flying British colours, her function was ‘to burn and destroy and run away’ – and of failed diplomatic negotiations between then foreign secretary Russell and U.S. minister Charles Francis Adams, Shaw-Lefevre had surveyed Stanley’s handling of the affair when dormant negotiations reopened in 1866 (with Stanley as new foreign secretary) and regretted he had ‘lost the opportunity ... for arriving at a settlement of this question.’ Hansard cxc cols 1150-98. 2 Stanley, replying to Shaw-Lefevre (n1), had spoken at length on the question of Britain’s alleged premature recognition of the Confederacy’s belligerency, which he dismissed as an ‘irrelevancy’, because ‘in recognizing the Confederates as belligerents at the time when we did, we were simply declaring on May 13 [1861] a state of things to be civil war which, in three or four official documents of earlier date, since published, Mr [William Henry] Seward [secretary of state], on the part of the United States Government, himself declared to be such.’ Stanley stated that ‘even if the [arbitration] decision went against us, we should not be disposed to grudge the payment’, yet he could not see that ‘an independent State, acting ... on its own discretion, should be called upon to pay a pecuniary fine, even although its discretion had been unwisely used.’ See 4817&n2. 3 See 4775n1. 4 Replying to d’s letter (4778) on the 5th, Cairns would endorse George Markham Giffard as ‘the best Equity man for a V.C. to succeed Wood’. h c/ii/a/51.

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as to who is the fittest man, for learning, professional standing & ability, & general character; & he is satisfied, that he is doing his / duty in recommending Yr Majesty to appoint, to the vacant post, Mr. George Markham Giffard, one of Yr Majestys Counsel. Mr Disraeli believes, that Mr Giffard is of Whig politics, but his superiority to all / other claimants, if the appointment is made out of the Ho: of Commons: appears incontestable.5

4790

to: [JOHN DELANE]

Downing Street [Wednesday] 6 March [1868]

original: ps 675 publication history: The Times and mp (7 Mar 1868); Meynell ii 471-2 editorial comment: h b/xiii/151b is a draft in d’s hand on 10 Downing Street paper addressed to ‘To the Editor of’.

Downing-street, March 6. to the editor of the times. Sir, – Lord Russell observed last night in the House of Lords that I “boasted at Edinburgh that, while during seven years I opposed a reduction of the borough franchise, I had been all that time educating my party, with the view of bringing about a much greater reduction of the franchise than that which my opponents had proposed.”1 As a general rule, I never notice misrepresentation of what I may have said; but as this charge against me was made in an august assembly, and by a late First Minister of the Crown, I will not refrain from observing that the charge has no foundation. Nothing of the kind was said by me at Edinburgh. I said there that the Tory party, after the failure of their Bill of 1859, had been educated for seven years on the subject of Parliamentary Reform, and during that interval had arrived at five conclusions, which, with their authority, I had at various times announced – viz: – 1. That the measure should be complete. 2. That the representation of no place should be entirely abrogated. 3. That there must be a real Boundary Commission. 4. That the county representation should be considerably increased. 5. That the borough franchise should be established on the principle of rating.

5 George Markham Giffard (1813-1870), a barrister (Inner Temple 1840), qc 1859 and pc 1868, would succeed Sir William Page Wood as vice-chancellor on 14 March 1868 and be knighted on 14 May. A Liberal in his politics, Giffard never stood for Parliament. See 4793&n2. 1 In the Lords on 5 March, Malmesbury had announced that d’s administration was now complete and that the new cabinet’s ‘policy will be the same as to its guiding principles as that by which Lord Derby’s Government was actuated up to the last moment’. Russell had inveighed against the ‘course of deception’ carried out by the Derby administration regarding franchise reform, which prevented ‘any reliance being placed in a Government which openly avow that they do not mean what they say’. As evidence he cited d’s speech at Edinburgh (see n2), in which d ‘had even boasted, that during seven years during which the fears of the country had been excited respecting a reduction of the franchise against which Mr. Disraeli protested ... he had been educating his party with a view to bring about a much greater reduction of the franchise ... than any which his opponents had proposed.’ As a result, many of Russell’s colleagues had been ‘induced to desert their own colours and go over to the party of Mr. Disraeli’; ‘such a deception, or such an “education”’, he concluded, had been unprecedented. Hansard cxc cols 1104-7.

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And that these five points were accomplished in the Act of 1867. This is what I said at Edinburgh, and it is true.2 I am, Sir, your obedient servant, | b. disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 6 March 1868

original: rac d23 30 publication history: lqv B i 512-13; Blake 493, extracts from the sixth and seventh paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4791

March 6 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr: Majesty: He encloses a letter received from the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, on the subject of a visit / to that country of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.1 Mr Disraeli would humbly observe, that, should Yr Majesty approve of his Excelly’s suggestion being carried into / effect, the consequences, in his opinion, would be highly advantageous. The moment is very suitable, & to seize the ápropos is generally wise. There is no doubt a / great yearning in Ireland for the occasional presence & inspiration of Royalty.

2 For the full text of d’s speech at Edinburgh on 29 October 1867, see Kebbel ii 470-89. 1 Abercorn on 4 March had written to d from Dublin Castle a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘The Prince of Wales made a half promise last year to visit Ireland for a week or ten days, which the state of the Country at that time made it undesirable to press; but there is now no reason of that sort, for there is every probability of his being as safe here, or even safer, as regards the Fenians, than in London. There are here about Easter, or the middle of April, what are considered the national races of Ireland at Punchestown, about an hour’s journey from Dublin by rail, and it has been considered that if the Prince could be induced [to] remain over for a week or ten days at that time, to show himself at the races, as well as to the people of Dublin, it would have an extremely good effect, and make a renewal publicly of loyalty in the entire country.’ For the Prince’s investiture as a Knight of St Patrick, Abercorn had suggested ‘St Patricks Cathedral, which would have something of a national character. Anything that could draw the Royal Family and the national feelings of Ireland together at the present moment, would be of the greatest advantage ... The presence of the Princess would of course add much to the Prince’s popularity here ... I believe Mayo has been in communication with the Prince during the last day or two.’ He had also written to d twice on the 5th: ‘I find that I was misled that my letter to you in reference to the Prince’s visit should be such as could be shown to the Queen: as the one I wrote yesterday was hardly suitable, I enclose another [see below], in case you should wish to make use of it.’ Abercorn’s second letter stressed that the Prince would ‘be as safe here, or even safer as regards the Fenians, as in London. There has been considerable hope that the Prince might be induced to come over for a week or 10 days, in the beginning of Easter week, during which the National races of Punchestown are held, & which wd. enable the Prince to be seen by large numbers of the County People, in addition to those who wd. have the opportunity of seeing him in Dublin. It is also a Season, when Dublin is, for the moment, full.’ His visit ‘would diffuse a general spirit of loyalty, more especially as the People in the districts around Punchestown are very well disposed, & his reception there wd. be most enthusiastic. As regards Dublin I am confident it wd. not be less so. The Mayor, tho’ a Catholic, is very well disposed, &, with the Corporation, would do everything in his power to do honour to the occasion ... It is with this view that I venture to urge that you shd. ask the Queen’s permission for the Prince to give a week or 10 days to Ireland at that time. Shd. H.M. be pleased not to disapprove of this, I think that it wd. be more suitable if I were allowed to receive H.R.H. in Dublin Castle, wh. is now in a fit state for receptions, than at the Phoenix Park ... I must apologise for troubling you at this moment with these suggestions, but I think it is a subject of such importance to direct the Irish National feeling into direct sentiments of loyalty to the Royal Family (which I am confident can be done) that I have thought it my duty to make them.’ h b/xxi/a/6,7; rac d23 31.

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Mr Disraeli would venture to observe, that during two centuries, the Sovereign has only passed twenty one days in / Ireland.2 If Yr Majesty approved the suggestion, His Royal Highness, from whom a visit of a week is only now contemplated, might make a longer visit later in the year, hunt, for example, in the / Counties of Kildare & Meath, & occupy some suitable residence, about wh: Mr Disraeli 8believes9 there wo[ul]d be no difficulty. This would, in a certain degree, combine the fulfilment of public duty / with pastime, a combination wh: befits a princely life.3

4792

to: CHARLES GREY

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 7 March 1868

original: rac d23 34 editorial comment: Sic: Guiness.

Lt. General | Hon: Chas Grey Grosvenor Gate | Mar: 7. 1868 My dear General, I have conveyed, to the Ld. Lieut. Her Majesty’s sanction of the visit of H.R. Highness to Ireland, at Easter.1

2 George iv had spent three weeks in Ireland in August and September 1821; Victoria and Albert had visited from 2 to 12 August 1849. 3 The Queen on the 7th would write to Grey from Windsor: ‘The Queen has this moment received this letter from Mr. Disraeli. Lord Abercorn’s letter is very proper, & the Queen would have no objection to the P. of Wales’s going. But she entirely objects to the latter part of Mr. Disraeli’s letter, & Genl Grey knows well enough her reasons for doing so. In the 1st place, every other part of the Queen’s dominions – Wales, & the Colonies, even, might set up pretensions for residence, which are out of the question; and this she is most anxious Genl. Grey should fully explain to Mr. Disraeli. And in the P. of W’s case, any encouragement of his constant love of running about, & not keeping at home, or near the Queen, is most earnestly & seriously to be deprecated. But if the Irish behave properly, the Queen could readily send, from time to time, other members of her family (& she particularly wishes the P. of Wales not to be the only one) – for instance, Prince Arthur (who is called Patrick), & Prince & Pss Christian &c &c. But with this understanding – that the expences of these Royal Visits, should be borne by the Govt, who press them constantly (& most annoyingly) on the Queen; & wh. are solely for political purposes. For health & relaxation, no one would go to Ireland, & people only go who have their Estates to attend to. But for health & relaxation thousands go to Scotland. Pray let this question be thoroughly understood, & let the Queen have a Copy of this letter & of Lord Abercorn’s.’ rac d 23 32. For Grey’s reply, see 4792n1. 1 Grey on this day (7th) had written to the Queen that immediately after receiving her letter (see 4791n3) he had gone to Downing Street to read it to d: ‘Having heard it Mr. Disraeli expressed his anxiety in the first place, that Your Majesty should not believe he had been moved by any desire to make political capital or to serve any political purpose, in forwarding Lord Abercorn’s letter, & expressing the opinion which he did. He was activated solely by the wish to make Your Majesty acquainted with the extreme importance attached by the Irish Govt., with a view to the tranquillisation of Ireland (the most difficult &, at the same time, the most important subjects with which Your Majesty’s Govt has at present to deal), to the proposed visit of the Prince of Wales next April. So much importance indeed, does the Irish Govt. attach to it, that if Your Majesty shall be graciously pleased to sanction it, they will find a reason for His Royal Highness’s absenting himself from the races, should Your Majesty wish him not to attend them. But the races themselves, Mr Disraeli said, he had ascertained were perfectly respectable. Lord Drogheda is at the head of the Society which promotes them, & they are considered, in fact, a sort of National Festival. Mr Disraeli had not himself, till he received Ld Abercorn’s letter which he sent to Your Majesty, given much attention to the question of a Royal visit; but he is inclined to believe, with the Irish Govt., that the importance of one cannot be exaggerated.’ rac d23 33. d’s letter to Abercorn has not been found.

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I have, however, spoken with much reserve as to the occasion of the visit, for it appears to me more than doubtful, whether / races, however national, shd. afford that occasion. I have also expressed to the Lord Lieutenant, that a visit of the Heir Apparent to Ireland, & especially as the guest of Her Majesty’s Representative, is an affair of State; & that the permission of Her Majesty to an event of so much importance / must always be obtained before any communication with other persons can be permitted, however exalted their rank. The Lord Chancellor of Ireland, who appears to me to be a man of singular acuteness & judgment, impressed upon me, that there was a very great change in Irish feeling. It had been for some time maturing, but he held that / obtaining verdicts against the seditious press was the turning point; & he, evidently, thought, that it would be most wise to avail ourselves of it by eliciting a very general expression of loyalty to the Throne.2 The Lord Lieutenant is anxious, that His Royal Highness shd. be installed as a Knight of St. Patrick during his visit.3 The / ceremony would take place in the Cathedral, wh:, as you know, has been renovated, at vast expence, by a patriotic citizen of Dublin, Mr Guiness, now the representative of the City, & on whom Her Majesty conferred the honor of a Baronetcy.4 I could give no opinion on this subject until I had taken Her Majesty’s pleasure, which / I would now, thro’ your medium, do: only humbly observing, that an Installation seems to me a much more suitable & stately occasion for a Royal visit, than a

2 Mayo on 3 March had written to d from the Irish office: ‘I had a long talk with the Prince of Wales this Eveng. He is quite willing to go to Ireland at Easter. If you recommend his doing so to the Queen – I told him plainly how important I thought it was. He took it very well and wishes to see you at Marlborough House tomorrow at three. At his request I have telegraphed ... the Lord Lieutenant begging of him to write such a letter to you as you can show to her Majesty. I can assure you that I attach great importance to the announcement of this intimation with as little delay as possible so trust that you will clinch it tomorrow – as far as he is concerned and that you may get the Queens consent on Friday. I told him very frankly that the absence of the Royal Family was very much felt and that just at this moment his visit would be immensely appreciated. I have no doubt that a few words from you will now make it all right.’ h b/xx/ bo/54. 3 See 4791n1. Amidst remarkable splendour and pageantry, unseen ‘in Irish history ... [or] in Anglo-Irish times’, the Prince of Wales would be created kp on 18 April in St Patrick’s Cathedral. The Times (20 Apr 1868). 4 St Patrick’s Cathedral (founded 1191), the largest of Dublin’s two Church of Ireland cathedrals (the other being Christ Church Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop of Dublin), would be designated the National Cathedral of Ireland in 1870. Complete restoration of the derelict building in 1860-5, amounting to £150,000, had been financed and supervised by philanthropist Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (17981868), lld (hon) 1866 University of Dublin, 1st Bt 1867, third son of Arthur Guinness and head of Arthur Guinness & Co (founded 1759). He had taken control of the business in 1839 and by 1855 was the richest man in Ireland. First lord mayor of Dublin 1851 and mp (c) for Dublin City 1865-8, he would die on 19 May 1868 and on 8 August his personalty would be sworn under £1,100,000. His sons Arthur and Edward would take over the brewery. Guinness would attend the Prince of Wales’s installation (see n3).

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Race meeting, however popular in its character, wh: seems to me, at the best, shd. only be an incident / of the visit, & not the cause. Believe me, | My dear General | Yours sincerely, | D.5

4793

to: LORD C AIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff5-6 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 7 March 1868

Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor Mar: 7 1868 My dear Lord Chancellor, Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of the Vice Chancellorship being offered to Mr Giffard, one of Her Majesty’s / Counsel.1

5 Grey on the 8th would reply to d from Windsor with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘I enclose a copy of what I wrote to the Queen [see n1] on returning here yesterday ... In answer to my letter, H.M. says: “If such extreme importance is attached to the P. of Wales’s visit, she will sanction it. She only wishes something more important than Races, could have been found for him to go there”’. Grey would write again later that day a letter marked ‘Private & Confidential’: ‘Since I sent off the box by your Messenger, I have seen the Queen ... [and] was enabled to disabuse Her Majesty of the idea that no one visited Ireland for pleasure ... But what was more important, she received with perfect good humour, my defence of the Irish Govt. for wishing to procure Royal rents, & attaching importance to them that with an impressionable & excitable People like the Irish, & in a country where comparatively little could be done by Legislation – it was most important to show them, if possible, that they were not treated like Her Children, which was their previous idea. And when she said the time was ill-chosen just after all these Fenian attempts & outrages ... she allowed me, without any show of displeasure to give a directly contrary opinion & say that in my opinion it was just the time, when Irish Juries had behaved so well, & proved by their verdicts how little they deserved to be classed generally as disloyal, that confidence should be shown in them by such a visit as that proposed now for the Prince of Wales ... I think it will be very desirable that no opportunity shd be lost of impressing upon Her Majesty the necessity of showing a fair amount of Royal favour to Ireland by visits from different members of Her Family – & that for State, not for Political or Party reasons ... And her acquiescence ... will be much more readily given, if the Govt. will defray the expence of visits undertaken for Public reasons. H.M. dwelt much upon this point ... I must not, however, lead you to suppose that anything of the sort will be unattended with difficulty. She does not like Ireland – has a bad opinion of the People – a horror of the Climate – and ... makes no allowance for Change of Times & Circumstances.’ h b/xix/d/45, 47. Grey on the 8th would write to the Queen: ‘In his first interview with Mr. Disraeli in the morning, when Mr. Disraeli told him he had already written to Your Majesty forwarding a letter from Lord Abercorn, Genl Grey dwelt strongly on Your Majesty’s great objection generally to races ... & upon Your Majesty’s view that something more fitting than such an occasion could have been found, for asking the Prince of Wales to go over. Mr. Disraeli said that he himself really knew nothing whatever of Races – never, in fact, having been in a race course in his life! – that he had never heard of these particular races before &c &c. And it was as the result of enquiries made by him in the meantime, that he said when Genl Grey saw him again he had ascertained them to be quite respectable, & almost as much a National festival in Ireland, as the Derby day, & Ascot Cup day, are festivals in England ... Genl. Grey omitted also to state that he dwelt strongly to Mr. Disraeli, on the impropriety of direct invitations of this nature being sent to the Prince of Wales, before Your Majesty’s pleasure had been taken. In this Mr. Disraeli agreed – but unfortunately it is difficult to prevent the mention of such things prematurely, in the course of conversation’. rac d23 35. 1 See 4789&n5.

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Will you, therefore, have the kindness to communicate 8with him9, & report the result to Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli 2 to: JOHN WALTER

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 7 March [1868]

original: sro [12] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in. Dating: by context; see n1.

4794

Grosvenor Gate | Mar: 7 John Walter Esqr My dear Walter, It must not be this morning, for I have not an instant. I am anxious, myself, to talk to you about your labors, wh: seem to / me to have been admirably performed.1 Tomorrow, after Ch:, if you like, or Monday morning? I hope Mrs Walter is well. Ever yrs | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 7 March 1868

original: rac a37 8 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4795

Mar: 7 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet to day considered the Education Bill, wh: is to be introduced into the House of Lords by the Duke of Marlboro’; & / made progress. It is expected, that another sitting will conclude their labors.1 There are, however, one or two principal provisions in suspense, wh: Mr prevents Mr Disraeli furnishing Yr / Majesty with a precis of the intended measure.

2 Cairns would reply to d on the 9th that he had informed Giffard of the Queen’s approval. He enclosed Giffard’s reply, written that day at Lincoln’s Inn, expressing ‘sincere thanks for the offer of the Office of Vice Chancellor – & can only say that I hope in the discharge of its duties to tread in the steps of my predecessor [Sir William Page Wood] – with equal care & attention – though I fear with far inferior attainments & abilities.’ h b/xx/ca/18, 18a. 1 John Walter, Jr, chief proprietor of The Times, had written to d on this day (7 March 1868) from 40 Upper Grosvenor Street: ‘If you have a few minutes to spare this morning I should be glad to have a chat with you about the Boundary Report.’ h b/xxi/w/115. For Walter’s involvement with the boundary commission, see ix 4448n7, 4449&n1 and 4453. 1 The cabinet had met at 3 pm on this day (7th), Hardy noting on the 8th, ‘Yesterday ... A Cabinet, nothing special.’ There would be cabinet meetings on 14, 21, 24 and 27 March. Hardy Diary 65; The Times (7, 14, 23, 24, 28 Mar 1868). For Marlborough’s education bill, see 4677n4.

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4796

to: SIR SIDNEY DACRES

Downing Street [Saturday] 7 March 1868

original: brn [41] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Sydney.

V. Adml | Sir S.C. Dacres | K.C.B.1 Mar. 7. 1868 Dear Sir Sydney, I hope you will do me the favor of holding, in the new administration, the same post, as you filled in the government of Lord Derby. It will be a source of / satisfaction to me to find that to be the case. faithfully yours | B. Disraeli

4797

to: CHARLES GREY

[London, Sunday] 8 March 1868

original: durg [12] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out.

Private Mar: 8. 1868 Lt Genl | Hon Chas Grey My dear General, The Ld. Lieutenant presses me very hard:1 & I do not feel justified, as the case was left yesterday, to give him any authority to / do anything.

1 Sir Sidney Colpoys Dacres (1805-1884), cb 1855, kcb 1865, gcb 1871, had entered the navy in 1817 and, after serving on numerous vessels, had become commander-in-chief of the Channel Squadron 1863-5 (overseeing the integration of new ironclads into the fleet), vice-admiral 1865 and second naval lord 1866-8. He would be first naval lord 18 December 1868-72, an admiral 1870 and visitor and governor of Greenwich Hospital 1872. 1 See 4791n1 and 4792n2.

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If Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to sanction the Easter Visit, I shd. feel obliged to you, if you 8wd9 let me know.2 Yrs siny. | D. to: CHARLES GREY

original: durg [13] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 9 March 1868

4798

confidential Mar: 9. :68 Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey My dear General, The enclosed was written last night. Your interesting & valuable letter reached me this morning.1 I cannot express to you, how grateful I am to / find in you so wise a friend, & so kind a counsellor. Yours ever | D. to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Monday] 9 March 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 14, omitting the first three paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Punch’stown.

confidential

4799

March 9 1868

2 Grey on the 9th would write to d from Windsor a letter marked ‘Private & Confidential’: ‘I sent your letter [4791n1] up to the Queen the moment I received it, & Her Majesty commands me to say that she entirely approves of every word you say, & that the proposal to confer the order of St. Patrick on the Prince of Wales, with the public installation in the Cathedral is most agreeable to Her. Her Majesty only wishes that this should be announced as the occasion of His Royal Highness’s visit to Ireland at this time, & not the Races. The Queen has herself written to the Prince of Wales to offer him the order – for the Offer could not properly be made to him from anyone else. In communicating therefore on the subject of his visit to Ireland with the Prince of Wales, allusion should be made to that fact, & to Her Majesty having given her sanction to his going to Dublin to be installed. I have written also by this post Privately & Confidentially by H.M’s command to the Lord Lieut: to express Her Majesty’s wish that no encouragement may be given to the idea of a Royal Residence in Ireland – for that must always be quite out of the Question; – but to add that she is anxious to do all she can, notwithstanding the widespread disaffection of certain Classes, to mark her sense of the general loyalty & good disposition of her Irish Subjects, & that she has therefore readily sanctioned the visit of the Prince of Wales at Easter for the purpose of being installed as a Knight of St. Patrick – & will equally sanction, from time to time, visits from other Members of her Family. I have also said that tho’ H.M. does not wish the Races to be given as a reason for the visit, she will not object to H.R.H. attending them, but thinks it very desirable that his presence at them shd be limited to one day. I write in much haste to save the Messenger, & having no help for copying letters of this nature, perhaps you would let me have this back to copy. The Queen desires me to add that She hopes to see you at Buckingham Palace on Thursday next at one oclock.’ h b/ix/d/48. The Queen would write to her son on 9 March with ‘much regret that the occasion chosen should be “Races,” as it naturally strengthens the belief, already far too prevalent, that your chief object is amusement’; ‘Bertie’ would reply on the 11th that he was not going to Ireland ‘at all for my amusement, but as a duty’, and that Mayo and Lord Hamilton were anxious he should attend the races because the crowds ‘would have a better opportunity of seeing me there than at Dublin’. lqv B i 514-15. 1 ‘The enclosed’ may be d’s letter of the 8th (see 4797). For Grey’s letter of this day (9th), see 4797n2.

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Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I missed Saturday’s post, & was very sorry.1 It is quite out of the question now, that any of the patents shd. be delayed for electioneering purposes.2 / And so I have said. Besides, the Kent Election can’t come on until the political situation is settled one way or the other.3 They must fight about the Irish Ch: before Easter, if they do / at all.4 I was very much obliged to you for your hints & counsel. I won’t take any step in a hurry, & without troubling you. The Prince of Wales is to pay a visit to Ireland / at Easter. This affair has given me much trouble. They invited the Prince without the previous consent of Her Majesty, & the occasion, 8chosen9 for eliciting the loyal feeling of Ireland was a princely visit to some / races at a place with the unfortunate title of Punch’stown, or something like it. The Queen did not approve of the occasion, or a State visit agreed to without her authority; & the matter appeared to / me, at one time, more serious, than the Irish Ch:, but with much correspondence, & the loyal assistance of Genl. Grey, whose conduct is really admirable, I think, we have got all right. Ld Abercorn & Mayo are / 8I hope9 pardoned, &, I hope, the Prince; &, if my humble suggestion be adopted, the inauguration of H.R.H., as a Knight of St. Patrick, in the renovated Cathedral, will be an adequate occasion for the Royal Visit, / & a more suitable & stately cause, than a race how[eve]r national.5 Stanley did more than well about Alabama: strengthened the government.6

1 Derby had last written to d on Friday 6 March; see 4784n9. 2 See 4820&n1. 3 At a 2 May by-election, Edward Leigh Pemberton (c) would be elected for e Kent (succeeding new peer Baron Fitzwalter) and would be re-elected at the 21 November general election, holding his seat until 1885, when the constituency would be abolished. 4 There would be lengthy debate on the ‘Established Church (Ireland)’ question on 30 and 31 March and 2 and 3 April. Easter would fall on 12 April. 5 See 4791n1, 4792n3 and 4797&n2. 6 See 4789&n2.

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He gives me daily good accounts of you, wh: are agreeable to | Your devoted, | D.7 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Monday] 9 March 1868

original: rac a37 9 publication history: Blake 491, the second sentence of the fourth paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, seal crossed out and ‘House of Commons’ written in.



4800

House of Commons | Mar 9. 1868

7 Derby on 10 March would reply to d from Knowsley (via amanuensis Barrington) with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I have received from my Four Peers the Titles by which they respectively wish to be called up to the House of Lords – and as you say there is no object in postponing them for any length of time, I enclose them to you, for submission to the Queen, whenever it may be politically convenient that their seats should be vacated. I have placed them in their Order of Precedence in which I should wish them to stand. 1. Sir John Trollope. Lord Kesteven. 2. Sir John Walsh. Lord Ormathwaite. (see Baronetage) 3. Rev. W. O’Neill. Lord O’Neill. 4. Sir Brook Bridges. Lord Baynard of Baynard’s Castle, in the City of London. I presume however that you will not vacate these Seats for a week or ten days at least as they will perfectly understand the reason of the delay. I also enclose a very confidential Memorandum on the subject of applications for Peerages &c. I have taken no notice of some claims, the merits of which you know as well as I do, such as Lord Galway, [Henry] Gerard Sturt, &c. &c. I only name those which, from one cause or another, seem to require your consideration. I see that you have a Thistle vacant, by the death of Lord Rosebery, & you will probably very shortly have two Bishoprics to dispose of, as Winchester seems at the point of death, & Exeter, at 90, is “in a state of health which causes anxiety in his family.” I think you have made a very useful suggestion as to the ostensible motive for the Prince of Wales’s visit to Ireland – which is certainly more suitable to the occasion than the Punchestown races. Whatever be the cause, I am sincerely glad that he is going. You will upon all occasions find Grey most true & straightforward – and, as far as he can continue to be so, very useful in your communications with the Queen, who however does not personally see much of him. Your report of Stanley’s speech gives me great pleasure – and all I have heard leads me to believe that it was thoroughly judicious & will be found practically useful.’ Derby’s memorandum, marked ‘(Very Confidential) as to Peerages &c.’, reads: ‘1. M. of Abercorn’s great ambition is to be made an Irish Duke. As this would be a promotion, not a Creation, it would be no interference with the Act of Union. He points to the example of Kimberley, whose Vice Royalty obtained for him Two steps in the Peerage, and as Vice Roy, he certainly has earned any mark of approval which you can show him. I am afraid however from your letter of this morning, that this would not be a favourable moment for urging his claim – though if the Queen had cordially approved of the Prince’s visit to Ireland, no occasion would be more appropriate than that of his receiving H.R.H. as his Guest. 2. Viscount Gormanston – is desirous of an English Peerage. He is not the wisest of men, but he has the merit of having stood single among the R. Catholic Peers, is the steady supporter of the Conservative Party – His Irish Peerage is a very old one, dating from 1478. I have promised him to bring his case before you, & it is warmly supported by Mayo. 3. Lord Home wishes the title of Douglas revised in favour of his wife; & I presume with remainder to his 2nd son. I do not see that he has any claim to this, though his Mother was the only child of the last Lord Douglas. He is, however the fidus Achates of the Duke of Buccleuch, & might be worth your thinking of for the vacant Thistle. 4. E. Shirley – late Member for Warwickshire. I don’t know that he has any special claim beyond that of steady support of our Party – but he has a very large property both in Warwickshire and Monaghan. 5. Baillie Cochrane is dreadfully disappointed at neither getting Office nor Peerage. I have expressed myself so strongly to the Queen against the system of calling Peerages out of abeyance that I could not advise H.M. to decide that of Wharton in his favour. Au reste, you know his case as well as I do – & I will only say that his promotion would much gratify the Manners family & connection. 6. Lord Normanton – aged 89, is importunate for a British Peerage. It is true that years ago he was a steady supporter of the Tory Party – but we have nothing to thank him for. He lost us South Hants at the last Election by refusing to allow his 2nd son to stand. It remains to be seen what he will do at the next. N.B. Somerton is not to be depended upon. Ravensworth wants an Earldom – [illegible word] Sherborne who says he left the Whigs & that if [he] had remained with them, he should have had it long ago. I say nothing as to Baronetcies, for which you will have abundance of application. The only Man with regard to whom I am at all committed is Smith Child, to whom, upon Taylor’s strong recommendation I certainly held out great hopes soon after we came into Office. But of course nothing which I may have said can be binding upon you.’ h c/i/a/47a,c.

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Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Scotch Reform Bill has been read a second time.1 The difficulties – he will not admit the dangers – will occur on a future stage. But, / still, when a Bill is read a second time, peril seems past. There is a vacancy in the Order of the Thistle by the death of Lord Rosebery.2 Mr Disraeli wishes to take Yr Majesty’s pleasure about it. Yr Majesty is a / much better judge of these matters than himself; &, indeed, there are very few public subjects on wh:, he feels, more & more, every day, Yr Majesty is not much more competent to advise, than to be advised. But, / he believes, if the name of the Duke of Athole be not displeasing to Yr Majesty, the conferring of the Green Ribbon by Yr Majesty on that nobleman, would give very general satisfaction.3

4801

to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 9 March 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/52 publication history: m&b iv 599, omitting the last paragraph; Blake 487, extract editorial comment: C of Ex paper, seal crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

Rt Honble | Secy | Lord Stanley G.G. | Mar 9 1868 Dear S. Will you lend your reception rooms to my wife for a couple of nights or so?1 According to the Whip,2 / there must be some high festivals on a very extensive scale – & she can do nothing with D.S.: it is so dingy & decaying.3 / I hear of nothing but praises of yr Alab: manifesto. It has strengthened the Govt.4 Yrs ever | D.

1 In the House on this day (9th), at second reading of the Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill, mp (l) George Hadfield had moved an amendment (withdrawn) that the bill be read in six months. Hansard cxc cols 1234-69. 2 Archibald John Primrose (1783-1868), 4th Earl of Rosebery 1814, Baron Rosebery 1828, ma 1804 and hon dlc 1819 Cambridge, pc 1831, kt 1840, frs, Whig mp for Helston, Cornwall 1805-6 and Cashel 1806-7, ll of Linlithgowshire 1843-63. Rosebery had died on 4 March. 3 John James Hugh Henry Stewart-Murray (1840-1917), 7th Duke of Athole (or Atholl), Marquess of Tullibardine 1846-64, had added the surname of Stewart in 1865. He would be appointed a Knight of the Thistle on 14 May and would be ll of Perthshire 1878-1917. See 4816&n2 and 4838. 1 Stanley would reply with a note docketed by ma ‘1868 March Lord Stanley’: ‘F.O. M.9. My rooms are yours, whenever you want them: but I doubt their being fit to occupy just yet. The Board of Works will tell you more than I can on that front.’ See 4829&n2. 2 T.E. Taylor, chief Conservative party whip since 1860, would retain the position until November 1868. 3 10 Downing Street was dwarfed by the magnificent new foreign office building nearby (also housing the India, colonial and home offices). d would move into 10 Downing in 1877 and pay for his own private apartments to be refurbished. 4 Stanley’s speech (on the Alabama claims) in the House on 6 March (4789n2) was praised in The Times on this day (9th) and would be lauded in the Moniteur du Soir on 11 March. The Times (9, 12 Mar 1868).

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to: CHARLES GREY

original: durg [14] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 10 March 1868

Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey My dear Genl It seems to have ended, on the whole, satisfactorily. I send you a copy of yr letter, wh: I made myself.1 Yrs ever | D. to: CHARLES GREY

original: durg [15] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4802

G.G. | Mar: 10 1868

Downing Street [Wednesday] 11 March 1868

4803

Quite private Mar 11. 1868 Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey My dear General, I heard, this morning, that the Ld Lt. had forwarded an invitation to H.R.H. Prince Christian & the / Princess. I don’t want to interfere in these matters but for the public good; but I have a strong impression myself, that it would be much wiser, that the visit of / their Royal Hsses, accompanied by Prince Arthur Patrick, shd be reserved for the autumn, & for wh: I shd. be quite ready to supply the funds, than crammed / into the Easter Week, when the presence of the Prince of Wales wd. be too absorbing. I think we ought to husband our royal resources[.]1 Yours sincerely | D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 11 March 1868

4804

Private Mar: 11. 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby K. G. My dear Lord, I received last night your letter, & confid[entia]l mem: for wh: all thanks.1 Colville told me, that the Duke of Athole was, without doubt, the right man for the green ribbon; so I sent in his name, wh: / has been approved.2 No one ap-

1 Along with Grey’s letter to d of 9 March (4797n2) in durg is a copy of that letter in d’s hand. 1 There is no evidence that Prince Christian, Princess Christian and Prince Arthur visited Ireland in 1868. 1 See 4799n7. 2 See 4800n3.

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plied for the decoration, except Lord Lauderdale, & Col: says, he applies for everything.3 Bishoprics, once so much prized, are really graceless patronage now – they bring no power. There are, however, several mitres about / to tumble – some say as many as five – &, therefore, we must try to prepare ourselves.4 I spoke to Barrington hereon, to glean from him what plans & purposes you left behind: but there is no vacancy yet, & vacancies need not be filled up very rapidly, so I / hope, before the crisis comes, you will be quite strong enough for me to trouble you more, than I wish no to do now. I hope Lady Derby is quite well, & I am | Ever yrs | D.5

4805

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons, Wednesday [11 March 1868]

original: rac d23 41 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H of Comm:’ written in. Dating: by context; see n1.

H of Comm: | 1 o’ck. a.m. Wednesday Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Irish Debate introduced by Mr Maguire in a Celtish rant of two hours.1 Later in the evening, Lord Mayo spoke at great / length – in all 3 hours & a half: full of matter, & some parts very able – but he was seized with giddiness in the middle of his speech, & Mr Disraeli was more than afraid, that / he wd. have to sit down, or leave the house witht expressing the measures of the Ministry – but he rallied

3 Thomas Maitland (1803-1878), 11th Earl of Lauderdale 1863, cb 1841, Kt 1843, kcb 1865, gcb 1873, had entered the navy in 1816 and was lieut 1823, commander 1827, captain of the Gunnery School at Portsmouth 1854-7, rear-admiral 1857, commander-in-chief in the Pacific 1860-3, vice-admiral 1863 and a Scottish representative peer (c) 1867-78. He would be promoted admiral on 8 April 1868 and retire in 1873, becoming admiral of the fleet in 1877. 4 Archibald Campbell Tait would become Archbishop of Canterbury on 26 November (on the death of Charles Longley on 27 October 1868); John Jackson, Bishop of London on 4 January 1869 (on the transfer of Tait to Canterbury); Christopher Wordsworth, Bishop of Lincoln on 9 February 1869 (on the transfer of Jackson to London); James Atlay, Bishop of Hereford on 13 May 1868 (on the death of Renn Dickson Hampden on 23 April 1868); and William Connor Magee, Bishop of Peterborough in November 1868 (on the death of Francis Jeune on 20 August 1868). The Times (10 Dec 1868). 5 Derby on the 13th would reply from Knowsley with a letter (in his own hand) marked ‘Private’: ‘Unquestionably the D. of Athole is the right man for the K.T. I had long since decided on giving him the first which fell vacant; and I was misled into the idea that I had already done so by seeing K.G. attached to his name in the Parliamentary Companion. In sending you a list of Candidates for the Peerage a few days ago, I ought to have included the name of Nisbet Hamilton. His social position would just warrant it, but he wants it with remainder to his Daughter, which is of course inadmissible ... PS. This is my first attempt at writing a letter.’ h c/i/a/47b. 1 There had been protracted debate on the ‘State of Ireland’ on the 10th, the House adjourning at 1:15 am on this day (11th). Cork mp (l) John Maguire had moved the appointment of a committee to examine ‘“the condition and circumstances of Ireland,”’ which he depicted in the bleakest terms: agricultural wealth was diminishing, manufactures were being destroyed by English legislation and the Irish, living in continual distress, nursed against England a ‘vengeful feeling born of misgovernment ... transmitted from sire to son.’ Hansard cxc cols 1288-1394, 1459-1549, 1595-1675, 1688-1792 (d 1771-92). Debate would continue on the 12th (4806&nn1-4 and 13th (4807&nn1&2), closing with Maguire withdrawing his motion on the 16th (4821&nn1-3).

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with a great effort, & performed the task.2 The measures announced / seemed to be favorably received.3 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons, Thursday [12 March 1868]

original: rac d23 44 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H. of C.’ written in. Dating: by context; see nn1-4. Sic: Mills schemes’; lossed.

4806

Thursday night | H. of C. Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Debate continued: very animated. Commenced by Mr Horsman in an elaborate / speech, but not successful. In his effort to injure the Ministers for 8proposing to9 granting the a Charter to the R. Cath: University, he greatly offended the R. Cath: Members.1 Speech of the evening by / Mr Lowe, who attacked Mr Mills schemes’ of land confiscation with remarkable verve, & a complete mastery of the subject. He was greatly applauded.2 2 Mayo (n1) had marshalled numerous examples to counter Maguire’s dismal vision of Ireland: the Habeas Corpus Act had been suspended with the unanimous consent of Irish members; Mayo himself, the lord chancellor, the lord justice, the twelve judges of the common law courts and the constabulary were all Irishmen; and, moreover, Maguire had failed to mention the rise in wages, the increase in bank deposits and the diminution of agrarian crime. ‘I mention all these facts with a view of showing how fallacious, how absurd, and how baseless is the statement which is constantly being put forward that Ireland is governed by English rule, in accordance with English system, and in a manner repugnant to the feelings of Natives.’ 3 Mayo (n1) had proposed to institute an inquiry into landlord-tenant relations, to introduce ‘a Bill for the Amendment of the Representation of the People of Ireland’, to ask the Queen to grant a charter to a Roman Catholic university with an all-Catholic governing body and the power to hold examinations, grant degrees and decide ‘the course of studies to be pursued.’ The education question was now in the hands of a commission (eight Catholics, eight Protestants) from which Mayo anticipated ‘the most favourable results.’ 1 In the House on this day (12th), the second night of debate on the ‘State of Ireland’, Horsman, replying to Mayo’s speech of the 10th (see 4805&nn2&3), had accused him of substituting for an Irish policy ‘three hours of statistics’. The Catholic University of Ireland had been founded, he claimed, ‘avowedly and ostentatiously for the destruction of the Queen’s Colleges’ and ‘the propagation of Ultramontane doctrines in politics and religion’, and Cardinal Cullen had come from Rome to Ireland ‘with the avowed intention of destroying these Colleges.’ Only ‘by uniting all creeds and classes in Ireland in one great system of unsectarian education’, he concluded, could Ireland be governed without coercion. Hansard cxc cols 1459-1549. 2 In England and Ireland, published in February 1868, Mill had outlined a radical scheme calling for a parliamentary commission to assess the rental value of land held by tenants in Ireland in order to determine a tenant’s annual rent, which sum would be guaranteed to the landlord by the state. Moreover, ‘every farm not farmed by the proprietor would become the permanent holding of the existing tenant, who would pay either to the landlord or to the State the fixed rent which had been decided upon’ (p 37). Mill’s 44-page pamphlet had been lambasted in The Times on 20 February. Lowe (n1), quoting from the pamphlet, had said that the population of Ireland was divided ‘“between those who wish success to Fenianism and those who, though disapproving its means, and perhaps its ends, sympathize in its embittered feeling.” ... can there be anything more calculated to mislead our judgment!’ He suggested that one remedy to Ireland’s condition would be to give Irish working classes an alternative to land cultivation by throwing capital into the country ‘with which manufactures could be established.’ According to Mill’s plan, landlords ‘would be wiped out completely’ and replaced by the British government: ‘The scheme is impossible. The State must of necessity be a hard, unyielding landlord’.

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The / philosopher, later in the evening, replied, & at l great length – but too minutely & too technically. He quite lossed the House[.]3 Mr. Hardy concluded the debate in a clear, straightforward & vigorous speech: & not devoid of tact.4

4807

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[House of Commons] Friday 13 March 1868

original: rac d23 45 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out.

Friday night | Mar: 13. 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Irish Debate continued: feature of the evening speech of Mr Bright: great effort, not merely / distinguished by vigor & versatility, but adroit conciliation & most seductively temperate. It produced a great effect.1 Sir Stafford Northcote, however, who had the disadvantage / of following, nevertheless held his own, & spoke with unusual emphasis & expression.2

4808

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff7-8 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential

Downing Street [Friday] 13 March 1868

Mar: 13 1868

3 Mill (n1) had recapitulated what England had done for Ireland and then defended his pamphlet (see n2) against various objections (including Lowe’s), among them that substituting the government in place of proprietors would lead to ‘great difficulties’, that many holdings were too small and ‘that in Ireland lands held on long leases are always the worst farmed’. He had closed by refuting Mayo’s assertion that ‘peasant proprietorship’ was undesirable because it did not prevent revolution or obviate famine and led ‘to great indebtedness on the part of the holders.’ 4 Hardy (n1) had condemned the resolution for the disestablishment of the Irish Church as ‘a piece of political baseness and cowardice unequalled in the annals of the world’. 1 In the House on this day (13th), the third night of debate on the ‘State of Ireland’ (see 4805&n1), Bright had proposed that Parliament lend money to those landlords agreeing ‘to establish a portion of the tenant-farmers of Ireland as proprietors of their farms’, thus creating ‘a steady class of moderate proprietors, who will form a class intermediate between the great owners of land and those who are absolutely landless’; this, he said, would stimulate industry and create ‘great wealth’. Regarding the Irish Church question, Bright thought Mayo’s proposition (see 4805n3) ‘grotesque and imbecile’ and ‘very dishonest ... Now, does anybody believe that a Catholic University in Ireland could have the smallest effect upon Fenianism, or upon the disloyalty, discontent, and dissatisfaction of which Fenianism is the latest and the most terrible expression?’ After proposing that Parliament leave Established Church congregations in possession of their churches and parsonages if they were willing to keep them in repair, Bright ended by calling for ‘mutual and reasonable concession’ and ‘moderation and justice ... We are after all, I believe, of one religion.’ Hansard cxc cols 1595-1675. 2 Northcote (n1) had cautioned conciliation and self-restraint in dealing with a troubled Ireland, whose present condition had been brought about ‘by a long course of unjust treatment’. The cardinal principle of the government’s Irish policy was ‘justice’, which could never be accomplished ‘by treating the landlords as unjust men and oppressors of the tenantry, or by treating the Church as a body which we only wish to get rid of’. To Lowe’s claim that Church land was national property, Northcote countered that the land had been in the Church’s hands for generations and that he was against ‘a policy of confiscation’.

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Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Lord Chancellor, In my audience yesterday,1 I spoke very fully to H.M. on the matter of the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill.2 She fully comprehends the subject, & / approves of our course, because, as she observed, she would now be able to control, if necessary, the Scotch Bishops, whose assumption of titles, she seemed to deem quite as offensive, as that of the Papists. I shall bring the / matter now finally before the Cabinet on Saturday,3 but thought, that it wd. be better to send you this line, in the interval, as you may consider the Queen’s remark as to the Scotch Bishops. I conclude it is a just one; but I told H. / M. that I wd. consult you upon it. I shd. like the Bill to be introduced in the Ho: of Lds. by yourself, if you have no objection. It wd. please the Queen.4 Yrs ever, | D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 13 March 1868

4809

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Mar: 13 1868 My dear Lord, I hear, from some authority, that Gladstone & his friends have finally resolved to move the entire disendowment of the Irish Ch: reserving rights / of existing incumbents.1 Yrs ever, | D. to: SIR MICHAEL HICKS BEACH

Downing Street [Friday] 13 March 1868

original: gls d2455 pcc 75 [12] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private

4810

Mar: 13 1868

1 Grey on the 9th had informed d that the Queen would expect him at Buckingham Palace on the 12th at 1 pm; see 4797n2. At 3 pm that day the ds would attend the Queen’s drawing room. The Times (13 Mar 1868). 2 In the House on 20 February, Irish mp Edward McEvoy had introduced a bill to repeal the Ecclesiastical Titles Act 1851 (see v index and ix 4166n3 and 4238n7). It had been reported on 5 March that the government would assent to a second reading ‘on the understanding that amendments are to be introduced in committee, the effect of which will be to place the Prelates of the Roman Catholic Church in the United Kingdom on the same footing as to the recognition by the State of their dignities and titles as the Catholic Hierarchy of Canada and of other British colonies. This compromise will be violently opposed by the Ulster members, who will take the sense of the House on the second reading.’ Hansard cxc cols 992-4; The Times (5 Mar 1868). See 4822&nn2&3. 3 See 4813&n1. 4 See 4815&n3. 1 See 4835n1.

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Sir Michael Beach | Bart: M.P. Dear Sir Michael, The office of Secy. to the Poor Law Board is now vacant.1 It is an important post, for its holder will have to / represent, in the House of Commons, a very active department of the State. From what I have observed of you, I believe you could do justice to its duties; &, therefore, if / agreeable to you, I will request you to accept the place. Altho’ it has been vacant for some little time, it has only, in fact, been offered to one other person: the delay has been occasioned by peculiar / reasons, known only to myself.2 Believe me, | dear Sir Michael, | Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli3

4811

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 14 March 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Mar: 14 1868 My dear Lord, I opened business at the Cabinet this afternoon by an announcement, that I had received a letter from you in your own / hand – & wh: seemed as firm as the familiar character, wh: had, so often, guided, & instructed, us. All were much pleased.1 I hear, that Gladstone has been rebuffed by some of his friends, as to his disendowment / scheme, & is in a furious rage. A dinner to Brand is impending,2 wh is to be the reconciliation of the party – tho’ why a dinner shd. reconcile the party, I don’t clearly see. / They have something harder to digest, before they are again united. Yours ever | D.

4812

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 14 March 1868

original: rac d23 46 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.



March 14 1868

1 Poor law board secretary George Sclater-Booth had been appointed financial secretary of the treasury, replacing George Ward Hunt, now chancellor of the exchequer. 2 Lord Eustace Cecil had turned down d’s offer of the position; see 4775n4. 3 Hicks Beach on this day (13th) would reply that he was ‘happy to accept the office of Secy to the Poor Law Board – and will, to the best of my power, endeavour to fulfil the duties connected with it, that you may not have cause to repent of the appointment.’ h b/ix/f/57. The Times would report his acceptance on the 14th. 1 For Derby’s letter, see 4804n5. For the cabinet, see 4813&n1. 2 Henry Brand, mp for Lewes until November 1868, when he would become mp for Cambridgeshire, had been senior Liberal whip 1866-8. A dinner would be given on the 28th at Willis’s Rooms to present Brand ‘with a testimonial subscribed for by upwards of 300 members of the House of Commons, in recognition of his services as patronage secretary, or, as his office is more particularly known, the “whip” of the Liberal party.’ On that day Gladstone would record: ‘Took the Chair at the Brand Dinner: which was a very enthusiastic celebration.’ mp (30 Mar 1868); Gladstone Diaries vi 587.

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Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: It would seem now to be agreed, that the peace & contentment of Ireland may be favored, perhaps even secured, by members of the Royal Family, / from time to time, paying visits to that country. In this view, great good is expected from the impending visit of the Prince of Wales. But is it not worth Yr Majestys gracious consideration, whether / that good might not be doubled, if His Royal Highness were accompanied by the Princess? Would it not add to the grace, & even gravity, of the event? Mr Disraeli humbly wishes / to assure Yr Majesty, that he has not breathed this suggestion to any human being.1 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 14 March 1868

original: rac d1 61 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4813

Mar: 14 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Lord Chancellor introduced to the Cabinet to day, the short bill, wh: he recommends to anticipate / the unqualified repeal of the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill Act of 1851, wh: is to be brought forward next Wednesday in the House of Commons, & wh: was read a second time last / Session. 8& then dropped from want of time.91 The Bill is to be submitted to the Three ArchBishops.2 The Ld. Chancellor has specifically inserted the names of the Scotch Bishops in the Bill as / Yr Majesty suggested.3

1 The Queen on this day (14th) would reply from Windsor ‘to Mr. Disraeli’s letter recd. this evg:. If the Prcss. of Wales cd have gone to Ireland she wd certainly have accompanied the Pc. of Wales, but her poor leg is still quite stiff & requires much rest & care – so that it wd be impossible for her to undertake this Journey.’ Alexandra, Princess of Wales, would accompany the Prince, who would write to the Queen on 18 April from Dublin Castle that ‘dear Alix is not at all the worse for all the fatigues she has had to go through’. h b/xix/a/32; lqv B i 522. See 4874&nn1&4. 1 The cabinet had met on this day (14th) at 3 pm. The Times (14 Mar 1868). Second reading of the Ecclesiastical Repeal Bill 1851 had been deferred on 14 May 1867 and the bill withdrawn on 22 July. See 4808&n2. 2 Richard Chenevix Trench, Archbishop of Dublin 1864-84; William Thomson, Archbishop of York 186290; and Charles Longley, Archbishop of Canterbury since 1862, who would die of bronchitis on 27 October 1868. 3 Robert Eden (1804-1886), Scottish Episcopal bishop of Moray, Ross, and Caithness 1851-86; Alexander Penrose Forbes (1817-1875), Scottish Episcopal bishop of Brechin 1847-75; Thomas George Suther (1814–1883), Scottish Episcopal bishop of Aberdeen 1857–65 and of Aberdeen and Orkney 1865-83; Charles Hughes Terrot (1790-1872), Scottish Episcopal bishop of Edinburgh 1841-72; William Scot Wilson (1806–1888), Scottish Anglican bishop of Glasgow and Galloway 1859-88; Charles Wordsworth (18061892), Scottish Episcopal bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld, and Dunblane 1853-92.

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The Lord Chancellor is to introduce the Bill himself in the House of Lords.4

4814

to: CHARLES GREY

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 15 March 1868

original: durg [16] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Gror Gate’ written in.

secret Gror Gate | March 15 1868 Lt Genl | Hon Chas Grey My dear General, I thought it best to write at once to Her Majesty, before I communicated with any one else; but, I fear, that was an error. I received, witht delay, / a most gracious reply, agreeing entirely with what I urged, but saying, that it was impossible, from Her Royal Highness’ state of health.1 Unless, therefore, you can arrange, that some intimation shd. be made to / H. Majesty that of the readiness of the Princess, the affair must stop, as I can hardly make another move.2 Ever, | D.

4815

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff9-10 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 16 March 1868

Confidential Mar: 16 1868 Rt Honble | The Ld Chancellor My dear Ld Chancr, The Queen desires me to tell you, that in the statement wh: you make on the Eccles: Titles Bill1 “it will be very necessary to take especial / care, that our object is not

4 Grey would reply from Windsor on the 15th with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘The Queen commands me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, on the subject of the Ecclesiastical Titles Repeal Bill. In touching on this subject at all, it will be very necessary, in Her Majesty’s opinion, to take especial care that the object in doing so is not misunderstood, as there is some danger of its being. If it should be construed as the concession of the Roman Catholic Bishops, of a right to assume titles without the Queen’s sanction, it would be very unfortunate. This, therefore, should be most carefully guarded against; – & Her Majesty requires to hear that her suggestion of including the Scotch Episcopalian Bishops in any measure to be proposed on the subject, has been adopted; for this, she thinks, will make Legislation easier with respect to the R. Catholic Bishops. In fact the Scotch Episcopalian Bishops stand in precisely the same position towards the Established Church in Scotland, that the Roman Catholic Bishops do towards the Established Church in the three Kingdoms.’ h b/xix/d/49. 1 For d’s letter to the Queen and her reply, see 4812&n1. 2 Grey would reply on the 16th from Windsor with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I dont think you need regret in any way having written to the Queen on the subject of the Pss: accompanying the P. of W. on his visit to Ireland. What you tell me of H.M’s answer – of her concurrence in your reasons for urging the visit of the Princess &c – is most satisfactory. It is a wonderful advance in the right direction, from a former answer when the “pretensions” of Ireland to Royal favour were put very low ... I retain my hope that the Pss will herself urge the Prince to obtain H.M’s sanction to her accompanying him.’ h b/xix/d/50. 1 See 4808&nn2&4.

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misunderstood; it must not be construed as a concession to the R. Cath: Bishops of a right to assume titles witht. H. Majesty’s sanction”[.] “This shd. be carefully guarded / against.” And the Queen “requires to hear, that her suggestion of including the Scotch Episcopalian Bishops, in any measure to be prepared on the subject, has been adopted, for this, she thinks, will make legisl[ati]on / easier with respect to the R. Cath: Bish:” “In fact, the S. Epis: Bish: stand in precisely the same position towards the established Ch: in Scotland, that the R. Cath: Bish: do towards the estab: Ch: in the 3 kingdoms”[.]2        I commend all this to your acute discretion, in wh: I have perfect confidence.3 Yrs, | D to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 16 March 1868

original: rac d1 63 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

4816

Mar: 16 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He wrote to the Ld Chancellor this morning, in order, that there shd be no possibility of a misconception on the subject of Yr Majesty’s letter / of last night: & he encloses a reply just received from the Ho: of Lords.1 Mr Disraeli has received from the Duke of Athole an expression of his gratitude to Yr / Majesty, for the great distinction, wh: Yr Majesty has been graciously pleased to confer on him.2

2 d quotes from Grey’s letter to d of 15 March; see 4813n4. 3 Cairns would reply from the Lords on this day (16th) with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘The Bill on the subject of Ecclesiastical Titles of wh[ich] the Cabinet have approved will contain a recital of the invalidity of the Assumption by the Prelates of any Church of a Territorial Title, otherwise than by Her Majesty’s authority & according to the Law of the realm. And there will be a clause giving to the Roman Catholic Prelates, & to the Scottish Episcopal Church Prelates, permission to describe themselves, when description is necessary, as “Right Revd A.B. Exercising the Functions of a Bishop of the Roman Catholic [or Scott. Episc.] Church among the members of the said Church in .......” I am deeply impressed with the necessity of making it clear, both in the Bill, & in Statement, that the object is to put the question on a proper footing as regards all Churches other than the Established Ch:, & to withdraw it, as far as we can from the arena of Protestant & R. Cathc. Conflict.’ h b/xx/ca/19. 1 See 4813n4 and 4815&n3. 2 See 4800n3. Athole had written to d on the 14th from Blair Castle, Blair Athole, ‘much gratified by the honour The Queen has done me ... and I also beg to return you my best thanks for your kind recommendation of my name to Her Majesty.’ h c/vii/1b.

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4817

to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 16 March 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/53 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G. Gate’ written in. Endorsed in another hand on the fourth page: ‘Mr Disraeli March 16. 1868. Naturalization Why not telegraph answer to Thornton. Lord A. Loftus’ Letter Remarks on’. Sic: Bismark.

Private Secy | Lord Stanley G. Gate | Mar: 16 1868 Dear S. Why not telegraph your despatch to Thornton, & let him & Seward provide for the point?1 They telegraphed / to U.S. the whole of yr Alabama speech.2 I don’t like losing the golden opportunity. Yrs ever | D / Our friend’s Plutarchian parallel betn. his own character & that of Bismark amused me.3

4818

to: SIR JOHN THWAITES

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 16 March [1868]

original: h b/xiii/2b editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G.G.’ Written in. Recipient: the reply (see n4) is docketed by Corry: ‘16. Mar. 1868 Sir John Thwaites Noise in Park Lane opposite Grosr. Gate.’

G.G. | Mar: 16 Will you1 see Ld. J. Manners,2 or his office, immediately – & say, that I am half killed by the workmen in Park Lane commencing their most noisy work / under my bed room windows every day at 6 o’ck: I have not half sleep enough.3 I saw the clerk of the works on Friday, & spoke to him on this, & he promised that the grievance / shd be remedied.

1 Edward Thornton had been minister at Washington since September 1867 and William Seward the American secretary of state since 1861. The ‘point’ appears to relate to the Naturalization Commission (see ec) mentioned by d in 4867. 2 For Stanley’s speech of 6 March on the Alabama question, see 4789n2. A report from Philadelphia on 10 March had stated: ‘The press agents attempted to send the full report of it [the speech] from The Times of the 7th, through the Atlantic cable, but after sending some 3,000 words the wires broke down, and for the remainder recourse had to be had to a summary previously received.’ The Times (24 Mar 1868). 3 Lord Augustus Loftus (see ec), perhaps in a letter to Stanley (not found), had compared himself to North German Confederation chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Greek historian Plutarch’s Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans (also called Parallel Lives) is a series of biographies (written in pairs: one Greek and one Roman) of famous men. 1 Sir John Thwaites (1815-1870), Kt 1865, a woollen drapery merchant in Southwark, a jp for Surrey and jp and dl for Middlesex, was a Strict and Particular Baptist much devoted to municipal affairs. As first chairman of the metropolitan board of works 1855-70, he would see it carry through the main sewage and drainage schemes for London and the construction of the Victoria Embankment (opened 13 July 1870, a few weeks before his death). 2 Manners would remain commissioner of works until December 1868. 3 William Lyon on this day (16th) wrote to the editor of The Times that ‘Wednesday, the 18th inst., is the day appointed for a new 20-ton steam roller to commence operations on the newly-made road in Park-lane.’ The Times (17 Mar 1868).

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Nevertheless, this morning it began again, it destroys one’s nervous system – this want of rest. It must be stopped: whe[th]er Bd. of Wks or Metrop: / Board – they must not begin until 8 or 1/2 pt und 9 under my windows. Ld. J.M. is about the place every day on horseback, & therefore I suppose all is under his contract.4 D. to: HENRY MANNING

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 16 March 1868

original: mann [6] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in.

4819

confidential Grosr Gate | March 16 1868 His Grace | The ArchBp of Westminster My dear Lord, Thank you for your letters.1 The morning after his statement in the House of Commons, Ld. Mayo2 communicated with the two Prelates you mention,3 & invited them [pages missing] 4 John Pollard on this day (16th) would write from Spring Gardens (the metropolitan board of works headquarters) a letter marked ‘Private’ to an unknown recipient (most likely Corry or d): ‘The Chairman [see n1] desires me to say that he has given special instruction to the Engineers to carry out as soon as possible the wishes of Mr Disraeli with reference to the works now in progress in Park Lane.’ h b/xiii/2a. 1 Manning had written to d at great length on 15 March: ‘I hope in the course of tomorrow to send you an authentic correction of Mr Horsmans mischievous errors [in his 12 March speech; see 4806n1]: but I send at once a statement which may be entirely depended on. Mr Horsman said I. That the laity received the National Board with gratitude, & have developed its operations in spite of the Priests, from 100,000 to 900,000 children in schools. 1) It was not received with gratitude by the laity: both Catholics & Protestants mistrusted, but submitted to it, because they had no alternative. 2) It was accepted by the Bishops & Clergy of every Diocese, except one (or possibly two) ... II. Mr Horsman stated 1. That the Queens Colleges were invoked by the laity. 2. That Archbp Murray fully approved them. 3. That his successor Archbp Cullen was cause & leader of their condemnation. 4 That the Synod of Thurles under his lead condemned them by a bare majority of one. 5 That the Bishops excommunicated, & refused sacraments to the Parents who should send their Sons to those colleges. 6. That never the less the laity have defied the Bishops and that the Colleges have prospered. Every several proposition here is false, and some seem to me simply intended for mischief. 1. The laity asked for “higher education.” ... 2. Archbishop Murray ... in person proposed to the Synod the condemnation of the Queens Colleges, which was carried ... 3. The “majority of one” was not on this condemnation, but on the point whether or no Priests should be forbidden to teach in them under pain of censure. 4. No censure at all, much less refusal of Sacraments or excommunication, has ever been proposed on the laity in this subject ... 5. The prosperity of the Queens Colleges is a matter of opinion. We believe them to be signal indexes of the failure which must invite every attempt to force education without religion upon Catholic people ... To me the most offensive part of Mr Horsmans speech was the pretence that “the Catholic laity desire to be protected from their own Bishops.” ... So long as the Catholic laity of Ireland are united to their Pastors England will be able to deal with both as with a part of the United Kingdoms ... Why not try at least to make Ireland like the Rhenish provinces, a happy & prosperous Catholic country?’ On this day (16th), he had written to d that ‘A single page 65 of the Pamphlet [not found] I leave with this note will suffice in answer to Mr Horsman ... If Government can content the Irish Bishops, they will not hinder the passing of the Charter. If they oppose the endowment, I hope the Charter will still be given. May I suggest that it would be both important & grateful to the Irish if the Archbp of Cashel, & the Bishop of Clonfert were to come over & discuss the details?’ h b/xxi/m/171-2. 2 See 4805nn2&3. 3 Patrick Leahy, Archbishop of Cashel 1857-75, and John Derry (1811-1870), Bishop of Clonfert 1847-70. See 4980&n1.

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4820

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 17 March 1868

original: rac a37 10 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Mar: 17 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: In obedience to Yr Majesty’s commands, he forwards the names & descriptions of the four gentlemen, to whom Yr Majesty, under the / advice of his predecessor, has graciously conferred the honor of a peerage: 1. The Right Honorable Sir John Trollope Bart: of 1642. Title Lord Kesteven. / 2. Sir John Benn Walsh Bart: Ld Lieut: of Radnor Sh. Title Lord Ormathwaite 3 Sir Brook Bridges Bart of 1718 Title Lord Baynard of Baynards Castle, in the City of London. These three Gentlemen are members of the present Ho: of Comm. / 4. The Rev W. O’Neill Title Lord O’Neill. This gentleman is the representative of the O’Neill family, & inherited the whole of the vast estates of the late Earl O’Neill in the North of Ireland. / Mr Disraeli would also take Yr Majestys pleasure as to the time when Yr Majesty would desire, that these titles shd. be prepared & gazetted.1

4821

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons, Tuesday [17 March 1868]

original: rac d23 47 publication history: lqv B i 516 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm.’ written in. Docketed in another hand on the first page: ‘17. March./68’ Dating: by docketing and context; see nn1-3.

Ho: of Comm. | Tuesday morning | 2 o’ck: a.m. Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Debate closed: a great night: Mr Gladstone / announced his intention of bringing forward a motion for the abolition of the Irish Ch:1 Mr Disraeli replied: he /

1 The London Gazette on 14 April would report that on 11 April the Queen had been ‘pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignity of a Baron of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland’ to Sir John Trollope (Baron Kesteven), Sir John Walsh (Baron Ormathwaite), Sir Brook Bridges (Baron Fitzwalter) and William O’Neill (Baron O’Neill). The Times (15 Apr 1868). 1 On 16 March, the fourth and final night of debate on the ‘State of Ireland’ (see 4805&n1), the House had adjourned on this day (17th) at 2 am. Rising at 10 pm, Gladstone had opened by calling the Established Church of Ireland ‘an insult to every Roman Catholic’ and went on to criticize Mayo’s proposal that, in establishing a Catholic University, ‘a vigorous lay element was to be joined with clerical superintendence’. He quoted from A Statement on the University Question, by the bishops of Cashel and Clonfert, according to which bishops would have ‘“the right of authoritative supervision”’ in university education, including ‘“intervening in the selection of teachers ... [and] examining, and, if expedient, of rejecting books”’. He criticized the government for not having submitted its scheme to the two prelates. He reiterated his view that the Irish Church, ‘as a State Church, must cease to exist’, that it was the last refuge of a ‘spiritual ascendancy’ that must be expelled, and recommended that John Maguire withdraw his motion.

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said it was too grave a question to be decided witht. the opinion of the nation being taken.2 The Opposition, who had always been in / power, had not prepared the 8mind of the9 country for a social revolution – for it involved the whole question of Ecclesl. endowment.3 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 17 March 1868

original: rac d1 65 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4822

March 17 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: An important circumstance has happened with respect to the Eccles: Titles Act.1 An independent Peer, Lord Stanhope, has announced / his intention to move for a Committee in the House of Lords on the subject, of wh: several of the most eminent prelates have consented to be members.2 After consultation, the Lord Chancellor & myself / have, therefore, determined not to move in the matter – at least not at present – as the Committee of the Lords will be a sufficient reason to allege in the Commons against Mr McEvoys mischievous motion for / unconditional repeal, wh: comes on tomorrow.3 Altogether this is a gratifying incident, as it was a delicate matter for Yr Majesty’s Govt to touch, & they were only justified in doing so to prevent greater evil.

According to Hardy, Gladstone’s speech ‘in parts was extravagantly violent. Disraeli replied skilfully & with much humour in parts.’ Hansard cxc cols 1688-1792 (d 1771-92); Hardy Diary 66. 2 d (n1) had said Gladstone had ‘made inaccuracy of statement and fallacy of argument the basis of virulent invective against ... the Roman Catholic clergy of Ireland.’ He appealed to the House as ‘representatives of a nation’ and denied their ‘moral competence to come to a decision’ on what Gladstone ‘is prepared practically to carry out ... without an appeal to the nation ... Why, look at what you are doing. You are asked to take a course to-night which will effect a revolution in this country.’ After defending at length the principle of ecclesiastical endowments (see n3), d closed by reiterating that the government was prepared to request a charter for a Roman Catholic University and introduce a reform bill for Ireland. Maguire then withdrew his motion. 3 d echoes Hardy’s comments at 4806n4. mp (c) George Gregory (n1) had listed the complaints of Roman Catholics opposed to the Church Establishment. ‘That religious endowments, originally intended for the use of the whole community, were now applied exclusively to the use of a small section of it; that the masses deprived of these emoluments were the poorest, while the minority in the enjoyment of them was the richest portion of the population; that the Bishops of this minority were Peers of Parliament performing legislative and even executive functions, whereas the Bishops of the majority were not allowed even to take the title of their sees.’ They considered these injustices ‘pains and penalties imposed on account of their religion, as a badge of conquest and ascendancy, as keeping up a constant sore and irritation in Ireland’. Hansard cxc cols 1714-15. 1 See 4808&nn1&4 and 4815&n3. 2 In the Lords on 26 March Stanhope would move a select committee to inquire into the operation of the laws relating to the assumption of ecclesiastical titles in Great Britain and Ireland, ‘“and whether any and what Alteration should be made therein.”’ On the 30th a 15-member committee would be appointed that would include Stanhope, the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of London and Oxford. Hansard cxci cols 239-55. 3 McEvoy’s motion (see 4808n2) would not be discussed in the House on 18 March. Hansard cxc cols 183172. See 4927n1. The Ecclesiastical Titles Act 1851 would be repealed under Gladstone by the Ecclesiastical Titles Act 1871.

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4823

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 18 March [1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/388 cover: ‘Private The Right Hon: Benjamin D’Israeli.’ Endorsed by Stanley: ‘(Enclosed in G. Russell’s letter.) S’ editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed in Stanley’s hand: ‘Mr. Disraeli March 18. 1868. Letter from Lord Houghton congratulating him on his becoming Premier.’ Dating: by endorsement and context; see n1.

Mar: 18 The letter you forwarded to me was from Dicky. If you have time, read it; its very characteristic.1 No one ever quitted me in a more sneaking, & cheapening, 8manner9. His ideal / history of the transaction is very amusing.2 D.

4824

to: LORD CARRINGTON

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 18 March 1868

original: carr [29] editorial comment: 11 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in. Sic: Carington.



Grosvenor Gate | Mar: 18 1868

1 Richard (‘Dicky’) Monckton Milnes, Lord Houghton, had written to d on 12 March from Rome: ‘The days of our familiar intercourse lie so far away. But I hardly know whether personal interest must justify me in writing to you on the event which, after all, is only the natural sequence of your political work, did I not feel such earnest satisfaction in the recognition of your ... industrious mental power ... But there is assuredly a tendency in the English mind to dislike & distrust original individuality as such and to do its worst to limit the scope and effect of the talents it does not entirely comprehend. When therefore genius makes its own way in public life, there is a good beyond the momentary gain & a true national advantage. Having never doubted from the times when we sat together some thirty years ago, that with fair chances of health and circumstance, you would be where you are now, it has frequently crossed my mind whether I should not have done well to have followed your fortunes, as my personal inclinations must well have led me to do and to which course I remember you showed me much generous good will. But, taking any talents I may have at their best, I do not think they would have served your purpose, and I fancy you would have been more troubled with my scruples and crotchets than satisfied with any intellectual use you would have made of me. I am not destitute of political faculty nor of observation of the minds & meanings of other men, but I have a continual desire to see something both in men and circumstances which I do not find, and which, while perhaps it is accompanied with some lofty perceptions and new presciences, takes from its very heights, an obscurity and cloudiness that damages its practical utility ... I will ask you to express to Mrs D’Israeli my sincere congratulation at the recovered health which has enabled her to witness & partake of what must be to her so complete a happiness. Hoping to be in England soon after Easter.’ h b/xxi/h/682. 2 Having been caricatured as Mr Vavasour in Tancred (1847), Milnes retaliated with a damning review of d’s novel in the Edinburgh Review (July 1847), to which Milnes’s son, the Marquess of Crewe, attributed d’s manifest dislike of his father. See Blake 206-8.

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Hon: | Charles Carington My dearest Charles,1 I was about to call on him! & had reproached myself for having neglected doing so, several days. He was a man of tender affections: & there / never was a father with a more gushing heart. I really loved him. I will say no more now: all my sympathy is under yr roof! Time & divine thoughts alone can bring / solace. If I can be of any use, command now, & for ever, Your friend, | D. to: SIR ANTHONY DE ROTHSCHILD

Downing Street [Thursday] 19 March 1868

4825

original: roth bk ii 3-6 publication history: m&b v 19, omitting the last sentence editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Sir Anthony de Rothschild | Bart: Mar: 19 1868 My dear Sir Anthony, You sent me some good stuff to keep up my spirits in the great battles at hand: so, if I / beat my enemies, the “great liberal party” will owe their discomfiture to your Burgundy! Would you like to be Lord Lieutenant of the County? If so, / you must return me, at least, six members. Thats the quota for such a distinction.1 My love to your wife. Yours sincerely, | D. to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Thursday] 19 March 1868

original: rac d23 51 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4826

Secret. Mar: 19 1868 Lt Genl | Hon Chas Grey My dear General, I received yr box last night, & lose not a moment in replying to it, because I observe,

1 Charles Carrington (now 3rd Baron) – whose father (2nd Baron), ll of Bucks, had died on 17 March – had written to d on this day (18th): ‘Knowing & liking my dear father as you did, I feel what a blow this dreadful calamity with which it has pleased God to visit us, will be to you. He was very tolerably well yesterday, & my poor mother went for an hours drive. I came back from an escort duty, & was told he was failing, & rushed up stairs, and he died in my arms ... It is a sudden and awful blow, which I can as yet hardly realize. My poor mother is literally broken-hearted, but bears up as she alone can. Thankfully he was spared all pain & sank back as though going to sleep.’ The Times (18 Mar 1868); h b/xxi/c/88. See 4840&n1. 1 On 3 April the Duke of Buckingham would succeed Lord Carrington (see 4824&n1) as ll of Bucks. The Times (6 Apr 1868).

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that Her Majesty is labouring under a misapprehension of / my meaning in the Debate of Monday, wh: may cause Her Majesty unnecessary anxiety.1 My remarks2 did not at all mean to imply, that a hostile vote would lead either to the dissolution of the Ministry, / or, with Her Majesty’s sanction, to a dissolution of Parliamt. They are both events very distant from my thought. But I wished to lay down the ground on wh:, in the event of Mr Gladstone’s being successful, Her Majesty’s / the Government could consistently, & constitutionally, decline to act upon it 8his motion.9 Mr Gladstone would then be obliged to make another move, in wh:, there is reason to believe, he wd. be unsuccessful. But I will not pursue these contingencies, except to say, / that, I think, I have calculated, & contemplated, all that can happen. Now as to the immediate 8effect9 of the position I assumed (as to the opinion of the country being ultimately required on such a question,) on the state of parties. It has, entirely gathered / together every element of Conservative strength in the House of Commons. There was much difference of opinion in our ranks previously: some for no surrender, some for compromise – of various kinds; but all have, / even enthusiastically, joined on the common ground, that the main question must be ultimately relegated to the Hustings. I can answer now for more than 300 men acting with me in this struggle with unswerving unanimity. The Cabinet also is / also perfectly agreed. Then, as to the Opposition, tho’ numerically they have a superiority, the result of my observations is great discordance & discontent among them. In this way: 1: There is a section of the Opposition very hostile to the Irish Church, but by no means hostile to / the existing Ministry: 2. There is a section of the Opposition by no means friendly to the existing Ministry, but by no means inclined to violent measures with respect to the Irish Ch: 3. There is a section of Opposition who will never be in Parliament 8again9, & who deprecate a / course of action on the part of their leader, wh: is calculated to bring on what is commonly called a crisis. There are many members of the Ho: of Commons, who may be obliged to vote against the Irish Ch:, but who will not vote want of confidence in / H.M. Ministers. It wd. be affectation to pretend, that the situation of affairs is not serious. It is necessarily so: very grave. But my own conviction is that it is not critical. It will require on the part of H.M’s advisers prudence & patience: some courage & / much circumspection. But if we retain H.M’s confidence, wh: is the main condition of

1 Grey had written to d from Windsor on the 18th: ‘Mr. Gladstone’s declaration [see 4821&n1] doubtless raises a very grave issue, & one which will probably not be set at rest by many Debates & Divisions in the House of Commons. But the Queen would strongly deprecate any premature declaration on the part of the Govt., of what they would do, in case such Divisions should go against them ... Whenever Mr. Gladstone brings his motion forward, the Queen thinks the Question should be debated on its merits, & that it would be better to avoid any allusion during the discussion, to an intention of appealing to the Country: – It would be quite time enough, Her Majesty thinks, to announce such an intention, when the Govt. has been defeated, which, after all, may not occur. I return Ld Cairns’ letter on the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill [see 4815n3]. H.M. can only express her approval of your not proceeding with the proposed measure, under the circumstance of Ld. Stanhope’s notice [see 4822n2].’ h b/xix/d/51. 2 See 4821n2.

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success, I think we shall steer the Ship in safety, & that Her Majesty will experience as little trouble & personal anxiety as is compatible with the existence of such important / issues. This is a very hastily written letter, but the matter has been well & long considered. I thought it more desirable, that Her Majesty shd. at once be relieved from unnecessary / anxiety, than that I shd. send you a state paper. I shall have to write to you again, in the course of the day, about the arrangements of the Prince’s visit to Ireland.3 / Yours sincerely, | D.4 to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Thursday] 19 March 1868

original: durg [17] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Grey, who has underlined ‘precedence’ and ‘Prince’ in d’s letter, has also inserted comments; see n7.

4827

Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey March 19 1868 My dear General, I sent you a box early this morning to Windsor. I have troubled the Queen so much on grave matters of late, that I have shrunk from intruding / on Her Majesty about the details of the Prince’s visit to Ireland.1 After my last audience of H. Majesty,2 I gave general directions, that a sensible difference must be observed betn the visit of the Sovereign & / that of H.R. Highness: but, subject to that primary condition, I said there was every wish, that the affair shd. be conducted with becoming eclat, & I requested to be furnished with in writing with the necessary details. From / that moment I have had unceasing communications & appeals from the Admy., & to day from the Ld. Lieutt of Ireland. I can, therefore, no longer delay

3 See 4827. 4 Grey would reply on this day (19th) from Windsor that he would submit d’s letter ‘to the Queen on H.M’s return from Aldershott’. He explained that ‘in what I wrote yesterday by H.M’s command, Her Majesty did not mean to express any opinion as to whether it might, or might not be desirable to appeal to the Country, before the question of the Irish Church could be settled; much less to imply that she would not receive with the attention it would deserve, whatever recommendation Her Government might think it right to make. What Her Majesty, as I understood her instructions, was alone anxious for, was; that nothing like a threat of Dissolution should be prematurely used in debate; the only effect of which would be, to increase Party violence, & to prevent the Question being discussed on its’ own merits.’ Grey would write again on the 20th: ‘I have sent your letter down to Frogmore. The address was all right, except that I think Gordon is only a Lieut. Colonel. The Queen has sent me word that I had rightly interpreted her meaning in deprecating any premature announcement on the subject of an Appeal to the Country – Nothing cd. be further from her wish than to fetter you in the slightest degree in your future action on this question of Ireland, & she desires me to thank you very much for the clear explanation you have given her of the State of Parties. Sir Thos. Biddulph has seen H.M. today on the subject of the application that has been made for the Yacht to take the P. of Wales to Ireland. She depecrates [sic] most strongly, the Princess’s going, on acc. of her health ... Biddulph’s impression, however, is, that if the Princess insists upon going, the Queen will not refuse the Yacht.’ h b/xix/d/52, 54. 1 See 4791n1, 4792n3 and 4797&n2. 2 For d’s audience with the Queen on 12 March, see 4808&n1.

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requesting, that you will take the Queen’s pleasure, at a convenient moment / on several points:3 The First Ld. of the Admy., so long ago as the 12th. Inst:, expressed himself much distressed at H.R. Highness making the passage in a packet boat, as he thought a Royal Salute from / the Guard Ship under such circumstances would wound the feelings, & incur the censure, of his susceptible countrymen. He was, also, most anxious, that the Irish shd. have a sight of our fleet. But as I collected from / him, that he was in communication with Sir Thos Biddulph, I did not think it necessary for me to trouble Her Majesty.4 Last night, the First Ld. writes to me, that he understands, that if H.R. Highness is / permitted to have the Royal Yacht, the Princess of Wales will accompany him. This he says, & I think justly, would be “a grand coup”. [Grey: The P W ought to go in the Enchantress, The Pr[ince]ss of Wales ought not to go on acct of her health.]5 The Ld. Lieutenant presses me very much for instructions on various / points, without wh: they cannot proceed; & I ought to reply to His Excellency witht loss of time.6 1. Is the Prince to have a public entry into Dublin? [Grey: No.] He had not last time, but merely a guard of / honor, escort &c. Is the same rule to be observed? Or may he be received in a public way? streets lined with troops; officers of the Garrison &c? [Grey: No] 2. The Ld. Lt. presumes a / Levée shd. be held. Shall the Levée be held by the Prince, or by the Ld. Lieut. for him: [Grey: No certainly not] 3. As to precedence? Is His Excelly. to take precedence of the Prince? [Grey: Yes certainly] He did so last time, but Ld Abercorn / wd. much prefer it shd be the other way. There may, however, “he adds” be official reasons for the custom.

3 Writing to d from Dublin Castle on the 18th, Abercorn had posed the three questions which d repeats (almost verbatim) in the present letter. ‘Everything promises a great success’, he had closed, ‘if the matter should be such as to enable the Prince to be much seen by the people.’ h b/xxi/a/10. 4 Lowry-Corry on the 12th had written to d from the admiralty office: ‘The Prince of Wales asked Henry Lennox, a few days ago, what arrangements were to be made for his conveyance to Ireland, and as the Enchantress, Admiralty Yacht, has been made over to the Queen, Vice Osborne, I wrote a few lines to Biddulph yesterday on the subject, informing him, also of our intention to send over the Channel Squadron to Kingstown. I send you his answer from which I collect that the Queen wishes to discourage anything like display. I think this would be a great mistake, and that to make the visit a success one ought to give it as much éclat as possible. Nothing could please my countrymen so much as a sight of the ships, and I am sure it would be made the subject of censure if the Prince were to raise his Royal Salute from the Guard ship on board a packet. Perhaps you might think it worth while to have some communication with the Queen on the subject.’ h b/xxi/x/451. 5 Lowry-Corry on the 18th had written to d from the admiralty office: ‘Henry Lennox has ascertained that if the Prince can have the Royal Yacht the Princess will accompany him. This makes it the more important as her presence would be a grand coup.’ h b/xxi/x/452. 6 See 4791n1 and 4792n3. No letter from d to Abercorn at around this time has been found.

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I think this is the cream of the enquiries, on wh: I wish to take Her Majesty’s pleasure.7 Ever, | D. to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff11-16 publication history: m&b v 18-19 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 19 March 1868

4828

Secret Mar: 19 1868 Rt Honorable | The Ld Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor, I wish very much to confer with you, but, as that is, I suppose, impossible, I must endeavour, witht loss / of time, to convey to you my present impressions as to the critical position at wh: not only the Cabinet, but the Country, has now arrived. I assume, from what / reaches me, that Gladstone, & his party, will now propose the disestablishment of the Irish Church[.]1 He seems to me to have raised a clear & distinct issue. I don’t / think we could wish it better put. I think we ought to hold, that the whole question of national establishments is now raised; that the Irish Ch: is but a small portion of the question; & / that those, who wish to demolish it, must be held to desire the abolition of national establishments in the three kingdoms[.] But we must detach the Irish Ch: as much as possible from being the prominent portion / of the subject, for, there is no doubt, it is not popular. I think, if the principle, that the State should adopt & uphold religion as an essential portion of the Constitution, be broadly raised, a great number of / members from the North of England & Scotland, called Liberals, wd. be obliged to leave the philosophic standard.

7 Grey would reply on this day (19th) from Windsor with a letter marked ‘Private & confidential’: ‘I cannot do better than send you the last two sheets of your own letter back, with Her Majesty’s answers to your queries, marked in pencil. Her Majesty forbids, you see, a Public Entry – in any thing beyond the Guard of Honour, Escort &c which he had on the last occasion – or a Levée at least so I understand the three first “Nos”. The Lord V. Lieutenant is also to take precedence. H.M. also suggests the Enchantress for the P. of Wales – & deprecates the Princess’s going. But on this point Sir Thomas Biddulph is still in communication with H.M., in consequence of a letter from Corry. I am afraid you will not think these answers satisfactory. – I add that the Queen writes in a pencil note to me, which I presume She intended me to communicate to you – for it may give you the opportunity of pointing out to H.M. in reply, if you think it desirable to do so, that if “more fuss” as H.M. terms it, is made about the Irish visit, than about visits to Scotland – It is that visits to Scotland are Annual – even twice a year – & H.M.’s favour to her Scotch subjects is well known – whereas visits to Ireland are of rare occurrence – & some extra splash seems necessary, when they do occur, to make up for the difference. – Only whatever is said to H.M. had better be said by you direct to herself. It will not do for me even to give an opinion beyond what I have already said. Instead of Copying the Queen’s note [not found] – I send it as it is for you to see. Perhaps you will let me have it again. As well as the two sheets of your own letter.’ h b/xix/d/53. 1 See 4821&n1.

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I am, therefore, at present inclined to an amendment, wh:, while it admitted that the present / condition of the Ch: in Ireland was susceptible of improvement; while it might be desirable to elevate the status of the unendowed clergy of that country; still 8declared9 it was the first duty of the State to acknowledge & / maintain the religious principle in an established form &c.2 All this is very rough writing – & the amendment wd. require the utmost thought & precision – what I want at present to do is to call your immediate / thought to the situation. It has come on us like a thief in the night.3 It is useless to launch such thoughts, as I suggest, in an unprepared Cabinet. You & I must settle all this together – & then / speak to one or two leading spirits – but it is quite on the cards, that we may have to take our course on Saturday in Cabinet.4 There shd. 8ought to9 be no faltering on my part in that case – therefore, I / beg yr earnest & devoted attention to all this. We are on the eve of great events, & we ought to show ourselves equal to them.5 Yrs ever | D.

4829

to: ALEXANDER HAMILTON-GORDON original: mopsik [67] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 20 March 1868

March 20 1868 Colonel Gordon1 Dear Colonel Gordon Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince & Princess of Wales, have been graciously pleased to signify their intention of honoring Mrs. Disraeli with / their presence at her Reception, at the New Foreign Office, on Wednesday evening, the 25th: Mrs Disraeli is anxious, also, to have the distinction, & sincere gratification, of receiving their Royal Highnesses, the Prince & Princess Christian, / & perhaps, if their Royal Highnesses might chance to be in town at that time, they might deign to confer on us this much-prized honor.2 2 For Stanley’s amendment on 30 March, see 4845n2. 3 1 Thessalonians 5:2‑4: ‘For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.’ 4 See 4831&n2. 5 Cairns would reply on this day (19th) at 2 pm: ‘If you cd., before the H. of C., come to my room here today at Four, or during slack time in the H of C come here (or I cd. go to you) at ¼ to 7, we cd. have half an hour at either time. If not I will propose some time for tomorrow.’ h b/xx/ca/21. 1 Alexander Hamilton‑Gordon (1817-1890), kcb 1873, second son of former pm George Hamilton‑Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, would achieve the rank of army general. Honorary equerry to the Queen since 1862, he would be mp (l) for Aberdeenshire e 1875-85. 2 On 25 March, beginning at 10 pm, the ds would hold ‘a brilliant reception in the grand saloon of that wing of the new Government offices which will be devoted to the Foreign Department.’ The ‘saloons’ had been ‘placed at the disposal of Mrs. Disraeli to enable her to receive her friends on this the first opportunity that has presented itself since her recent severe illness. The building has only been out of the hands of the contractor since last Thursday [19 March], and great exertions have been necessary to make it ready ... The grand centre to which the company converged was the Secretary of State’s room.’ The hundreds of guests would include ambassadors, the Gladstones, the Duke of Cambridge, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Prince and Princess Christian. The Times (26 Mar 1868).

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I have ventured, therefore, to send you this line, / & I am sure you will frankly tell me, if our hopes are unreasonable. Believe me, | dear Col: Gordon, | Your faithful Servt, | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Friday] 20 March 1868

original: rac d23 55 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Commons’ written in.

4830

Ho: of Commons | Mar: 20 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The House was crowded from the anticipation that Mr Gladstone wd. announce his promised motion: but, while he admitted that it / was his intention to bring forward a motion on the Irish Ch:, he postponed its precise declaration until Monday next.1 It is understood to be an address to the Crown, praying Yr Majesty, when Bishoprics / & livings lapse, in future not to fill them up, so that the Ch: may become, by degrees, both disestablished & disendowed. The principle is very dangerous: & might be pursued with respect to / the Kirk tomorrow – & in England in good time. Mr Disraeli is far from believing that Mr Gladstone will succeed; but from what Mr Disraeli observes & hears, he has little 8doubt9 of ultimately defeating their projects, tho’ / it is not impossible Mr Gladstone might succeed in his first step. Many private intimations have been made to Mr Disraeli from what are called liberal members, that tho’ / they are so pledged to their constituencies on the question of the Irish Ch:, that they cannot refuse to vote for Mr Gladstone’s motion, they will join in no secondary, or ulterior, vote agst. Yr / Majesty’s Governmt: wh: they wish to maintain.2 to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 19 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 21 March 1868

4831

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Mar: 21 1868 My dear Lord, I have been intending, & expecting, to write to you every day, announcing the hostile motion, & requesting yr advice on it, but it has / been delayed so long, that I am almost in hopes you may reach London before it is made public.

1 In the House on this day (20th) Gladstone had stated that on the 23rd he would provide ‘the precise terms’ of his motion. Hansard cxc 1974. See 4835&n1. 2 The Times on 23 March would speculate that were the Government to be defeated on Gladstone’s motion, d would recommend the Queen dissolve Parliament. ‘The attempt to deal with a question of so much importance by an abstract resolution of the House does not meet with the approval of several leading members of the Liberal party, and considerable difficulty has been experienced in deciding upon its precise terms.’

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We had anticipated considering it in Cabinet to day, but, as you have observed, it was postponed last night, & the House was favored only with a / notice, that a notice wd. be given. giv Something new in Parliamt.!1 We have, however, spent two hours & a half in the old room, from wh: I have just escaped, to send you this line – to let you know how we all were. We did / a good deal of business, but nothing very striking except settling our bill for the purchase of the telegraphs of the Un: Kingdom.2 A person of authority, & a social friend of Gladstone’s, told me yesterday, / that his present violent courses are entirely to be attributed to the paralytic stroke of the Bp of Winchester.3 Until that happened, G. was quiet & temperate – & resisted all the Anti-ch: overtures / of the advanced party. But when this calamity happened to the worthy Prelate, Gladstone being became disturbed & restless, & finally adopted a more violent course even, than his friends had / originally suggested. Strange, that a desire to make Bishops, shd. lead a man to destroy Churches! I hope Lady Derby is well: & that your followers will soon see you. Yr very tired, but devoted, | D

4832

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 21 March 1868

original: rac d23 56 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

March 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: A long Cabinet, & many subjects & measures discussed & decided, but none of sufficient interest for him to call Yr Majesty’s attention / to; except, perhaps, the Bill for purchasing all the Telegraphic communications of the United Kingdom.1 Your Majesty’s servants had hoped to have had the opportunity of considering Mr / Gladstone’s 8motion9, wh: cd. have been convenient: therefore, in case notice of it is given tomorrow 8on Monday9, in the Ho: of Commons, the Cabinet must be summoned for Tuesday morning at one o’ck:2 Mr / Disraeli was assured yesterday, on a very high authority, & by a person very friendly to Mr Gladstone, that the real cause of Mr Gladstone’s excitement,

1 See 4830&n1. 2 In the House on 1 April, G.W. Hunt would introduce the Electric Telegraphs Bill, allowing the postmaster-general to ‘acquire, maintain, and work electric telegraphs’. He would note that in the present system of ‘four companies, besides railway companies who sent messages’, administrative costs were greater than if telegraphs were a government monopoly. Hansard cxci cols 678-82. 3 Charles Richard Sumner (1790-1874), ba 1814 and ma 1817 King’s College, Cambridge, deacon 1814 and priest 1817, dd 1825 Cambridge, Bishop of Llandaff 1826-7 and of Winchester 1827-69. After meeting George iv in 1820, Sumner had risen quickly, becoming historiographer to the crown, librarian to the king and private chaplain to the king. A paralytic stroke on 4 March had rendered one side of his body ‘completely powerless ... depriving his Lordship of the power of speech.’ The Times (6 Mar 1868). 1 See 4831&n2. 2 See 4838&n2.

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& somewhat violent causes courses, is, in fact, the paralytic stroke / of the Bishop of Winchester. Until that happened, he was quiet & moderate, & had entirely discountenanced & disapproved the propositions of what is called the advanced party. But immediately / on the illness of the respected Prelate, a great change occurred, resulting, eventually, in his present position. Strange, that a desire to create Bishops, shd. lead a man to destroy Churches! to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Saturday] 21 Mar 1868

original: durg [81] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Hsse’s.

4833

Confid’l: Mar: 21 1868 Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey My dear General, I received yr box this morning.1 After receiving Her Majesty’s pleasure, yesterday, on the subject of the Royal Visit, I informed all those / under my control, First Lords of the Admy, Irish Secretaries, & so on, that I thought, in the present delicate state of Her R. Hsse’s health, it was imprudent to risk a visit of, necessarily, so much excitement. It is / not improbable, that this expression, on my part, will stop any further movement of the kind. I did not introduce H.M’s name, at all, in the remarks I made. I thought it best to tell you this, as I feel, that there / shd be, between Her Majesty & her principal servant, entire confidence; & I wish, so far as I am concerned, not to be mixed up with any cross purposes. Yours sincerely, | D. to: PHILIP ROSE

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 22 March 1868

original: h r/i/a/209 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in.

4834

Phil: Rose Esq Grosr Gate | Mar. 22 1868. My dear Rose, Lucas, the son of old Lucas of Newport Pagnell,1 writes to me (I have mislaid his letter) to ask my influence with you to appoint him Stock Broker / to yr new Company. Pray do so, if you can; for he & his father served me once well, & I am anxious to serve him.2 Yrs ever | D. 1 For Grey’s letters to d of the 19th and 20th, see 4826n4. 1 Possibly Charles Lucas, son of Henry Lucas of Newport Pagnell, d’s chief agent in the 1847 election. 2 Rose’s firm on 11 November 1868 would form ‘the Association of Foreign Bondholders (so called in the Prospectus, but later changed to the Corporation of Foreign Bondholders, dissolved 1988) to protect the interests of those who held foreign bonds in general, and the foreign bonds floated by the firm in particular. The Corporation remained clients of the firm until 1897 when it evolved into a city discount house’. Also on the 11th, George Goschen would preside over a meeting at which resolutions would be submitted for the formation of a Council of Foreign Bondholders. Norton Rose 88; The Times (11 Nov 1868).

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4835

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 23 March 1868

original: rac d23 58 publication history: lqv B i 516-18; Bradford 280, extract from the ninth paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm:’ written in. Sic: develope.

Ho: of Comm: | Mar: 23 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Mr Gladstone gave his notice this evening: an uncompromising, violent, & elaborate, proposition.1 On Monday next, he will / move for a Committee on the Irish Ch:, or rather, that the whole House shd. go into Committee on that subject: a8n ancient & necessary9 form, when “matters of trade & religion” are treated in the House of / Commons.2 This doubtless will be opposed, & the Debate on this will probably occupy the week before the holidays: so that, if Mr Gladstone succeed, it will be about the end of April, that the / whole House in Committee will have to consider his three propositions. In brief, these: 1. That the Irish Ch: shall be instantly dis-established. 2. / Would declare virtually, that the Ch: shd be gradually disendowed. The 3rd., & most violent, Resolution is an Address to the Crown, praying Yr Majesty to place at the disposal of Parliament Yr / Majesty’s interest in the temporalities of the Ch: Mr Disraeli cannot say at present, whether there be any precedent for such a dealing with the Prerogative, but if / so, it must be in the time of the Long Parliament.3 Mr Gladstone’s propositions were received with “loud cheering” by all those “below the gangway”: that is, those whom we describe, as Radicals, Romanists, / & especially Voluntaries: but the great bulk of gentlemen behind him, on well-filled benches, were cold & silent. These were the Whigs. Mr Disraeli has called a Cabinet tomorrow at twelve o’ck: to consider the course of Yr Majestys servants.4

1 In the House on this day (23rd) Gladstone had given notice of his intention to move three resolutions: ‘“that the Established Church of Ireland should cease to exist as an Establishment”’, that ‘“it is expedient to prevent the creation of new personal interests by the exercise of any public patronage”’ and that an address be presented to the Queen ‘“to place at the disposal of Parliament, Her interest in the temporalities of the Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, and other Ecclesiastical Dignities and Benefices in Ireland, and in the custody thereof.”’ d had replied that he was prepared to meet Gladstone’s motion on 30 March; see 4845&n1. Hansard cxci cols 32-5 (d 33-5). 2 ‘Standing orders relative to Public Matters’ include sections dealing with ‘Bills respecting Religion’ and ‘Bills respecting Trade’ stipulating that no bill relating to either subject ‘be brought into this House, until the Proposition have been first considered in a Committee of the whole House, and agreed unto by The House.’ Standing Orders of the House of Commons 1864 vol 545, p 77. 3 The Long Parliament, so named to distinguish it from the Short Parliament of April-May 1640, had been called by Charles i on 3 November 1640, sat until December 1648, was reinstated in February 1660 and formally dissolved on 16 March 1660. 4 See 4838n2.

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Mr / Disraeli cannot conceal from himself, that we are embarking on stormy waters, & that a se very serious political season is setting in: but, he believes, that with courage & prudence, all danger may be averted; & / not only that, but great & permanent good accomplished. He thinks, that Mr Gladstone has mistaken the spirit of the times, & the temper of the country. The abhorrence of Popery, the dread / of Ritualism, & the 8hatred of the9 Irish – have long been smouldering in the mind of the nation. They will seize, Mr Disraeli thinks, the opportunity long sighed for & now offered, to vent / their accumulated passion. The Irish Ch: was odious thirty years ago in a calm, philosophical, & utilitarian age – but the present 8age9 shrinks from any of these epithets. There is no Free Trade controversy, / no Reform struggles, to absorb the energies, or excite the passions, of the people: the religious sentiment will develope itself, wh: is very natural to the people of this country; & / all the mechanical calculations & organisations of mere political parties will be baffled by the violent mistrust of the multitude. In the Boroughs there will be revived, with terrible / earnestness, the No Popery cry: in the Counties, the Clergy & Gentry will rally round the sacred & time-honored principle of Church & State. It is, perhaps, providential, that this religious / controversy shd have arisen to give a color to the character, & a form to the action, of the newly enfranchised constituencies.5 to: GEORGE WARD HUNT

Downing Street [Monday] 23 March 1868

original: nsr wh267 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4836

Private Mar: 23 1868 Right Honorable | The Chanr of the Exchequer Dear Chanr of the Exchequer, I have no intention, at present, to recommend Her Majesty to create any Baronets,

5 New constituencies created by the Reform Act 1867, each returning one member, were London University, Burnley, Darlington, Dewsbury, Gravesend, Middlesbrough, Stalybridge, Stockton, The Hartlepools and Wednesbury. bhf 113. The Queen would reply to d on the 24th from Windsor: ‘The Queen has read Mr. Disraeli’s account of Mr. Gladstone’s proposed Resolutions, with the deepest concern. She fears there is too much truth in what Mr. Disraeli says of the spirit that may possibly be excited amongst the Protestants of the three Kingdoms, & of the danger that exists of those old ones being revived, which, in the name of Religion, have worked evils which successive Govts have so long tried in vain to remedy. Mr. Gladstone must be aware that the chief difficulty in governing Ireland, has always been to restrain the mutual violence of the Old Orange Party on the one hand, & of the Roman Catholics on the other, & he might, the Queen thinks, to say the least, have well paused before he made a declaration of which the effects will certainly be to revive & inflame the old sectarian fears, & to render the Admin[istratio]n of Ireland more difficult. The Queen trusts however to HMs govt, & especially to Mr. Disraeli, carefully to avoid saying anything, however great the provocation be to act otherwise, that can lead to encourage a spirit of retaliation amongst the Protestants – or to revive old Religious animosities. – It seems to Her essentially a state of things, in which Her Ministers will deserve & receive the support of all who look to what is really for the good of the Country, if they show moderation, & forbearance in meeting this attack, & studiously avoid taking a course which, tho it might give them a Party advantage for the moment, could surely be injurious to the permanent interests of the Empire.’ h b/xix/a/34.

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nor is it usual, because some members of the Order have been elevated / to the peerage, to supply their places. When the subject of new Baronetcies is before me, & I doubt not, in due season, 8it9 will arrive, the wishes of Mr. Stafford O’Brien shall be duly considered. / I have every respect for his name & family.1 Yours sincerely, | D.

4837

to: LORD DARTMOUTH

Downing Street [Monday] 23 March 1868

original: qua 93 publication history: The Times (27 Mar 1868), reprinting from the Globe, under the heading ‘The Premier Upon the Crisis’, dated at 10 Downing Street, 24 March, without d’s deletions and replacing ‘encouraging & opportune’ with ‘encouragingly opportune’; mp (27 Mar 1868); bh (28 Mar 1868); m&b v 20 and 24, extracts editorial comment: A draft in d’s hand.

10 Downing Street | March 23: 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Dartmouth1 My Lord, I have received, with pride & gratitude, the Memorial of the Council of the National Union, & of the Constitutional Associations connected with that body, in wh: they express their confidence in me, & their “thorough determination” to support, by all means, / in their power, the government, wh: I have formed by the command, & with the approval, of Her Majesty.2 Such expressions of feeling, on the part of influential bodies of my countrymen, are encouraging & opportune.

1 Stafford O’Brien, brother-in-law to 1st Earl of Gainsborough, had been succeeded by his son Henry Stafford O’Brien Stafford (1814-1880) of Blatherwycke Park and Cratloe Wood, ma, di, jp, High Sheriff Northants 1868, who had assumed the additional surname of Stafford. blg (1952) 1915. O’Brien on the 21st had written to Hunt from Blatherwycke Park, Wansford, ‘to ask you to name myself as the representative of one of the old conservative families of Northamptshr to be advanced to a Baronet as there are some to be made in place of those advanced to the House of Lords. My ancestors were long Knights of England. Sir Humphrey Stafford many years had the title. Lord Derby will remember my late brother and it was the intention of his (Mr Aug[us]t[us] Stafford) if he had lived to have asked for the title of Barronet [sic] which I now request.’ He would write to d on 7 December: ‘Your very kind letter [not found] at once dispelled the slight cloud of disappointment which overshadowed me after I found that the red hand would not be emblazoned on my Escutcheon for I was so delighted and highly honoured to receive a letter from the Premier of England and the author of Vivian Grey that it gave me a dignity beyond any Baronetage.’ h c/ii/a/57a,b. 1 William Walter Legge (1823-1891), 5th Earl of Dartmouth 1853, ma 1844 Christ Church, Oxford, hon col 1st Volunteer Battalion of the s Staffordshire Regiment and dl Staffordshire (1852), had been mp (c) for s Staffordshire 1849-53 and would be ll of Staffordshire 1887-91. 2 Dartmouth (n1) was first president in 1868 of the National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations (founded in 1867, renamed National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations in 1885 and replaced in 1998 by the National Conservative Convention) and would be president again in 1884. The NUCCA was established by young Conservatives to coordinate the organization of workingclass Conservatism, but d and the party managers disliked the segregation of working men into separate bodies, ‘which clashed with the integrationism of popularist Tory doctrine.’ Paul Smith Disraeli: A Brief Life (Cambridge 1996) 152. d would deliver his famous ‘Crystal Palace’ speech at a NUCCA banquet at the Crystal Palace on 24 June 1872.

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We have heard something lately of the crisis of Ireland. In my opinion, the crisis of England is / 8rather9 at hand. A number of persons, who have no interest in common except hostility to our Constitution in Church & State, have banded together For the avowed 8formal9 purpose 8is now avowed, & that by a powerful party is no longer, & that by a party in concealed9 of destroying that sacred union, 8betn Ch & State9 wh: has 8hitherto9 been the chief means of our civilisation, & is the only security for our religious liberty.3 I have the honor to remain, | My Lord, | Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Tuesday] 24 March 1868

original: rac d23 60 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Commons’ written in.

4838

House of Commons | March 24 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He gratefully acknowledges Yr Majesty’s gracious kindness in informing him of Yr Majesty’s intended movements.1 He is not surprised at / Yr Majesty’s desire to breathe the spring-born air in Yr Majestys delightful, & much-loved, Highland home; & he only hopes, that it will bring Yr Majesty all the strength & solace, wh: Yr Majesty requires. It is his utmost wish, / at all times, to spare & soothe that nervous system, that has been tried so sorely, & has to bear so much! All that reaches him, makes him very hopeful, that nothing will / happen this Session to disturb the arrangements of Yr Majesty’s life. The Cabinet met to day, & sate only one hour: they saw their course so clearly.2 The Lord Chancellor analysed Mr Gladstone’s Resolutions / with penetrating power. It is impossible they can stand.

3 To these comments, which d would repeat in the House on 3 April (see 4852n3), the Pall Mall Gazette would respond: ‘“To raise so false and dangerous a cry as that – to evoke for poor party interests the most intolerant prejudices, the most inflammatory passions of the nation – is about the very worst part a Minister can play. Whatever may be the opinion of thoughtful men as to the Irish Church, they must equally condemn a Minister who seeks support in a kind of incendiarism as formidable as any attempted by the wildest Radical in our times.”’ Qtd in Francis Hitchman The Public Life of the Right Honourable the Earl of Beaconsfield, K.G. [1879] (1884) 417-18. 1 The Queen on the 23rd had written to d from Windsor: ‘The Queen can perfectly well have a Cabinet at 3 on Saturday. She thinks Mr. Disraeli may like to learn her intended movements after this week. She intends going on Monday next (30th) to Town to remain there till the 3d or 4th. On the 17th of April the Queen intends going for 3 weeks to Osborne – & D.V. to go to her beloved Highlands, on the 18th of May for about 3 to 4 weeks – returning here as usual only till the beginning of July. The Queen feels this Spring visit to Scotland quite a necessity for her health, strength & nerves – all of wh. are so much tried. And she wd. be thankful if Mr. Disraeli wd. keep this communication of her plans to himself.’ h b/ xix/a/33. 2 The cabinet had met at noon on this day (24th). Hardy would record on the 25th: ‘On Monday evg Gladstone gave his notice in three resolutions for the disestablishment & disendowment of the Irish Ch: [see 4835n1]. What will come of them cannot be foreseen. We agreed in Cabinet yesterday to meet him by an amendment to be moved by Stanley. So on Monday next we shall be in the fight.’ The Times (24 Mar 1868); Hardy Diary 67.

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In one instance, by a mere resolution of the House of Commons, they direct the Ecclesiastical Commissioners of Ireland to refrain from doing that, wh: the laws of / the country, by many acts, enjoins them to do. In another instance, they pray Yr Majesty not to prefer to benefices; the only result of wh: would be, that, by the law, those benefices would fall to the Bishop of the Diocese. These / are only samples of the incongruities, that pervade this violent production. The Cabinet decided to meet the first proposal, to go into Committee of the whole House on the subject of the Irish Ch:, by an amendment, that while ready / to consider that question in due season, they thought its consideration shd be reserved for the next Parliament. Lord Stanley will probably move this amendment; wh: will have a good effect, as he has a following in the benches opposite. / As there will 8be9 a Council at Windsor on Saturday,3 the Cabinet will meet on Friday morning, & Lord Stanley, as at present advised, will, in the evening, give notice of his ne amendment.4 Altho’ Yr Majesty would / probably wish, that, in the case of the Duke of Athole, there shd. be no Chapter of the Thistle held, or formal installation of the new knight, this shd. not be assumed as a matter of course; &, unless Mr Disraeli hears / to the contrary, he will write to the authorities by Yr Majesty’s commands to that effect.5

4839

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 25 March 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. March 25. 1868 My dear Lord, I misunderstood something that Stanley said to me, & was, therefore, unaware of yr arrival in town; or, else, I shd. have asked leave to call upon you. We agreed yesterday, in / Cabinet, that Stanley shd. move an amendment to Gladstone’s first motion: the amendment to the effect, that, witht prejudging the question of considerable modifications in the position & endowments of the Irish Branch, the question ought to be deferred / to the decision of a new Parliament.1 The Cabinet is to meet again on Friday morning, & settle the exact language of the amendment.2 My draught is at D.S. or I shd. enclose it to you now for your kind advice. I don’t like to trouble / you to write to me, but I shd. be very glad, if some one

3 For d’s audience with the Queen on the 28th, see 4843. 4 The cabinet would meet on Friday 27th and on the 28th Hardy would record: ‘Yesterday Cabinet at 12, finally settled our amendment.’ The Times (28 Mar 1868); Hardy Diary 67. For Stanley’s amendment, see 4845&n2. 5 See 4800&n3 and 4816. 1 For Stanley’s amendment of 30 March, see 4845n2. 2 See 4838n4.

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wd. send me a line, & still more glad, if it tell me, that you have borne your journey without inconvenience.3 Yours ever, | D to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Thursday] 26 March 1868

original: rac a37 12 publication history: Blake 494, omitting the second paragraph.

4840

Ho: of Commons | Mar 26. 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The obsequies of the late Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire having been solemnized,1 it is for Yr Majesty to express Yr Majesty’s pleasure as to his successor.2 The Duke of Buckingham has still the largest estate in the County. Mr Disraeli remembers, more than / twenty years ago, in the dark troubles of His Grace’s youth, telling him, that he had a mission to fulfil, & that was to build up again the fortunes of an ancient house. With the steady exercise of some virtues, with the continuous application of a not inconsiderable intelligence, &, in no slight degree, by Yr Majesty’s favor & considerate sympathy, the Duke has succeeded in this noble enterprise. Mr / Disraeli believes, that he is meeting Yr Majesty’s views, in recommending the Duke of Buckingham to yr Majestys favor for the high office of Ld. Lt. for the County of Bucks, now vacant. Having in his youth, & days of great obscurity, received kindnesses from the House of Grenville, he shd. feel to grateful to fortune if, by Yr Majesty’s permission, he was authorised to make a communication in / this spirit, to the Duke of Buckingham. The flag waves again over Stowe, wh: no one ever expected; & if Yr Majesty confers on the Duke the great honor of being Yr Majesty’s representative in his county, the honors of the Grenville family will, after great vicissitudes & searching trials, be restored.3 3 Derby would reply on this day (25th) from St James’s Square: ‘Thanks for your note. I came to Town yesterday, wonderfully little tired with my journey, but I feel today that it was more than enough for me, and am rather a wretch in consequence. I will not therefore ask you to call here today: but I shall be glad to see you at any time (after 12 o’Cl) that it may suit you to call tomorrow. Richmond came here while we were at luncheon, and told me that Stanley was to move the Amendment. I would not let him tell me what it was to be. It seems to me in the right sense; but it implies rather more of concession than pleases me; for the expression “without prejudging the question of considerable modifications &c” appears practically to prejudge the question to an extent which will not satisfy your Protestant friends; and I shall be rather nervous as to Stanley’s mode of handling the subject. But I know my opinions are not those of the majority.’ Derby would write again on the 27th: ‘I enclose, with thanks, your intended Amendment. I confess that I should have preferred it, had the last Paragraph stood alone, without any reference to prospective “modifications” but I conclude you had good reasons for attending to them.’ h b/xx/s/485-6. 1 The funeral of Lord Carrington (see 4824&n1) had been solemnized ‘in the most strictly private manner’ on the 26th at Mousloe, Bucks. The Times (26 Mar 1868). 2 See 4841&nn1-3. 3 The Queen would reply from Windsor on the 27th acknowledging d’s ‘letter of today [sic] & will have much pleasure in conferring the Lord Lieutenancy of Buckinghamshire on the Duke of Buckingham for whom she has a sincere regard. No one bore his great misfortunes more nobly, or more truly deserves his reinstitution in the Ancient family Seat, than the Duke.’ h b/xix/a/36.

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4841

to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Thursday] 26 March 1868 original: hunt stg Box 119(29) editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private March 26 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buckingham & Chandos Dear Duke of Buckingham, I have advised the Queen to appoint Yr Grace Lord Lieutenant of our County; & I have no doubt the proposal will be as agreeable to Her / Majesty, as to myself.1 More than twenty years ago, in the dark troubles of yr youth, I ventured to say to you, that you had a great mission to fulfil; & that was again, to build up the fortunes of your House. You have done so: by / the exercise of many virtues, & the steady application of your considerable intelligence.2 Your flag waves again over Stowe; & the remembrances of many kindnesses, experienced by me, under that roof, in my youth, makes me grateful, / that in advising Her Majesty in this instance, I can contribute, in some degree, to the complete restoration of all the honors of the family of Grenville.3 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

4842

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street [Friday] 27 March 1868

original: h a/i/a/357 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

My dearest, This is only an excuse for sending you my love. I enclose the Duke’s answer, as you wished it.1 The bearer is to ask / for a line. Your affectionate husband | D.

4843

to: LORD CAIRNS

Mar 27 1868

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 29 March 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff17-18 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in.

Secret

Grosr Gate | Mar: 29 1868

1 See 4840. 2 Buckingham would eventually pay off his father’s enormous debts (see ix 4199n6) and by 1883 would again own a total of 10,482 acres, including Stowe, with an annual value of £18,080. odnb. 3 Buckingham would reply on the 27th: ‘I received your kind letter last night intimating your intention of submitting my name to the Queen for the Lieutenancy of our County. The intimation that that honour will again return to the Grenvilles is indeed gratifying to me and the fact that it is received through you – an old County friend and colleague – as Prime Minister – adds to the feeling of gratification with which I receive the notification.’ h b/xxi/b/1247. See 4840&n3. 1 See 4841n3.

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Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor, The Queen reminded me yesterday, at Windsor, of what she had communicated by writing two days previously; that Her Majesty, at present, intended to leave England about the 7th. August;1 & assuming, / that the Session would be a late one, she wished to be informed, how her Majesty’s absence from her dominions might be reconciled with the progress of public business, & especially with the completion of parliamentary affairs. / Her Majesty said I might confer with you on these affairs 8matters9, but with no one else. We meet with so much difficulty, & I shall myself, throughout this week, be so much engrossed, that I have thought it best to send you this line; so / that you may bring yr mind to the general considerations it involves. The Queen spoke to me of you with much satisfaction; & said, that Her Majesty’s acquaintance 8with you9 had realised all, that I had previously said of you, wh: was very agreeable to yrs ever | D.2 to: BARON LIONEL DE ROTHSCHILD

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 29 March 1868

4844

original: roth ral 000/848 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in.

The | Baron de Rothschild | M.P. Grosr Gate | Mar: 29 1868 My dear Lionel, I hope to see you to day, tho’ it is rather doubtful. In the meantime, I send you a telegram just received, wh: may interest you.1 Yrs | D.

1 The Queen, travelling incognita as the Countess of Kent, would leave Osborne at noon on 5 August aboard the Victoria and Albert, bound for Cherbourg en route to Lucerne, where she planned to remain for three weeks. The Times (6 Aug 1868). 2 Cairns would reply on 4 April: ‘You said, I think, you were to have an audience of H.M. today, & you may like to have a memm. [not found] wh. I enclose, on the subject you mentioned in your note a few days since [see 4828]. The division is larger than I expected: & yet I cannot but hope that the numbers, together with the views wh Gladstone’s supporters have expressed, will during the recess make the Country awake to the gravity of the position. The issue as you have placed it, is excellent, & I cannot express my admiration of the whole of your magnificent speech.’ h b/xx/ca/24. For d’s speech, see 4852nn1&3. 1 ‘Telegram | Decypher DR 28 March 1868 | from [British consul-general at Romania] Mr. [John] Green. Bucharest | Prince Charles [i of Romania] considers the project of law against the Jews a disgrace to those who propose it; and His Serene Highness authorizes me to assure Your Lordship that he will never sanction it or any law of the sort.’ roth ral 000/848 [67q]. Sir Moses Montefiore had written to the Prince protesting outbreaks against the Jews of Berlad (now Barlad) and on 19 February Romanian foreign minister Stefan Golisue had replied that the Prince would never permit his subjects to be molested with impunity for religious or any other reasons. Outrages had continued and on 26 March a telegram from the Jewish community of Jassy (now Iasi) had revealed that radical deputies had introduced a bill to prevent Jews from residing in the country, buying or selling houses, farming lands, etc. The Times (24 Jan, 29 Feb 1868); Diaries of Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore vol 2 (Chicago 1890) 220-1.

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4845

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Monday] 30 March 1868

original: rac d23 67 publication history: lqv B i 519 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Commons’ written in.

Ho: of Commons | March 30 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Notwithstanding the greatness of the occasion, the night not very interesting. Mr Gladstone’s / opening speech, of two hours, was not unworthy of him, but scarcely of his highest class.1 Lord Stanley, in his amendment, was not successful. He was merely critical, & somewhat / disheartened his friends.2 Lord Cranborne took advantage of this, & made a very bitter attack on the Ministry. Nothing cd. be more malignant, but it wanted finish.3 Mr / Hardy, who was himself distressed by Lord Stanley’s speech, moved the adjournment, so that he opens the debate 8tomorrow9[.] He will speak well, & will reanimate the ranks of his friends.4 It is to be hoped the reaction from Ld. Stanley will not be too strong.5 1 In the House on this day (30th), the first night of debate on the ‘Established Church (Ireland)’, Gladstone had moved a committee to consider ‘the Acts relating to the Established Church in Ireland’, asking the House to assert that ‘the time has come when the Established Church of Ireland should cease to exist as an Establishment.’ Were this to occur, he reassured members, ‘not less than three-fifths, possibly two-thirds’ of the monetary value of the Church’s possessions ‘would remain in the hands of members of the Anglican Communion.’ The Church Establishment, although ‘beautiful and attractive’ in its aim, was ‘but an appropriation of public property, an appropriation of the fruits of labour and of skill to certain purposes, and unless those purposes be fulfilled that appropriation cannot be justified.’ Gladstone would note on this day (30th): H. of C. 4¼–8 and 10¼–12. Spoke 1¾ hour on the subject of my Resolutions.’ Hansard cxci cols 470-556; Gladstone Diaries 587. 2 Stanley (n1) had moved an amendment that any proposition for ‘“the disestablishment or disendowment”’ of the United Church in Ireland ‘“ought to be reserved for the decision of a new Parliament.”’ In a tentative, hesitating speech, he had criticized Gladstone’s ‘general and vague propositions’ for telling ‘absolutely nothing as to what you mean to do with the funds of the Irish Church, and that is the real question at issue.’ The Times on the 31st would call the speech ‘a death-warrant ... [which] left no doubt as to his own position. He is ready to disendow or to redistribute, if it seemed likely that disendowment or redistribution could be carried into effect’. Stanley on this day (30th) would note that ‘The case which I had to argue was one of extreme delicacy, for it is impossible not to see that even on our own side, the feeling is all but universal that some great change must take place in the status of the Irish Church: the only line to take was, therefore, to decline to pledge ourselves until the new parliament. On the whole, I felt and feel satisfied, having said nothing that can compromise either myself or the ministry.’ Bright thought Stanley’s speech ‘altogether weak, and badly spoken, or rather read, for he speaks from a written speech’, and Hardy thought it had been ‘calculated naturally to lead to the inference that he was ready for any surrender.’ Disraeli, Derby 332; Bright 318; Hardy Diary 68. 3 Cranborne (n1) had castigated Stanley, ‘a more than Delphic oracle’, for having ‘limited the issue to petty differences and excuses for delay’ and for having ‘studiously and ostentatiously’ abstained from introducing any clear principles. His clever but ambiguous amendment could have come only from a ministry that ‘either had no policy to bring forward, or had only a policy which they dared not avow’, one that had ‘no opinions of its own to express ... an attitude [which] is destructive of the position of the Executive in this House.’ d on 3 April would tell the House, ‘There is great vigour in his [Cranborne’s] invective, and no want of vindictiveness ... I must say I think it wants finish.’ Hansard cxci col 900. 4 See 4846&nn1&2. 5 See 4846n1. Grey would tell the Queen on 31 March that d’s letter had confirmed his impression from reading the debate: ‘Nothing but some unforeseen turn can save the Govt from a signal defeat.’ rac d23 68.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Tuesday] 31 March 1868

original: rac d23 70 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Comm:’ written in.

4846

6..25 House of Comm: | March 31 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Mr Hardy has just sate down, having made one of the greatest / 8speeches9 Mr Disraeli ever heard in the House of Commons. The enthusiasm exceeds all description!1 Mr Disraeli thought he wd. take the liberty of / at once sending this hasty [note] to Yr Majesty.2 to: CHARLES FREMANTLE

House of Commons [Tuesday] 31 March 1868

original: qua 152 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street Paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H of C’ written in.

4846 a

H of C. | Mar: 31 1868 C. Fremantle Esqr My Dear F. Pray let me have tomorrow, as soon as you can conveniently, Dean Stanley on C & S.1 Mr. Hardy made a great speech this evening. The enthusiasm is wonderful. yrs ever | D.

1 In the House on this day (31st), the second night of debate on the ‘Established Church (Ireland)’, Hardy had rebuked Gladstone for forgetting how much he was alienating and distressing those who were members of the Church. It was one thing to deal with the clergy, but how did Gladstone propose to compensate the laity ‘for the vested interests you are about to rob them of? ... Are you, or are you not, going to secularize the revenues of the Established Church in Ireland?’ Hardy would ‘not consent to the anomaly that Church and State should be dissevered in Ireland and remain connected in England.’ He closed by saying that Gladstone’s resolutions were ‘founded on principles repugnant to, and far away from, the theory and the practice of the Constitution of the country’, and would provoke among Irish Protestants ‘dissension ... discontent and disaffection’. Hardy would record on 1 April that on the 30th d had begged him to open the debate on this day (31st). ‘I undertook to do so on condition I spoke my mind freely ... I had a great audience & if the enthusiasm of friends & the compliments of foes go for anything was successful. Our party seemed to rally again & their cheers at the end were vehement & lasting.’ (According to one report, the speech had been punctuated by much loud cheering.) On the 2nd, he would note: ‘I am more & more amazed at the way my speech has been received in & out of the House. Nothing was ever like it. My Colleagues, (except perhaps Stanley) are satisfied, the party pleased & opponents most complimentary. It takes me by surprise.’ Hansard cxci cols 575-99; Hardy Diary 68; mp (1 Apr 1868). 2 The Queen would reply on this day (31st) from Buckingham Palace: ‘The Queen has to thank Mr. Disraeli for 2 letters. She is sorry to hear that Lord Stanley was not successful last night [see 4845 nn2&3], but She trusts & hopes that all will come right in the end. Perhaps the Queen could see Mr. Disraeli before She leaves Town on Saturday at a ¼ p. 12? ... Since writing the above the Queen has recd. Mr. Disraeli’s acct: of Mr. Hardy’s Speech wh. has given her much satisfaction.’ h b/xix/a/37. 1 Stanley (5089n4), dean of Westminster, had recently published An Address on the Connection of Church and State Delivered at Sion College on February 15, 1868 (1868), 48 pp; a second edition would appear in May. See also 4918&n5.

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4847

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 31 March 1868

original: rac d1 69 publication history: lqv B i 520-1 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: waving; Baliol.

March 31 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He thanks Yr Majesty for Your Majesty’s gracious, & considerate, kindness in waving, at the present moment, the name of Mr. Kingsley. He would willingly serve / Mr Kingsley; especially as he is an object of Your Majestys favor; but the preferment of Mr Kingsley, just now, would be seriously prejudicial to Mr Disraeli. He has the honor of knowing Mr Birch, who is a most worthy man:1 nevertheless Mr / Disraeli hopes, that Yr Majesty will deign to consider one of the two following names on this occasion. The Revd. Dr Wynter, President of St. John’s Coll: Oxford2 & The Revd. Professor Wall of Baliol Coll:3 / They are both sound Churchmen; of temperate views, & have long been the respected leaders of the Conservative party in the University. The President of St. Johns is much the older man & “lacks preferment”[.] He was principal counsellor of / Lord Derby, who always meant to give him “the next thing”, & then generally postponed it, as he was “sure not to be forgotten in the long run”. But he was forgotten, & he has ten sons, all unprovided for. The President of St. Johns is, / & has been, for many years, the acknowledged leader of the Conservative party in the University.

1 The Queen had written from Windsor on the 30th that she did not wish to press on d ‘on the 1st occasion that a Clerical appointt: falls vacant – any name, wh. she herself may feel anxious about; but she has promised the P. of Wales to bring Mr. Birch’s name before him. Mr. Birch was his Tutor for 3 years & is a worthy good man ... Perhaps Mr. Disraeli wd. soon inform the Queen what he wd. propose to do & if he does not wish on this occasion to recommend either Mr. Birch or Mr Kingsley [for the canonry of Worcester] – submit 2 or 3 other candidates for her selection. The Queen will confer the Order of the Thistle in private on the Duke of Athole, just as she has done with the Garter for the last 2 or 3 times. It can be done after a Council any time when the Duke of Athole is in England.’ h b/xix/a/36. Charles Kingsley (1819–1875), ba 1842 (classics), Magdalene College, Cambridge, ordained 1842 and rector of Eversley 1844, was an avid Christian socialist who supported women’s education, Darwinian evolution and sanitary reform, the last expounded in his novel Two Years Ago (1857), a review of which popularized the expression ‘Muscular Christianity’. Regius professor of modern history at Cambridge 1860-9, canon at Chester Cathedral 1870-3 and at Westminster Abbey 1873-5, Kingsley is best remembered for his novels Alton Locke (1850), Hypatia (1853), Westward Ho! (1855) and The Water-Babies (1863). Henry Mildred Birch, former tutor and now chaplain of the Prince of Wales, would be appointed canon at Ripon Cathedral in June 1868. The Times (19 Jun 1868). 2 Philip Wynter (1793‑1871), ba 1815, ma 1819, bd 1824 and dd 1828 St John’s College, Oxford, ordained 1816, dean of arts and tutor 1822-8, catechetical lecturer 1827, vice-chancellor 1840-4 and president 182871, canon at Worcester Cathedral 1868. Wynter had informed Derby on the 26th that, a canonry at Worcester having become vacant, he hoped Derby would use his influence with d to obtain it. h c/ iii/a/7a. 3 Henry Wall (1810-1873), ba 1833, ma 1836, vice-principal 1837-51 and fellow of Balliol College 1839-71, junior bursar 1842, senior bursar 1844, catechetical and logic lecturer, Wykeham professor of logic 184970 and rector of Huntspill, Somerset, 1870-3.

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Mr Wall is a younger man; middle aged. Either of these appointments would please a powerful party in the Church; the temperate, / orthodox, Ch: & State party; would gratify the Conservative party generally; & would be received with respect, & witht. criticism, by all 8other9 parties, political & ecclesiastical. Mr Disraeli has no / personal acquaintance with either of these reverend gentlemen; but the concurrent testimony of several of his colleagues, & of many of Yr Majestys most distinguished subjects, assures him, that his counsel is sound.4 to: PHILIP WYNTER

original: bodl ms eng c6073/2 f356 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 1 April 1868

4848

The | Rev: P. Wynter | D.D. April 1 1868 Sir, I have recommended the Queen to appoint you to the vacant Canonry in the Cathedral of Worcester, & Her Majesty has been graciously pleased / to grant my request. I heartily congratulate you on this preferment, wh: you have so eminently merited.1 Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 1 April 1868

original: rac d24 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4849

April 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet met to day to review the parliamentary situation & / to decide upon the course of Yr Majesty’s servants under various contingencies. The Cabinet was unanimous on all points, & nothing could be more satisfactory, than / the general tone.1 to: LORD BEAUCHAMP

original: bcp [36] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.



Downing Street [Wednesday] 1 April 1868

4850

April 1 1868

4 The Queen would reply to d on this day (31st) from Buckingham Palace: ‘From consequence of what Mr. Disraeli says to her respecting the vacant Canonry [of Worcester] She will not press on this occasion either Mr. Kingsley or Mr. Birch, but approves of Mr Wynter for this appt.’ h b/xix/a/37. See 4848 and 4850&n1. 1 See 4847&n4. The official announcement would be published on the 6th. The Times (6 Apr 1868). 1 Hardy on the 2nd would note: ‘We had a Cabinet yesterday from which I walked with Cairns who by both letter & orally has expressed his concurrence with me.’ Hardy Diary 68.

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The | Earl Beauchamp My dear Beauchamp, I have appointed your friend to the vacant Canonry.1 I had no idea before of the numerical power / of the Clergy. My best Compliments to Lady Beauchamp. Yours ever, | D.

4851

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac d24 2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 2 April 1868

April 2 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: A rather brilliant debate: began by Mr Roebuck, who somewhat disappointed the House.1 Mr / Henley supported the Government well.2 Mr Lowe made a great invective, but easy to answer, & Mr Disraeli will do so tomorrow.3 Mr Osborne was most happy; a speech of / infinite verve: wise & gay.4 Mr Gladstone will have a majority on the first step of going into Committee: but his next step will not be taken until / the 27th. April in all probability: & then the real debating will commence.5 1 Beauchamp had written from Belgrave Square on 27 March asking d to consider the claims of Philip Wynter (see 4847&n4) for the canonry at Worcester. ‘It is in the gift of the Crown ... [Wynter] has been for many years the mainstay of the Tory Party in Oxford & though at the earlier stages of the Tractarian Movement he took a course which he would not now take yet his services political & academical since that time entitle him to some recognition ... We have suffered greatly in Oxford from Lord Derby’s neglecting to reward those who have served Church & State in the University.’ h c/iii/a/7b. 1 In the House on this day (2nd), the third night of debate on the ‘Established Church (Ireland)’, radical mp John Roebuck, although ‘quite ready to disestablish and disendow any Established Church which I can lay my hands upon’, believed that doing so now would make the government ‘unpopular with that small portion of the Irish people who are really heart and soul with us.’ Hansard cxci cols 709-97. 2 J.W. Henley (n1) considered the Establishment ‘a great benefit and blessing to the country’ and, on the Irish land question, thought the proposal by Mill was ‘rape’ and the one by Bright ‘seduction’. Gladstone was ‘a “compound Fenian”’ in his ‘scheme of spoliation ... a joint actor in favour of the Fenian movement ... For twenty-five years he has been carrying the Irish Church in his belly; yet now he comes forward on a sudden to cast her off and destroy her.’ 3 Robert Lowe (n1) had upbraided the government for its ‘zigzag policy’: while professing ‘undiminished affection for the Protestant Establishment, it proposes to hand over the education of the middle and upper classes of the Roman Catholics’ to ‘the bitterest enemies the Establishment can possibly have.’ Another example was d’s 23 March letter to Dartmouth (4837), published in The Times on the 27th, which Lowe critiqued and from which he quoted at length (for d’s reply, see 4852&n3). Then came Stanley’s amendment, which Lowe blamed not ‘for obscurity; but ... for a want of good sense’. He closed by predicting that the government ‘will not save the Irish Church ... [it] is founded on injustice ... on the dominant rights of the few over the many, and shall not stand ... Like some exotic brought from a far country, it is kept alive with difficulty and expense in an ungrateful climate and ungenial soil.’ 4 Bernal Osborne (n1), in a lively, witty speech, had quoted from Richard iii to comment upon Stanley’s wavering remarks of 30 March (4845n2), called the Act of Union ‘A fraudulent bargain, in which the Protestant aristocracy were bought and Catholic masses were sold’, and had suggested reducing the present twelve bishoprics to four and doing away with archbishops altogether. See 4869&n2. 5 See 4893&n2.

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Mr Disraeli will have the happiness of waiting on Yr Majesty on Saturday &, tho’ the struggle may be historically long, is very hopeful.6 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons, Saturday 4 April [1868]

original: rac d24 3 publication history: lqv B i 521-2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm:’ written in. Dating: by context; see nn1-3.

4852

Saturday | Ho: of Comm: 3.5. a.m. | April 4 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Mr Gladstone’s motion has been carried by a majority / of 48.1 Mr Disraeli does not believe that there is any substantial power in this display; & principally, because, against the wishes of / Mr Gladstone, he was in enabled to adjourn the house till the 20th: & fix the Irish Ch: business for the 28th. Apl:2 If there be that feeling / in the country, wh: the Bishop of London assures Mr Disraeli exists, there will be now an opportunity of evincing it. Mr Disraeli pointed out to the House, that the significant alliance of the Ritualists, & Irish Papists.3

6 Although the published report of the Queen’s activities on 4 April does not mention d, according to Weintraub d ‘went to Osborne to seek the Queen’s covert assistance’. The Times (6 Apr 1868); Weintraub Disraeli 467. 1 In the House on the 3rd, the fourth night of debate on the ‘Established Church (Ireland)’, protracted debate had been followed by two divisions: one on Stanley’s amendment (defeated 330-270) and one on Gladstone’s motion (carried 328-272), a majority of 56, some members abstaining from voting in one of the divisions (hence the discrepancy with d’s ‘majority of 48’). The Times, in its second edition on this day (4th) and again on 6 April, would give a detailed breakdown of the divisions. Gladstone noted, ‘Spoke 1½ hours after D. (who was tipsy) in winding up the Debate.’ Hansard cxci cols 893-946 (d 893-924); Gladstone Diaries 588. 2 The House had adjourned at 3:15 am on this day (4th) until the 20th, resuming the Irish Church debate on the 27th (see 4893) and 28th (see 4894 and 4895). 3 In a lengthy speech (n1), d had refuted Lowe’s comments of 2 April (see 4851n3), saying that his ‘“zigzag” commentary’ was ‘founded on the assumption of circumstances that never occurred, and motives that never influenced us’. To Lowe’s remarks on d’s letter to Dartmouth published in The Times (4837), d told him ‘You mis-dated the letter, you mis-quoted the letter, and you misconceived the letter.’ As for Gladstone’s ‘vast and violent’ course, it was based on ‘utterly and absurdly fallacious’ premises, as there was no ‘Irish crisis’ and the Irish were not ‘a conquered race.’ The working class was now ‘better fed, better clothed, and better paid’ and the middle class ‘more wealthy, and more enterprizing’ than ever. Moreover, to ‘pounce upon all the property of the Church of Ireland, and not tell you what he [Gladstone] is going to do with it, is an outrage and a violation of the principle of property’. d believed the connection between Church and State, ‘authority tempered by the civilizing power of religion’, enabled the government ‘to rule the nation’ and was ‘at a loss to see how we can connect Government with religion except by an Establishment.’ d’s comment near the end of his speech – ‘I repeat the expression that I used in my letter to my Lord Dartmouth, that the crisis of England is now fast arriving. High Church Ritualists and the Irish followers of the Pope have been long in secret combination, and are now in open confederacy.’ – was met with laughter. He continued: ‘They have combined to destroy that great blessing of conciliation which both parties in the State for the last quarter of a century have laboured to effect.’ Hardy on this day (4th) noted that d had been ‘obscure, flippant & imprudent.’ Hardy Diary 68.

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4853

to: LORD MAYO

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 5 April 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

Right Hble. | The Earl of Mayo G.G. | April 5 1868 My Dear Mayo, We must have this Irish Boundary Commission1 settled before you get immersed in your Royal / festivities.2 I go to Windsor tomorrow afternoon, but shall be at D.S. on Tuesday, on my return.3 Keep me au fait to yr movements.4 Yrs ever | D.

4854

to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 5 April 1868

original: bl add ms 50016 f665/17 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

Right Honorable | Sir Stafford Northcote G.G. | April 5 1868 My dear Northcote, Let me know your movements. I go to Windsor tomorrow, but shall be at D.S. on Tuesday.1 I have suggested to / the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that Friday after Easter8, the 17th.9, instead of Wednesday, would be the best day for the Budget Conference, at wh: I wish you to be present.2

1 In the House on 19 March, Chichester Fortescue had asked Mayo when the House ‘intended to appoint the Boundary Commission to revise the boundaries of the Irish boroughs.’ On 15 June, in discussing the Representation of the People (Ireland) Bill, Mayo would explain why ‘it would be a matter of great convenience if any inquiry into the question of boundaries could be dispensed with’ and why there was ‘no necessity for any extensive alteration of the Parliamentary limits of boroughs.’ He would insert a new clause: ‘“Where at the time of the passing of this Act the boundary of any municipal borough does not coincide with the Parliamentary borough, all that part of such borough situate beyond the limits of the Parliamentary borough but within municipal limits, shall form part of the borough for all purposes connected with the Election of a Member or Members to serve in Parliament for said borough.”’ Hansard cxc cols 1946-7; cxcii cols 1586-8. 2 For the visit to Ireland of the Prince and Princess of Wales, see 4874n1. 3 Princess Christian had written to ma from Buckingham Palace on 3 April: ‘The work [unidentified] reached me quite safely & I gave it to Mama in your name Who desires to thank you many times for it. She admires it extremely & thinks it most beautifully worked. Mama is most anxious to see you and Mr. Disraeli at Windsor one day next week & She desires me to ask wh. day between Monday & Thursday would suit you & Mr. Disraeli best. She hopes you wd. dine & sleep at the Castle.’ A draft in d’s hand of ma’s reply reads, in part: ‘We propose to obey Her Majestys commands & visit 8arrive at9 Windsor Castle on Tuesday or Wednesday next’. h b/xix/a/38, 38a. See 4856&n1. 4 Mayo would reply on the 8th from the Irish office: ‘I am going to Ireland to-night ... I will consult the Lord Chancellor of Ireland tomorrow on the subject of the Boundary Commissioner and let you know the result.’ h b/xx/bo/59. 1 See 4856&n1. 2 See 4859. G.W. Hunt, the new chancellor of the exchequer, would introduce his budget on the 23rd. It would be reported that ‘Within living memory there never has been such slackness of attendance at the House of Commons on such an occasion.’ Hansard cxci cols 1149-94; The Times (24 Apr 1868).

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I / dare say, I shall not have that happiness, but, in the middle of the holiday 8week,9 some of us might have a chance of visiting our homes.3 Yrs | D.4 to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street, Wednesday [8 April 1868]

original: ps 646 publication history: John Wilson Catalogue No 24, p 21, described as: ‘ALS (“D”) [to his assistant private secretary (Sir) Charles Fremantle], sending details of the styles or titles of several men, 4 pages 8vo on 10 Downing Street notepaper, “Wednesday”, n.d.’ editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.

4855

I have not copied any paper.1 None exists, except Ld. Derby’s letter to the Queen, in wh: he describes O’Neill merely as the Rev: Mr O’Neill. I have given you B. Bridges correct from himself, as for Trollope and Walsh, take their descriptions from the Baronetage. ...2 D to: LORD CAIRNS

Downing Street [Wednesday] 8 April 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff19-20 publication history: m&b v 28, the second sentence of the second paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4856

confidential April 8 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor, I enclose you two letters, worthy of perusal. I returned from Windsor yesterday.1 The Queen is in a state of considerable excitement, & / determination, about the present state of affairs, wh: she looks upon as very grave, tho’ sanguine, that the country will rally to sound views. I shd. like very much to have a conference with Hardy, / & yourself, before we get into general counsels.2

3 The ds would leave for Hughenden on the 9th, returning to Grosvenor Gate on the 18th. h acc. 4 Northcote would reply on this day (5th): ‘We remain in town till Thursday, when we are going to Devonshire. We have engaged ourselves to Lord Fortescue at Castle Hill from Tuesday to Saturday in next week, and meant to come back on Saturday night.’ bl add ms 50016 f665/19. 1 Fremantle had written to d on Wednesday 8 April 1868 from 10 Downing Street: ‘I have been to the Home Office & find that the first step in making Peers is to send a parchment warrant to the Queen for signature, in which the full style & title must appear. I have got Sir B. Bridges & Mr. O’Neill’s names correct – but what shall be done about Sir J. Trollope & Sir J. Walsh? If you cannot find the Paper, had I not better write to Trollope & Walsh today? The only objection is that these will be a great waste of time, and it is already doubtful whether (with the Queen, Great Seal & Privy Seal all out of Town) the Patents can be sealed by the 20th. – but I have stirred up all the different officials, & it shall be done somehow.’ h c/i/a/51. 2 For O’Neill, Bridges, Trollope and Walsh, see 4820n1. 1 The ds had arrived at Windsor on the 6th, dining that evening with the Queen and the royal family. The Times (8 Apr 1868). 2 For d’s similar request to Hardy, see 4857.

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I hope to get to Hughenden tomorrow for a few days, for I have not seen home for more than six months: & on Thursday the 16th, I must be at / Windsor.3 Keep me au fait to yr movements, & plans.4 My kind remembrances to Lady Cairns. Yours ever, | D.

4857

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 8 April 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript dated ‘10, Downing St., April 8. ’68.’

My dear Hardy, I was very much obliged to you for your letter from Windsor: which, as you rightly anticipated, was a harbinger of what awaited me there.1 I should like very much to have a conference with you, and the Lord Chancellor, before we get into regular business.2 The matter will keep, tho’ we cannot avoid always thinking of it. I am in hopes, that I may get to Hughenden to-morrow for a few days, not having seen home for more than six months.....

3 d would have an audience with the Queen at Windsor on the 16th. The Times (17 Apr 1868). 4 Cairns would reply from Poles, Ware, Herts on the 11th with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘Your letter of the 8th, with its enclosures [not found], followed me from Brighton, & reached me here this morning. I return the enclosures, & I have made a separate Memorandum of what occurs to me on the subject of them. I remain here till the 15th, (Wednesday) on which day the Court of Chancery recommences its sittings on the 15th & 16th. I shall be in London from ten to four, in Court, on Friday the 17th, & afterwards, I shall be in London, in residence, & any day that suits you I wd. arrange to meet you. Some hour after four oC wd. interfere least with my other work. I hope you will have some rest in the country.’ Cairns’s ‘Confidential ’ 20-page memorandum speculated on the complex legal ramifications relating to Gladstone’s resolutions. Should the Queen, for example, assent to ‘an address to the Crown asking that the Patronage of the Crown ... be placed at the disposal of Parliament ... it wd. be equivalent to a surrender ... of the functions of the Crown as to Ecclesisl. Patronage. They could not, from that moment, be exercised without a breach of faith. A vacuum ... wd. be created. Such a vacuum or interregnum ... wd. be unconstitutional. But suppose the Bill, by which the address to the Crown wd. be followed, shd be rejected, ... [the Crown] wd. have surrendered its functions absolutely, & cd. not resume them!’ h b/xx/ca/25, 25a. For d’s reply, see 4866. 1 Hardy had written to d from Windsor on 5 April: ‘I have been much struck by the dread which the Queen expresses of Gladstone & his schemes. The Coronation oath weighs upon her mind. She thinks that she should be relieved of it legislatively with her own assent before being called upon to agree to the extinction of Her Church in Ireland. Her feelings are not in the ordinary sense but in a sufficiently strong one intensely Protestant. The Dean of Cork has been preaching here & I have had some talk with him this evg: – He thinks that the Irish prelates & Clergy wd be prepared to offer some sort of compromise but is not very clear about the kind or degree. Besides the Laity wd have to be consulted & I really know of no representative men among them. The Queen is as you said extraordinarily friendly & anxious not to have a change. General Grey seems to fancy that there will not be much effort to effect one but he relies on Lord Halifax! You will of course hear much more when you come here than I have done but it may be as well for you to know the tone of the Queens conversation with me.’ h b/xx/ha/25. 2 For d’s similar request to Cairns, see 4856.

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to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 9 April 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/56 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in. Endorsed by Stanley on the second page: ‘Mr. Disraeli. April 9. 1868 Col Claremonts apprehensions of war.’

4858

Grosr Gate | Apl 9. 68 Dear S. I hope Claremont1 is not Cassandra!2 I doubt, whether I shall get to Hughenden till Saturday[.] Yrs ever | D. to: GEORGE WARD HUNT

Downing Street [Thursday] 9 April 1868

original: nsr wh271 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4859

Right Honorable | The Chanr of the Exchequer April 9 1868 My dear Hunt – I hope you have recovered. I have not yet escaped from town, tho’ I hope to catch a glimpse of home. Understand, that our appointment, / about a Budget Conference, does not hold.1 I shall, probably, on that day, have to go to Windsor, & hope to do so from Hughenden. From what Northcote intimated to me, your scheme / is so sound, & simple, that it will not require more consideration, than we can easily give it, when we meet in due course. Yrs sincerely, | D. to: ARTHUR BAKER

Hughenden, Thursday [9 April] 1868

original: mopsik [112] publication history: m&b v 25, omitting paragraphs one, two and four; Meynell ii 474-5; Blake 506, snippet; The Times (14 Apr 1868); mp (15 Apr 1868) editorial comment: Hughenden paper.



4860

Maundy Thursday 1868

1 Edward Stopford Claremont (1819-1890), maj-gen 6 March 1868, lieut-gen 1877 and gen 1881, who had served with distinction in the battles of Alma, Balaklava, and Inkerman, and at the siege of Sebastopol, was Britain’s military attaché in Paris, the first military attaché appointed to any embassy. Haydn 904; Army List (1869) 58; The Times (17 Jul 1890). 2 The Greek god Apollo had granted the gift of prophecy to Cassandra, daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy, but when she spurned Apollo’s love, he cursed her so that no one would believe her. 1 See 4854&n2.

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The Revd Arthur Baker | A.M. | Rector of Addington1 Reverend Sir, I have just received your letter, in which, as one of my constituents, you justify your right to ask for some explanation of my alleged assertion, that / High Church Ritualists had been long in secret combination, & were now in open confederacy with Irish Romanists, for the destruction of the Union between Church & State.2 I acknowledge your right of making this enquiry, / & if I do not notice in detail the various suggestions in your letter, it is from no want of courtesy, but from the necessity of not needlessly involving myself in literary controversy. You are under [a] misapprehension if you suppose, / that I intended to cast any slur upon the High Ch: party. I have the highest respect for the High Ch: party. I believe there is no body of men in this country to which we have been more indebted, from the days of Queen Anne to the days / of Queen Victoria, for the maintenance of the orthodox faith, the rights of the Crown, & the liberties of the People. In saying this, I have no wish to intimate that the obligations of the Country to the other great party in the Church are not / equally significant. I have never looked upon the existence of parties in our Church as a calamity. I look upon them as a necessity; and a beneficent necessity. They are the natural, & inevitable, consequences of the mild & liberal principles / of our ecclesiastical polity, & of the varying & opposite elements of the human mind & character. When I spoke, I referred to an extreme faction in the Church of very modern date, that does not conceal its / ambition to destroy the connection between Church & State; & which, I have reason to believe, has been, for some time, in secret combination, & with is now in open confederacy, with the Irish Romanists for that purpose. The Liberation Society, with / its shallow & shortsighted fanaticism, is a mere instrument in the hands of this Confederacy, & will probably be the first victim of the spiritual Despotism the 8Liberation Society9 is now blindly working to establish. As I hold that the dissolution of the union / between Church & State will cause,

1 For Arthur Baker, see v 1830n1. Congregational minister and mp (l) Edward Miall had founded the British Anti-State-Church Association in 1844, renamed the Society for the Liberation of Religion from State Patronage and Control in 1853. Miall had expounded the Society’s principles in a speech on 18 November 1859 in Manchester, published that year as The Liberation Society: Its Policy and Motives (15 pp), which summarized its objectives as ‘The discontinuance of all payments from the Consolidated Fund, and of all Parliamentary grants, and compulsory exactions, for religious purposes’ and ‘The application to secular uses, after an equitable satisfaction of existing interests, of all national property now held in trust by the United Church of England and Ireland, and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland; and, concurrently with it, the liberation of those Churches from all State-control.’ (p 14). 2 For d’s comments in the House on 3 April, see 4852n3.

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permanently, a greater revolution in this country, than foreign Conquest, I shall use my utmost energies to defeat these fatal machinations.3 Believe me, Revd Sir, | Yr faithful member, & servant | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Hughenden [Saturday] 11 April 1868

original: rac d24 16 editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

4861

April 11 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty:1 A duplicate of the Memorandum, signed by the Lord Chancellor, shall be sent to Yr Majesty. As the draft is in a confidential escritoire, the delay of a week may be / inevitable. If, however, Yr Majesty prefer the signature of the Lord Chancellor to the document already in Yr Majesty’s possession, that could be effected in a shorter time.2

3 d’s reply to Baker’s letter (not found) would prompt a lengthy leader in mp on 16 April and, also on that day, the following item in The Times: ‘mr. disraeli and judaism. – The Jewish Chronicle, a very high authority among the people whose views it advocates, has the following remarks in reference to the Premier and Judaism: “There seems, indeed, to be a singular mistake as to the relation of Disraeli to Judaism. Some Jews censure him as an apostate, and urge his apostacy as an instance of tergiversation. Some Christians scoff at him as a Jew, with a singular disregard of all they owe to the Hebrew race. Now, the fact is that, in plain English Disraeli is neither an apostate nor a Jew. He was born of Hebrew parents. His father, Isaac Disraeli, the author, and his mother, a scion of the Basevis, were members of Sephardim Jewish families. His grandfather and grandmother, indeed, rest in the Portuguese cemetery at Mile-end. Benjamin Disraeli was admitted into the communion of Israeli, but his father, thinking fit to quarrel with his synagogue, failed to teach his child Judaism. One day Rogers, the celebrated banker poet, happening to visit at Isaac Disraeli’s house at Hackney when Benjamin was about five or six years old, and regretting to find so intelligent a youth without religious instruction, took him to Hackney Church. From this event dates his absolute and complete severance from the Jewish communion. He became a Christian, and a great genius was lost to us.”’ 1 The Queen had written from Windsor on the 10th to thank d ‘for the important Memm he has sent her. She wld also ask to have a note from the Ld. Chancellor to the effect that it is his legal opinion – as she thinks that will make it doubly valuable for future times. Or does Mr. Disraeli wish the Queen to return the Memm. for the Lord Chancellor to sign? The Queen finds people are trying to say that it is the Queen who wrote & urged the Prince of Wales to go to Ireland. Now this is quite contrary to the fact, as the Queen unwillingly yielded to the strong wish expressed he shd. go – on acct of the good they predict from his visit. The Queen trusts that the Govt. will make this clearly understood – & that they know that the Queen holds them responsible for all that takes place & for any risk wh. may be incurred. The Queen has further to call Mr. Disraeli’s serious attention to the absolute necessity of the building of the new 2d Yacht – necessitated by the breaking up of the Osborne (wh. ought never to have taken place before the new was ready for Sea.) The Queen cannot again consent to her Yacht being used for other purposes. It may frequently occur that the Queen may be unable to dispense with the V. & Albert – wh. indeed ought only to be used for herself – except under very peculiar circumstances – & then there wd. be no other available to be for the Pce. of Wales & other Members of the Royal Family. Mr. Disraeli promised the Queen about 2 months or 6 weeks ago that the Yacht shd. be built – (& it will take 2 years building) & the Queen hears no orders have been given or are intended to be given for commencing her! For the Queen’s own comfort it is also very serious – as if anything went wrong with the V. & Albert or any sickness broke out onboard, the Queen wd be quite without any proper Ship for her to use!’ h b/xix/a/39. 2 There is a copy in General Grey’s hand of a ‘Confidential Mem: by Mr. Disraeli’ headed ‘Absence of the Sovereign from her Dominions’, dated ‘8 Apr/68’ and initialled by d on 8 April and signed by Cairns on the 15th. It outlines procedures to be followed regarding ‘Royal Assent to Bills in Parliament’, in particular the ‘Appropriation Bill’. rac l13 28. See 4866&n3.

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The visit of the Prince of Wales to Ireland was / projected by the ViceRoy, & his Chief Secretary. It was brought before Mr Disraeli’s notice by Ld Abercorn in a written communication, & strongly urged by His Excellency on reasons of state of high import.3 These, / after deliberation, were entirely adopted by Yr Majesty’s government, &, under their advice, & complete responsibility, Yr Majesty ultimately yielded Yr Majesty’s sanction to the Prince’s visit, tho’ not without an expression of Yr Majesty’s doubt of its policy.4 / Mr Disraeli will keep his attention to this matter, but humbly suggests, that it would be scarcely expedient, at this moment, to take any step, or use any expression, that might lead to the impression, that Yr Majesty disapproved / of the visit. Mr Disraeli will give his serious attention to the third topic noticed in Yr Majesty’s gracious letter. It is Mr Disraeli’s opinion, & was equally so when he filled a subordinate position in Yr Majesty’s Government, that in all matters, / in which Yr Majesty’s personal interests & feelings are concerned, it is the duty of Yr Majestys Ministers to study those interests & feelings to the utmost of their power. He will humbly ask Yr Majesty to pardon him for not entering further into the question of the / new Yacht, until he has received from the First Ld. of the Admy an explanation on the subject, which Mr. Disraeli has, this day, required from that Minister[.]5

4862

to: HENRY LOWRY-CORRY

Hughenden [Saturday] 11 April 1868

original: h b/xix/d/202 editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Confidential April 11 1868 Right Honorable | H.L. Corry Dear Corry, Her Majesty has called my serious attention to the subject of the Royal Yachts.1 Her Majesty is of opinion, that there is an “absolute necessity[”] for / building a second

3 The viceroy is Abercorn, ll of Ireland, and his chief secretary Mayo. For Abercorn’s letters to d, see 4791n1, 4792n3 and 4827n3. 4 See 4791n3 and 4792n5. 5 See 4862. The Queen would reply on the 12th, thanking d for ‘his letter recd. yesterday. She encloses the Memdm for the Chancellor’s signature. She thinks it right to communicate to Mr. Disraeli that she has recd. an intimation privately of a motion to be shortly brought on in the House of Commons by Mr. Otway with the view of merging the authority of the Commander in Chief in that of the Secy: of State for War & further that it is not improbable that this proposition may be supported by leading Members of the Opposition wh. circumstance induces the Queen to call Mr. Disraeli’s attention to the case. Mr. Disraeli is no doubt aware that any attack on the power of the Commander in Chief is in the Queen’s opinion an attack on the prerogative of the Crown & one wh. the Queen is determined to resist to the utmost of her power. The result of merging the authority of the Commander in Chief in that of the Secy of State, wd be to place the command of the Army in the power of the Hse of Commons, wh. independently of the blow which such a step wd inflict on the Crown would in the Queen’s opinion be fatal to the discipline of the Army. This being a point on wh. the Queen feels very strongly, she ... relies on him in offering a firm resistance to a most unconstitutional & dangerous innovation.’ h b/xix/a/41. See 4874n3. 1 See 4861&n1.

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yacht, & gives reasons, some of wh: I will notice in a moment. But what I wish to call your particular attention to is Her Majestys statement, that a new Yacht was promised / H.M. about two months ago (when I was Cr. of Exr) & that the Queen hears, that no orders have been given, or are intended to be given, for commencing her: 8tho’ the building will take two years.9 H.M. says, that the “absolute necessity,” referred / to, is occasioned by the breaking up of the Osborne, wh: ought never to have taken place before the new Yacht was ready for sea. The Queen’s Yacht ought to be reserved for H. M’s personal use. It / may frequently occur, that the Queen may be unable to dispense with the V & A, & then there would be no other available one for the P of Wales & the other members of the Royal family[.] This matter is / also very serious for H. M’s personal comfort. If anything went wrong with the V & A; if any sickness broke out abroad 8aboard9, the Queen would be altogether without any proper ship for H. M’s use. I / must call yr most particular & earnest attention to this subject, & I request the favor of yr communicating to me fully hereon witht. loss of time.2 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: [MONTAGU CORRY?]

[Hughenden? after Saturday 11 April 1868]

original: h b/xix/d/200 editorial comments: Dating: by context; see 4861&n1 and 4862&n2. Sic: accomodation.

4863

confidential The Queen wishes the keel of a new yacht, vicê Osborne, to be laid down, tho’ not proceeded with, so that if there be a change of government, our / successors will be forced to supply her with the desired accomodation. Send me, in due course, a written & confidential answer to this. Yrs, | D.

2 Navy comptroller vice-admiral Robert Spencer Robinson had written to Lowry-Corry on 8 April that he did not know if it would be possible to repair the Osborne, but to build a new yacht, ‘it will be necessary, to present a supplemental estimate, as all the programme of intended work is before the House of Commons, and all the money asked for is appropriated to particular works ... We are quite sure that about 80,000£ would cover the whole expense’. Lowry-Corry would write to d on 12 May from the admiralty that he saw ‘no difficulty in carrying out Her Majesty’s wishes in respect of the new Yacht, but I find it absolutely necessary that it should be done with the knowledge and consent of Parliament ... To commence, or even to commit ourselves in any way to an additional and expensive ship during the sitting of Parliament – more especially after the full statement of our intentions, which I made last night – would expose us to much obloquy, and I do not know how I could defend it. I find, however, on consulting the Controller that a supplemental estimate would not be indispensable, or, although at some inconvenience to the Service, we could take the necessary mention of shipwright off the repair of unarmoured ships, and no special provision would be required for the materials – which would be taken out of the General Store. No payment on the repairs would be required this year. It would therefore be sufficient ... to announce that the Osborne had (since my speech – which will be the case) been found too defective to be repaired, and that therefore it was necessary to provide a new yacht for Her Majesty, which could be done without occasioning additional expenditure during the year.’ He would inform d on 20 May that he had received the report on the condition of the Osborne ‘and it has been ascertained that it would require more money to repair her than to build a new yacht.’ h b/xxi/c/454; xix/d/201, 209.

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4864

to: SIR HENRY STRACEY

[Hughenden, Monday] 13 April 1868

original: ps 819 publication history: Christie’s catalogue (4 Nov 1981) item 44, described as ‘ALS to Sir Henry Stracey, sometime M.P. for Norwich ... 13 April 1868’.

[offer(ing) a strong defence of the Union of Church and State] on wh: certainly our religious, &, I think, our civil, liberty depends [noting of the High Church that] No body of Men have more contributed to the magnificence of the orthodox faith, the rights of the Crown, & liberties of the people ... But there is no doubt there is an extreme faction in the Church who wish to dissolve the Union with the State, & who are working with the Romanists. Their success will destroy England[.]1

4865

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Tuesday] 14 April 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. April 14 1868 My dearest Lord, Would you deign to accept the Lord Lieutenancy of Middx:?1 It should be filled by a grand seigneur: & we have none of that description in the County; either / rural or urban. At any rate, don’t think me presumptuous in suggesting to you the office, & believe me ever2 Your devoted, D.

1 Stracey had written to d on 9 April from Rackheath Park, Norwich: ‘A meeting is contemplated next week to be held in Norwich on the “Disestablishment” question. It is possible I may be the Chairman of that meeting. I fancy it will be composed of Country Gentlemen & their tenantry, as well as those of Norwich favourable to the Administration. If I have to lead the meeting, I should be anxious to say only that wh may tend to strengthen the Government; and believing you know that any communication from you would be sacred, I should be obliged to you if you wd give me any information on any intention of the Government. Perhaps the leading article in the Standard of yesterday might convey all you wish – if so it would save you further trouble – if you wd. merely say I shd. not do wrong in making use of it.’ h b/ xxi/s/608. 1 Lord Salisbury, ll of Middlesex since 1842, after an unexpected ‘very severe illness’ on the morning of 11 April, had died at Hatfield House on the 12th shortly after 6 pm. He would be succeeded on 4 May by the Duke of Wellington. Viscount Cranborne, Salisbury’s son, was now 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. The Times (13 Apr 1868). 2 Derby would reply on this day (14th) from St James’s Square that ‘the solution which you suggest had never crossed my mind. I cannot however hesitate a moment in declining, with many thanks, the offer which you have so unexpectedly made me. Even if there were no other reasons, I have neither the local connexion with the County which would justify the appointment nor the local kinship which would enable me to discharge its duties for which therefore excuse me if I cannot for a moment think of accepting it. I had thought it probable that you would have offered it to the Duke of Northumberland ... unless indeed you propose to give him the Garter, and think the double honour too much.’ h b/xx/s/490. See 4872&n2.

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to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff21-2 editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Tuesday] 14 April 1868

4866

Confidential April 14 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Lord Chancellor, Will you have the kindness to affix your signature to the enclosed Memorandum?1 I informed the Queen, that the memorandum was from your pen, tho’, according / to etiquette, I placed my initial to it. Be so good, as to sign your name at length, & officially: also date. 8Her Majesty says, it will add to its value & historic interest.9 If you do this on Wednesday, the messenger will bring the mem: back to me on that day. I shall be at Windsor on Thursday. I / thank you very much for your paper on the Resolutions.2 I doubt, whether I shall be in town until Saturday, but I shall arrive (D.V.) early in the afternoon, so that I co[ul]d receive you at Grosr Gate at five o’ck: or any other time more convenient to / you: but if you could receive me on Sunday, after Churches, or at any other more suitable time, I shd. prefer it; as, it is probable that, on my immediate arrival in town, there may be some pressure, & you too, perhaps, would be fatigued by your Court.3 Yours sincerely, | D. to: LORD STANLEY

Hughenden [Wednesday] 15 April 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/57 publication history: m&b v 22n2, the second paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

4867

Right Honorable | Secy. Lord Stanley Hughenden | April 15 1868 Dear S.1 I agree to the Commission, & leave it entirely to you. Put in Harcourt, if you like.2 I am glad that Lord Salisbury shook hands / with me cordially before he died.3 1 See 4861&n2. 2 For Cairns’s ‘Memorandum’, see 4856n4. 3 Cairns would reply on the 15th from the Court of Chancery: ‘I signed the mem. & sent it by your Messenger without being able to write a line to accompany it. I can quite conveniently call on you at Grosvr Gate on Saturday at 5 oC P.M. & shall do so unless I hear from you to the contrary in the meantime.’ h b/xx/ca/26. 1 Stanley on the 14th had written to d from the foreign office: ‘It is desirable to appoint a small commission, partly of lawyers, partly laymen, to revise the naturalisation laws. The hostility laws commission having ceased to sit, its members are available, and I believe most of them would be willing. Tell me if you agree, and I will write to the Queen. I enclose a list [not found] of possible names.’ h b/xx/s/804. 2 The Times on 25 May would write approvingly of the appointment of ‘a Commission to revise the existing Law of Naturalization and Allegiance’, Stanley having ‘selected the Commissioners ... with singular judgment and impartiality.’ Present at their first recorded meeting on 9 July would be Clarendon (presiding), Edward Cardwell, Sir Roundell Palmer, William E. Forster, Vernon Harcourt, Montagu Bernard and Charles S.A. Abbott (secretary). The Times (10 Jul 1868). 3 It had been Salisbury’s view that d had mismanaged the 1867 Reform Bill; see ix 4363n1. See 4865n1.

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I go to Windsor tomorrow, but shall return at night, & propose to be at D.S. on Saturday afternoon. I am in very good heart as to the state of / affairs, from all the private information that reaches me; tho’, no doubt, we shall have some trying times; but we shall be fools if we are beat. Yrs ever, | D.

4868

to: ALFRED TENNYSON

Hughenden [Wednesday] 15 April 1868

original: ps 820 publication history: Sotheby’s catalogue (21-2 July 1980) item 367, described as ‘Autograph letter signed (“B Disraeli”) to Alfred Tennyson, 3 pages, octavo, Hughenden Manor 15 April 1868’.

April 15 1868 Dear Mr Tennyson,1 I have sent your papers2 [? about a copyright matter] up to [London that the matter may be examined by competent persons and assuring him that his interests will not be neglected; Disraeli also explains that he is writing himself as he would not have

1 This is d’s first extant letter to Tennyson, who had written to d from Farringford, Freshwater, on the Isle of Wight, on the 13th: ‘I had the pleasure of being introduced to you many years ago at the door of the House of Commons & you were kind enough to give me an order for the House. I dare say you have forgotten the circumstance, but pray pardon me if on the strength of that introduction I venture to bring under your notice, with a view to some remedy, a heavy grievance under which myself & doubtless other authors are now labouring. Thousands of copies of my books are yearly imported into Gt Britain by means of the Book-Post – & also by Travellers who are not subjected to the Customs’ examinations as strictly as formerly – They are not even asked a question – My belief in your sympathy for the wrongs of a class to which you yourself belong must plead as my excuse for troubling you with this matter amid your vast businesses. I beg leave to enclose a letter [see n2] tho’ a somewhat heady one from my publisher to Mrs Tennyson, as a proof that I do not complain without reason. It has been suggested to me that some regulation might be made by Order in Council which would in a measure remedy this crib as far at least as the post goes. Might it not be rendered illegal to send a volume by post without the name of the author & publisher being inscribed outside, the sender of the book being made liable to a penalty of £50 or 100 should he put a false name on the cover?’ The letter is docketed on the verso in another hand: ‘ansd. sending reply & Memo. from G.P.O. Ap. 24. (see also No. 16751/67).’ h b/xxi/t/76. 2 Tennyson had enclosed a letter of 7 April written to his wife by James Bertrand Payne, a partner at Edward Moxon (Tennyson’s long-time publisher): ‘I directed one of my clerks to write to the Guernsey bookseller, one Stephen Barbet, & pay 10/= for the whole of Mr. Tennyson’s works! He has this morning sent [Leipzig publisher Baron Bernhardt von] Tauchnitz’s edition in five volumes for that Sum. It is now pretty evident why there is & has been a falling off in the general Sales for the last 3 or 4 years. I have heard it estimated that Tauchnitz sells from 35,000 to 50,000 Sets of Mr. Tennyson’s works through the book-post in England annually, & I, myself, have no doubt the quantity is not over-stated. I do sincerely hope Mr. Tennyson will let no feelings of mistaken kindness prevent his triturating this Barbet in the mortar of the law, & thus make of him a seasonable example. It will be also as well to make special application to Mr. Disraeli (who as a literary man, will sympathise with any author who suffers from such hardship,) to prevent the book-post being abused in this fashion; & no doubt, such an application would receive attention.’ h b/xxi/t/78.

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had Tennyson answered only by a secretary and recalls their acquaintanceship with pride] ... I remember our acquaintance & am proud of it ...3 to: SAMUEL WILBERFORCE original: bodl ms Wilberforce c16 ff77-8 editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Wednesday] 15 April 1868

4869

confidential April 15 1868 The | Lord Bishop of Oxford My dear Lord, I wish very much to know what is the mot d’ordre to the Diocese on the present state of affairs. The Duke of Buckingham writes to me, that the Clergy will / not move in his district.1 I can understand, that a High Ch: clergy may not sympathise very strongly with a Calvinistic branch of the Establishment, but I speak my sincere conviction when I say, that if they allow this sentiment to / neutralise their action on this occasion, they will be taking an unwise course, & will be influenced by a very contracted view. The fate of the Established Church will depend upon the opinion of the country, as it is directed, formed, & organised / during the next eight months. Don’t let any of us flatter ourselves, that “it will last our time.”2 We live in a rapid age, & if there be apathy now, it will not last my time, or Yr Lordships.3 Yours sincerely, | D.

3 Tennyson would reply from ‘J. Knowles’s, Clapham Common’ on 25 April, thanking d ‘for the instant attention you have paid to this small matter of mine. I never quite believed my Publisher’s statistics, but he has pressed this topic upon me so constantly, & I myself have met with so many who confessed that they had foreign editions of my poems, that I thought it a sort of duty to myself & other authors to make this application: & though the result appears to be nil, I do not the less feel an obligation to you; & am quite as much pleased to know that it is owing to the Author of that charming lovestory, Henrietta Temple, as to the Prime Minister of England.’ h b/xxi/t/77. 1 Buckingham had written to d on the 13th that ‘the High Church Clergy about here appear indifferent to the Irish Church question – not disposed to promote petitions against the measure & less disposed to sign them. This of course much checks the readiness of others to take part in petitions or other steps in opposition.’ h b/xxi/b/1251. 2 In the House on 2 April, Bernal Osborne had stated: ‘Some hon. Gentlemen seem to think that this question of the Irish Church is to be disposed of by a Vote to-night or to-morrow morning. Why, Sir, I expect this business will last during our life‑time.’ Hansard cxci col 783. 3 Wilberforce would reply on the 16th with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘The first of my Diocesan meetings has been held today. Forty Inspectors of Schools have been with me & the Petition a form of which I enclose is going back to all their parishes.’ The petition prayed the House of Lords ‘not to agree to certain resolutions concerning the Established Church of Ireland now before your honourable House, inasmuch as they appear to us to be unjust to the Reformed Church, and to involve principles of Confiscation which must ultimately prove fatal to the security of all property in the United Kingdom.’ h b/ xxi/w/373, 373a. See 4871.

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4870

to: CHARLES CLUBBE

[Hughenden] Wednesday 15 April 1868

original: ric [38]

Rev. C.W. Clubbe | A.M. Wednesday | Apl. 15 1868 My dear Mr. Clubbe, I am very glad to see this,1 wh: looks like business. You had better get mine, & the signatures of my household, before we go on Saturday.2 Yours sincerely | D.

4871

to: MARKHAM SPOFFORTH

Hughenden [Thursday] 16 April 1868

original: ps 1545 publication history: The Times (2 Sep 1931) under the heading ‘Disraeli to an Agent. Confidences by Letter.’

Hughenden Manor, April 16, 1868. Confidential. – This letter must not leave your hands. – D. Dear Mr. Spofforth,1 – The B[isho]p of Oxford has given the mot d’ordre in his Diocese,2 as he said he would, & the utmost activity now prevails in his three counties of Bucks, Berks, and Oxon. The organization of his Diocese is complete, & it works like a first-rate piece of machinery. The three Archdeacons have summoned meetings of their clergy on particular days; the rural Deans have circulated, among the

1 Possibly d’s ‘admirable petition’ (not found) in 4871. 2 The ds would return to Grosvenor Gate on Saturday 18th. h acc. 1 Spofforth, d’s Conservative party agent, was gathering information about the Irish Church question and had written to d on 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14 and 16 April. On the 10th, he had told d that ‘Tomorrow a letter will be sent to every beneficed Clergyman & Curate in England & Wales (from the Central Board here) requesting them to authorize their signatures to be affixed to an address to the Queen [see below] ... Failing the Archbishop, the Bishop of London will be asked to rouse the English Bishops to the danger of the Crisis. The Bishop of London has signified his anxiety that something should be done. The Bishop of Oxford is averse to any movement on the part of the English Bishops & will I expect oppose it – of this I have what is in my opinion sufficient proof – but am asked not to mention the source from which it comes.’ On the 11th, Spofforth had alerted d to a suggestion ‘from Mr. Kendall M.P. who observed that as the Romanists had “become aggressive” it would do much good if the Prime Minister were to announce he should not proceed with the creation of a Roman Catholic university ... In London today & at the Clubs there is a very confident expression of opinion that Mr Gladstones move will fail’. He had enclosed a printed draft of a one-page memorial to the Queen (the copy on microfilm is heavily amended in what appears to be d’s hand) informing her that ‘the destruction of the Irish Branch of the Church ... would injuriously affect the Established Church in every part of the United Kingdom’, and entreating her to let Roman Catholics ‘continue to have the fullest toleration, and the free enjoyment of civil and religious liberty, the best guarantees for which will be found in the maintenance of the Protestant institutions of the country’. On the 14th, Spofforth had informed d that ‘The Clergy are slowly awakening to the crisis. Your letter [not found] will do good with the High Church people.’ On the 16th, he had asked d to ‘read and return the enclosed letter from the Bishop of London ... Reports are favorable this morning – the alarm is spreading & I have confidence in your ultimate triumph.’ h b/xxi/s/427, 427a, 428, 431, 432. 2 See 4869&n3.

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parochial clergy, an admirable petition, & they are to forward signatures, on sheets of foolscap paper, to the Archdeacons.3 With regard to the Bishop of London, my advices, from a high quarter, are very unsatisfactory. They say he loves the Church, but he loves Ld Granville more, & that he is really “keeping out of the way.” Lord Derby always calls him “the spiritual Lord in Waiting,” as he never will make an observation, or do anything in the Ho: of Lords, until he has gone up to Lord Granville for leave.4 I fear you are leaning on a broken reed, & that he is betraying you. I deeply regret this, as I was quite prepared to act with the Bishop of London in sincere alliance. Yours ffy, D. to: THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND

Downing Street [Thursday] 16 April 1868

4872

original: nor f/185/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

April 16 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Northumberland Dear Duke of Northumberland, The Lord Lieutenancy of the County of Middx: is vacant, & I request your Grace’s sanction to place your name before the Queen to fill that important post.1 / I am sure the appointment would be most agreeable to Her Majesty, & most satisfactory to the country. I will not presume to dwell on my own personal gratification in offering this distinction to a / nobleman not only so entirely worthy of the office, but one with whom I have acted in public life, & for whom I have ever felt unvarying respect & regard.2 Will you present my compliments to the Duchess, / who, I hope, has not entirely forgotten me; & believe me ever dear Duke of Northumberland, | faithfully yours | B Disraeli

3 Edward Bickersteth, Archdeacon of Buckinghamshire 1853-75; James Leslie Randall (d 1922), Archdeacon of Berkshire 1855-69; and Charles Carr Clerke (1798-1877), Archdeacon of Oxfordshire 1830-77. 4 Granville was Liberal leader in the Lords. 1 See 4865&nn1&2. 2 Northumberland would reply to d’s letter of 2 March (see 4777&n2) from San Remo, Italy, on 18 April: ‘Your letter ... reached me some time since. I regret that I did not, immediately upon receiving it, acquaint you with the course which the results of last Session have led me most reluctantly to adopt, as regards the political future ... I must therefore tell you that whilst I entertain no sort of hostility to the administration of which you are the head, I am determined for the future to pursue an active independence of party, anxious to be able to give Her Majesty’s Government a conscientious and ungrudged support, but in no way bound to follow its judgement, or concur with its decisions.’ h b/xxi/n/194. For d’s reply to this letter, see 4882.

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4873

to: LORD STANLEY

Hughenden [Friday] 17 April 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/58 editorial comment: Hughenden paper imprinted ‘mad’. Letter courtesy of Liverpool Record Office, Liverpool Libraries.

Rt Honorable | Secy Lord Stanley April 17 1868 Dear S. I shall be in town tomorrow, at G. Gate, about ½ past 3 o’ck:, & intended to have come down to D.S. calling upon you in the way, but I have a / letter from the Lord Chancellor,1 wh: will make me stay at home to receive him at five o’ck:, so I fear I shall not reach D.S. Are you in town, & / could we meet, if so, on Sunday morning? Ever, | D.

4874

to: LORD MAYO

Hughenden [Friday] 17 April 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

Confidential Hughenden | April 17 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo My dear Mayo, I am glad things seem going on well with you, tho’, if we had foreseen this Ch: question, the visit wd. not have taken place.1 I had an audience of / the Queen yesterday. Her Majesty thought the Knighthood premature: it shd. be promised, Her Majy. said, at the end of the visit, when we were quite sure, that nothing disastrous had taken place; & should be conferred by Herself, she thought. The Mayor must come over, & be Knighted after some Council.2 Perhaps, if you write again, H.M. may relent. Taylor will tell you more about Otway than I can.3

1 See 4866n3. 1 Mayo had written to d on the 13th from Dublin Castle: ‘The Lord Lieutenant is very anxious to confer the honor of Knighthood on the Lord Mayor of Dublin. He has been very obliging and active in all matters connected with His Royal Highness’s visit. Would you therefore acquaint Her Majesty and let me know by telegraph whether we may confer the honor on Wednesday (the day of the arrival) without waiting for further permission.’ He had written again on the 15th: ‘Every thing has gone off splendidly. Enormous Crowds and the Prince and Princess cheered to the Echo. The weather is magnificent and as far as we have gone it is a great success. I suppose if Pakington is ill it is impossible that Otway can bring on his motion on Monday.’ h b/xx/bo/60-1. 2 William Carroll (1819-1890), lord mayor of Dublin 1868-9 and the first md to hold that position, would be knighted on 14 May. British Medical Journal (20 Jul 1867) 46; The Times (20 May 1868). 3 Arthur John Otway (1822-1912), 3rd Bt 1881, pc 1885, had served in the army in Australia and India, retiring in 1846. A barrister (Middle Temple 1850), mp (l) for Stafford 1852-7, Chatham 1865-74 and Rochester 1878-85, Otway would be foreign under-secretary 1868-71 and chairman of ways and means and deputy speaker of the Commons 1883-5. See 4861n5.

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I have little apprehension / about the Government standing. Yours ever, | D. I must give you a hint: that there must be no pardons granted by the Prince &c.4 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[London, Monday] 20 April 1868

original: rac d24 24 publication history: lqv B i 523-6, omitting paragraphs sixteen to twenty-one and the last paragraph.

4875

April 20 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Your Majesty: The Article in the “Times” & social reports, intimated, that some declaration from the / Ministry wd. be expected at the opening of the House, or would be forcibly elicited.1 Altho’ this was quite contrary to Mr Disraeli’s intention, he / was careful to be unusually early in his place, to meet any onslaught: but nothing could be more tranquil or meeker, than the aspect of the House, & / even, had he wished it, it would have been difficult for him to have originated an “explanation”.2 He proposes, subject to Yr Majesty’s continued approbation, to follow the / course, wh: he has had the honor of laying before Yr Majesty, & wh: Yr Majesty then approved.3 Assuming, that the first Resolution of Mr Gladstone, affirming the / policy of “disestablishing” the Church in Ireland being carried, he would announce, that the division has changed the relations wh: previously existed between the House & the Ministry; that / they must consequently consider their position; & then he would move the adjournment of the House. 4 Mayo would reply on the 20th: ‘I will tell the Lord Mayor if all goes well (of which I now entertain no doubt) that Her Majesty will confer the honor of knighthood on him herself and will make out that this is done as a Special mark of Her Majestys feelings with regard to the reception the Prince has met with ... I think you are wrong in saying that the church question should have prevented the Visit. I think if any thing could smooth that affair it is the Prince’s reception. Hartington told me yesterday that he thought they had gone far enough and said he agreed with the article in the Times of Friday. Every one here whose opinion is worth having is grateful; and pleased with the Princes visit and of course that will act to some extent on your Govt. if not in gaining votes at least in softening asperities. Abercorn has done wonders. His hospitality is gorgeous and those who were in Russia with HRH say that his Banquets beat the Moscovite. He made a Capital Speech in proposing the prince’s health at the knights dinner. The feast itself was the most perfect thing I ever saw – 120 People sat down and the dinner was served with as much precision as a dinner of 10. We have given no pardons but I am gradually letting out the Habeas Corpus Prisoners and getting nearly all the worst of them off to America.’ h b/xx/bo/63. 1 The Times on this day (20th) had asked, ‘What is to be the course of the Parliamentary business for the remainder of the Session? This question must be settled before the work of Parliament is recommenced. The House of Commons meets again to-day, and the first thing to be done is to determine the limits of what may be attempted. The chart of the Session must be mapped out ... A Ministry which has been beaten by a majority of 60 is ... bound to retire from office or appeal ... to the judgment of the country.’ 2 The House had met at 4 pm on this day (20th) for the first time after Easter vacation for protracted debate on irrigation of public lands in India, the condition of Ceylon and, in committee of supply, on civil service estimates. The Times on the 21st would underscore Gladstone’s absence and d’s silence: ‘it was manifestly Mr. Disraeli’s resolution to “let things slide” ... If Mr. Disraeli does not volunteer a statement of the Ministerial intentions, he must be challenged by Mr. Gladstone.’ Hansard cxci cols 946-1014. See 4881n2. 3 d had had an audience with the Queen on the 16th.

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If the debate concludes on Tuesday next, the 28th, the House cd. only be conveniently / adjourned until Thursday following; if the debate be carried on till the following Friday, & then concludes, the House would naturally be adjourned until the following Monday, the 4th. May.4 On / either of these days, according to circumstances, Mr Disraeli proposes to make a statement as to the position of Yr Majesty’s Government: Showing: 1stly:, that they accepted / office, when their opponents, or, rather, predecessors, had thrown up the reins, in a Ho: of Commons in wh: they were in a minority of 70: 2ndly. that, notwithstanding 8this disadvantage,9 they had carried a measure on / a subject of vital importance, wh: had hitherto baffled all previous Statesmen & Cabinets: 3rdly: that during the period of their administration, their conduct of affairs in all the great branches: / Foreign, Domestic, Irish administration, Finance, had not only never been impugned, but had actually been commended, & greatly commended, by the Opposition; praised, & even, when measures were introduced, supported / by them: that, under these circumstances, in the spirit of the Constitution, they were justified in advising Yr Majesty to appeal to Yr Majesty’s people at the most convenient / time, & that Yr Majesty had been graciously pleased to sanction such a course. Then, it will be, to feel the opinion of the House of Commons what is that most convenient / time, & Mr Disraeli does not doubt, that he can lead the House to adopt the just & truly sensible view of affairs; namely that the appeal to the people shd. / be to the popular voice as represented & registered in the new Constituency. If this view be adopted, the rest of the Session will probably be without anxiety.5 With Yr Majesty’s approbation, / Mr Disraeli would suggest, that after the division, whether on Tuesday, or Friday, he should communicate the result to Yr Majesty, & offer the advice, (with / the previous sanction of the Cabinet,) which he has already expressed. His messenger would wait for Yr Majesty’s pleasure, & thus he would be able without the delay, / wh: would result from 8be occasioned by9 visits to Osborne, communicate the result to the House of Commons, witht. loss of time: a great object when public business has / been so long, & vexatiously, delayed. In his opinion, it wd. be most desirable, nay, absolutely necessary, that Yr Majesty’s sanction to the course recommended by Yr Majesty’s Ministers shd. / not be accorded contingently, but that it shd. be specifically recommended, & if Yr Majesty graciously so pleases it, accorded after the event of the division. This is the reason why he contemplates / giving Yr Majesty so much trouble. In enumerating the reasons why an appeal to the Constituent Body is authorised, Mr Disraeli intends, as a 4th. Reason, to refer to the new policy / recommended by Mr Gladstone. It must produce great changes: according to the opinion of Yr Maj-

4 The Irish Church question would be discussed in committee on the 27th and 28th, concluding on the 30th with a division, the House adjourning until 4 May. See 4893&n2, 4895&nn2-8 and 4902&n1. 5 For similar remarks, see d’s 4 May ‘Ministerial Statement – Defeat of the Government on the Irish Church Resolutions’ (4906&n1).

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esty’s Ministers, it may bring about serious consequences. They believe the opinion of / the nation, after due consideration, will decide against the new policy: &, therefore, this is an additional reason why the appeal shd be made. And the delay, wh: technical reasons really / cause, may be highly advantageous in securing a matured &, to a certain degree, general verdict of Yr Majestys subjects. Mr Disraeli will communicate to Yr Majesty, in the course of / the week, some authentic information as to the real feeling of the country on the threatened revoution revolution, for it is not less. Beneath the chatter of newspapers, & the / babble of political & social coteries, there is a national sentiment astir, wh: is very grave & significant. Mr Disraeli had called the Cabinet for Wednesday next,6 & there / are many subjects of importance: the treatment of the Ch: Rates for example in the House of Lords, besides the sanction of the Cabinet to the course respecting Mr Gladstone’s resolution, wh: / demand their attention: since then, the Chanr of the Exr has returned to town & wishes a Cabinet for tomorrow, to submit his Budget to his colleagues[.]7 Mr Disraeli has informed him, that the / Budget must be submitted to Yr Majesty before its production 8in the House9, &, therefore, he cd. not wait till Wednesday. The First Lord of Yr Majesty’s Treasury may perhaps presume to inform / Yr Majesty, that the financial position is far from unsatisfactory. The Abyssinian war will require 3 millions but this will be furnished by a 2d. Income Tax for the year; that is / to say, only an income tax at the same rate at wh: we have been paying it during the last half year:8 We have been paying at the rate of an additional penny for the year, but the whole / of it has to be paid in the half year: so a 2dy: income tax will not increase the rate, 8or, rather, the pressure.9 The world expects something worse: & if the capture of Magdala arrives with the Budget, / there will be no want of confidence in the finance of Yr Majesty’s Governmt.9 Mr Disraeli has mentioned these things also, that Yr Majesty might not be alarmed at the apparition of two / Cabinet Councils rapidly following each other. When Mr Disraeli counts the sheets of this parliamentary bulletin, he is almost dismayed; & hesitates, whether he ought not, / perhaps, to put it in the fire. But he knows Yr Majesty likes to be thoroughly informed as to affairs, & he really has not said half, perhaps, that he ought.

6 See 4878&n1. 7 The cabinet would meet on the 21st and 22nd. The Times (22, 23 Apr 1868). See 4878&n1. 8 Although d in November 1867 had obtained an unprecedented £2,000,000 to defray the costs of the Abyssinian Expedition (see ix 4592n1), G.W. Hunt, introducing his budget in the House on the 23rd, would estimate that a further £600,000 per month from January to May 1868 would be required, obtained ‘by an addition of 2d. to the Income Tax for the year’. Hansard cxci cols 1149-94. 9 Magdala had fallen on 13 April; see 4890&n2.

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But if it be, perhaps, / indiscreet, he knows he sends it to a gracious Mistress, who will pardon an indiscretion, if the intention be loyal.10

4876

to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

10 Downing Street [Tuesday] 21 April 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. April 21 1868 My dear Lord, I return you the Duke of Edinburgh’s letter.1 I regret to find, that there is no Treasury Minute on the subject, but / I will have one prepared immediately. I shd. have had the pleasure of calling on you to day, but we had an early Cabinet on the Budget.2 Yours sincerely, | D.

4877

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff23-4 publication history: m&b v 28 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Secret

Downing Street [Wednesday] 22 April 1868

Apl 22 1868

10 The Queen would reply from Osborne on the 22nd: ‘The Queen recd yesterday Mr. Disraeli’s letter & thanks him very much for his full Explanation of the Course wh. the Govt. propose to recommend to her, when Mr. Gladstone’s first Resolution shall be affirmed. The Queen has always believed that the Question, wh. has been so unreasonably raised, cannot be settled without an appeal to the Country – & her Government may depend upon her support in any measures wh. may appear to her calculated to effect that settlement in a satisfactory manner. But as Mr. Disraeli postpones any specific recommendation till the division on Mr. Gladstone’s motion shall have taken place, the Queen will only say now that any recommendation She may then receive from her Govt. shall have her careful & anxious consideration. She wd. however press upon Mr. Disraeli the importance of his not “feeling,” as he expresses it, “for the opinion of the House,” as to the proper time for appealing to the Country but that the Government should consider this for themselves, & announce the decision which they may think it right to submit to the Queen, in a manner that shall show no hesitation or doubt as to the policy they mean to pursue.’ h b/xix/a/42.   1 Derby had written to d on the 20th from St James’s Square a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘You will vote me a bore, but I cannot help it – I enclose you two letters – one from Lady Ormonde, which I have answered by promising to forward it to you, but not holding out much hope of your being able to comply with it – the other [not found], not exactly a model of orthography, (which however I will ask you to return) from H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh [presumably about his world tour]. H.R.H. is certainly right in wishing that there should be some record of the consent which we gave verbally to his expenditure (which he appears likely to exceed) of £3000 in presents: I should think however that there must be a Treasury Minute on the subject; and if not, I am quite ready to add my name to a Memorandum recording our official assent to the expenditure. It is curious enough that his letter, referring to a possible change of Government, should be dated on the very day on which I tendered my resignation to the Queen! I mean, if I can, to be in the House of Lords on Thursday; and I hope that it will not be inconvenient to the Government, if, in the event of a Division (which I shall not originate) I give my vote in opposition to the 2d reading of Gladstone’s Bill for the Abolition of Compulsory Church Rates. I hear you must be prepared for any amount of faction.’ h b/xx/s/491. See 4890&n1.   2 See 4875&n7.

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Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor, I shall open the Cabinet today by giving the result of my audience, last Thursday, at Windsor[.]1 I shall indicate what I think is the duty of the Cabinet as regards themselves / & their party: & then, by Her Majesty’s especial desire & command, I shall refer to their duty, under the circumstances, to the Queen personally. When I have finished, I / shall request yr opinion, & the Queen hopes, that you will confirm, from your personal experience, the accuracy of my statement as to Her Majesty’s views. She expects the same from Mr / Secy. Hardy, & for the same reason – but I shall appeal to you first, not only because you are my principal colleague, but because there is only one black sheep in the Cabt, the Duke of M:, & as he sits far from you, he will be governed by the numerous opinions, that will precede his own. Ever | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 22 April 1868

original: rac d24 29 publication history: lqv B i 524n1, the last two sentences editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4878

6 o’ck: | April 22 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet, this afternoon, surveyed the whole parliamentary situation, & discussed their course / under all possible contingencies.1 They agreed, that on the carrying of Mr Gladstone’s first resolution, the House shd. be adjourned, & the line intimated in Mr Disraeli’s last letter / to Yr Majesty 8taken.92 They considered, whether the appeal to the new Constituency could not be expedited & facilitated, & several good suggestions were made in this respect: tho’ / Mr Disraeli doubts, whether eventually any difference in the previous arrangements will be effected: nevertheless, the moral consequences of these propositions will be advantageous to Yr. / Majesty’s government. There was unanimity in the Cabinet with the exception of the Duke of Marlboro’, but the Lord Chancellor spoke so powerfully on the subject, saying that / the real question at issue was the Queen’s supremacy; that depended on the Union of Church & State; & that the disestablishment of a branch of the Church was a proportionate diminution / of the Royal Supremacy; wh: must all disappear, if this precedent were not resisted:

1 Stanley on this day (22nd) would record: ‘Cabinet at 4 p.m. Discussion as to our course, but we were all agreed in substance, (1) not to resign, (2) not to dissolve on the old constituencies, (3) not to press on any measures except such as are absolutely necessary, e.g. the Scotch and Irish bills, and those reduced to franchise bills only. I made a full note of the discussion.’ Disraeli, Derby 332. See 4878&n3. 1 See 4877&n1. 2 See 4875.

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that he still hoped & believed, that the mass of the nation, when they were fully aware of what / was going on, wd. feel that their religious liberty entirely, & their civil freedom, in a great degree, were involved in the Royal Supremacy: that we were bound, whatever the mortifications we / might experience, to secure to Yr Majesty that the appeal to the new Constituency shd at least be made under the advice of Counsellors who were favorable to the Royal Supremacy; & / not under that of Ministers, whose policy was inimical to it: that we were bound, he thought, as gentlemen, to stand by Yr Majesty to secure at least a fair trial in this respect: / that 8He spoke so powerfully the9 the Duke of Marlboro’ yielded 8(entirely9 tho’ with reluctance). He is timid, fearful of criticism, afraid of the jeers of Ld. Stanley of Alderley; & very dyspeptic.3 Yr / Majesty’s box has just arrived.4 Yr Majesty’s wise intimation shall be followed. It is the right course.

4879

to: WILLIAM A. MACKINNON

Downing Street [Thursday] 23 April 1868

original: h b/xiii/52 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Confidential April 23 1868 W.A. Mackinnon | Esqr Dear Mr Mackinnon, I have no intention, at the present moment, of advising Her Majesty to create any peers; but when the occasion offers, I / will remember your request, & give it consideration.1

4880

to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 23 April 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/55 publication history: m&b v 85, omitting the last sentence and postscript editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in. On the first page, Stanley has annotated ‘Charles’ as ‘Rothschild’ and ‘Bismarck’ as ‘They see one another daily’.

Confidential Right Honorable | Secy. Lord Stanley Dear S. This appears to me important. Charles is virtually Bismarck.1

Grosr Gate | April 23 :68

3 The obituary for Alderley, nicknamed ‘Ben’ after the slanderous Sir Benjamin Backbite of Sheridan’s School for Scandal (1777), would note that ‘his wit has been accused of having in it a spice of ill-nature; but ... he was really a man of great kindliness of heart’. The Times (17 Jun 1869). 4 For the Queen’s letter to d of this day (22nd), see 4875n10. 1 William Alexander Mackinnon, Jr, mp (l) for Lymington, would write to d from Canterbury on 31 July ‘to mention to you, that my property consists of Landed Estates’ with a ‘value of 20 Thousand a year: the property much increased of late by mines in Lancashire ... My Grandfather was heir to Lord Lavington and I should like that name.’ h c/i/a/68. 1 Baron Charles Mayer de Rothschild and Otto von Bismarck. There is in dbp a handwritten copy of a

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A few days ago, B was all fury against France, & / declared that France was resolved on war &c. but on Monday the Rs wrote to Berlin, that they understood England was so satisfied with Prussia, so convinced, that she really wished peace &c, that England would / take no step, at the instance of France, wh: would imply doubt of Prussia &c. This is the answer. I can’t help thinking, that you have another grand opportunity of securing the peace of Europe / & establishing your fame.2 I will call as I go by. Yours ever, | D. Return me the tel:3 to: GATHORNE HARDY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 23 April 1868

original: h h/life publication history: m&b v 29, extracts editorial comment: From a typescript. Sic: embarassed.

4881

Right Hon: Mr. Sec’y. Hardy. Grosvenor Gate, April 23, ’68. My dear Hardy, Since we parted, I have received some information on the present state of affairs, on which we may rely. Gladstone, instead of wishing to upset us, has no Cabinet ready, and tho’ sanguine as to his future, is, at present, greatly embarassed. He wishes to build us a golden bridge, and if we announce a bona fide attempt to wind up, he would support bills to extend the time of registration, which would be necessitated by the passing of the Scotch and Irish Bills. Nor is it at all supposed, or even wished, that Baxter’s motion should be carried;1 which, now the Irish Ch: has been run so successfully is no longer a cheval de bataille. If a strong representation is made that the House of Lords assented to the great measure of last year, on the ground, that from the largeness of its provisions,

telegram: ‘Telegram from Berlin. April 23. 9.45 a.m. Charles to Baron Rothschild – London. Tell your friend that from the 1st of May Army reduction here has been decided upon, and will be continued on a larger scale if same system is adopted elsewhere. Details by post.’ dbp Box 12/3/55 [390q]. A 7 May report from Paris would comment that ‘the reduction of the Prussian army, beginning the 1st of May, does not exceed 12,000 men’. The Times (8 May 1868). 2 Stanley on this day (23rd) would record: ‘Disraeli much excited by intelligence, which he has had from the Rothschilds, that Prussia contemplates disarmament. I did not understand why he felt so strongly on the matter, but discovered at last that he thought, by taking advantage of early information, that we might represent this to the French, as our doing, and possibly induce them to give some promise of disarmament in their turn: when the result being made public, England in general would reap much credit, and the ministry in particular be strengthened. I doubt the feasibility of this combination, ingenious as it is.’ Disraeli, Derby 332. 3 Stanley would reply from the foreign office on the 24th: ‘I have seen Bernstorff [ambassador of the North German Confederation]. He knows nothing of the intended reductions. I told him the substance of your telegram, not having the authority, but saying it was good. He promised to enquire and let me know. He says that the language held at Berlin is that they are satisfied, generally, with French references.’ h b/ xx/s/805. For d’s reply to this letter, see 4883. 1 See 4930&n1.

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it was necessarily of a permanent nature, it is anticipated that the Government measure would, in its main provisions, pass. I must tell you, however, that Bright and Ayrton don’t agree with Gladstone in his views, and are all for violent and instant action.2 But the respectable members of the party, are not: especially the commercial Liberals, who look with the greatest alarm to Lord Russell’s return to the F.O., or even that of Ld. Clarendon. They think the peace of Europe depends upon Stanley’s remaining. I am assured, that there never was a moment in which a want of confidence vote had a worse chance; and that all the intentions of humiliating the Government are quite superficial. My informant says they will disappear before a firm announcement of our intention to wind up; and that any attempt to precipitate the dissolution would be quite unnecessary and perhaps unpopular in the House itself. On the general accuracy of this information, you may rely. We can talk it over when we meet. Yours ever, D. I enclose G’s letter. He has had his fingers rapped, and won’t stir again. I am inclined to be quiet at present.3

4882

to: THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND

Downing Street [Thursday] 23 April 1868

original: nor f/185/3a&b editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Confidential April 23 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Northumberland I received yr letter this morning, & read it with sadness:1 not because of your reserve of political support, but because it held out so cold a hope of kind feelings, / wh: I wished, both in public & private, to cherish. I would ask you, as a personal favor, not to arrive at any definitive resolution about serving the Queen, or otherwise, without some conversation between / us. I offered you the Ld. Lieuty because this was an office wh:, probably, I never shd. have the opportunity of offering again, but I, also, kept the Garter in reserve, during your absence, that / yr Grace might have your choice.

2 John Bright on the 20th had recorded: ‘House: Mr. Gladstone absent – strange enough. Intended to have spoken on position of Government, but was prevailed upon not to speak in his absence. This was a mistake, I think, and I regret not having acted on my own feelings in the matter.’ Bright 318. 3 Hardy had written to d on this day (23rd) from the home office: ‘I enclose you General Grey’s letter to me [not found] on receipt of the Placard which I showed you. If thought desirable it would of course be my duty to call the Queen’s attention to it. I am certain from what passed last year that there will be more of such documents if not public meetings. Yesterday I asked [under-secretary Sir James] Fergusson without intimating our opinion whether he thought in case of pressure for time the Scotch Bill could be reduced to a franchise one. He expressed a strong objection to such a course & said that the Scotch members would never assent to it & that some other Conservatives wd. not dare to risk the loss of additional members. The matter will need very grave consideration.’ h b/xx/ha/27. 1 See 4872&n2.

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I do not wish your acceptance of either of these dignities to qualify your entire independence. They are solely a tribute to your rank & reputation, & an offering from / one, who has the highest respect & regard for your character & talents.2 D to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Friday] 24 April 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/60 publication history: m&b v 85 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Stanley on the fourth page: ‘Reduction of Armaments by Russia Believes there is something going on. To find out & act.’

4883

confidential April 24 1868 Dear Si. Bernstorff never knows anything.1 I am sure there is something on the tapis, & I want you / to have the credit of it. Vide Reuters Tels in Times of today “Berlin Ap: 23” Rumor on the Bourse &c.2 What I shd do / wd be to telegraph to Loftus,3 & bring things to a point, & then act. I feel sure it will be done without you, if you don’t look sharp. Yrs | D. You risk nothing & may gain everything[.]4 to: WILLIAM HENRY GREGORY

Downing Street [Friday] 24 April 1868

original: mopsik [65] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

W. H. Gregory Esqr | MP.

4884

April 24 1868

2 Northumberland would reply from Northumberland House on ‘Saturday 9 A.M.’: ‘I found your letters of the 16th and 23d, on my arrival here last night. Though I fear the interview you desire will be a painful and unsatisfactory one to both parties, I shall hold myself at your disposal for the day if you will be so kind as to let me know by the bearer the place and hour at which you wish that we should meet.’ h b/ xxi/n/195. See 4888&n1. 1 For Stanley’s letter to d of this day (24th), see 4880n3. 2 The Times on this day (24th) had printed a report headed ‘Berlin, April 23, Evening’: ‘A rumour was current on the Bourse to-day that France, Prussia, and Austria had agreed to effect a reduction of their military forces by means of furloughs.’ 3 Lord Augustus Loftus, ambassador at Berlin 1866-71, had been recently accredited to the North German Confederation. 4 Stanley would reply on the 25th at ‘6. P.M.’: ‘The telegram confirms your friend’s expectations. I spoke to La Tour in anticipation of it, “supposing the news were true, what would you do?” His answer was discouraging. He says (and indeed the tel. confirms him in that respect) that Prussian reductions mean nothing. “What security do they give, when it is admitted that the men can be brought back in a week’s time if not in 24 hours?” I am compelled to own there is some force in the reply. Still, with the facts actually before us, we may press them a little.’ He would write to d again on the 25th: ‘The enclosed [not found], and a despatch in the same sense, I fear, are conclusive. Your canard has flown away!’ h b/xx/s/806-7. See 4887.

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Dear Gregory, I want you to do me the favor of being one of the Boundary Commissioners for Ireland. It will not / necessitate your absence from the metropolis. You will have two colleagues; the only one appointed at present is the Chairman, [illegible deletion] Judge Longfield. You will appoint your Assistant / Commissioners who will report to you. My Secy., Mr Montagu Corry will give you 8this9 note, & all details.1 Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli

4885

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Friday] 24 April 1868

original: rac a37 14 publication history: lqv B i 526, the last paragraph; Bradford 281, the last sentence editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Comm:’ written in. Sic: embarassing; waved.

House of Comm: | April 24 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: A very interesting debate on Turkish politics & Crete.1 Lord Stanley made a / very successful speech, as he always does when he speaks on his Department.2 The Opposition were fervent in their praises of his policy generally with respect to Turkey, wh:, / in case of an eventual, but very improbable, vote of motion of want of confidence, would be embarassing for them. Indeed, the story to day, which they have in / the parliamentary coulisses, is that Lord Russell has waved his right to chieftainship, on the condition, that he is again to be Foreign Minister; & that the liberal commercial, class of about / forty members, said immediately, that, if this were the liberal prospect, they must vote even for the Irish Church.3

1 William Gregory, mp (l-c) for co Galway, would reply on this day (25th) with ‘insuperable’ objections, among them that the commissioners would ‘have to deal with Constituencies which have yet to be determined. If I agreed in all the provisions of the Irish Reform Bill I should have no difficulty whatever, but I strongly object to much of its details. If, therefore, I took a part in making divisions & forming Constituencies of which I disapprove, I should have either, where the bill was being discussed, to acquiesce in plans to which I object, or to protest against the very work in which I had been engaged.’ h b/xi/m/37. 1 In the House on this day (24th) Charles Monk, mp (l) for Gloucester, had proposed a motion (withdrawn) for an Address to the Queen to lay before the House ‘“Copy of any Despatches or Correspondence between the Russian Government and the Foreign office on the subjects of the Insurrection in Crete and of the condition of the Christians in Turkey in the years 1866 and 1867”’. Hansard cxci cols 1225-68. See ix 4294n10. 2 Stanley had replied (n1) that to make public confidential correspondence would be ‘a breach of courtesy’, and that the volume of documents on the condition of Christians in Turkey had precluded their inclusion in the Cretan blue book. He then defended at length the government’s policy of non-interference toward Turkey, one based ‘not upon any preference for Christians over Turks or for Turks over Christians, but simply upon a respect for the obligations of International Law and upon a frank recognition of the duty of neutrality which we owe to a friendly State.’ 3 Russell would not take part in the 1868 general election ‘but followed Gladstone’s campaign in the newspapers, or, as he put it, “drank a quart bottle of Gladstone every morning”’. He would criticize Gladstone’s foreign policy, attacking the submission of the Alabama claims to arbitration. odnb.

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Mr Disraeli would humbly suggest to Yr Majesty, in the contemplated event / of the political crisis wh: he foresees, that it would, on the whole, be expedient, that he shd. take Yr Majesty’s pleasure personally, even if it do occasion an additional day’s delay. On great political occasions, / it is wise, that the visible influence, as it were, of the Sovereign shd. be felt & recognised by the Nation,4 & that Parliament shd. practically comprehend, / that the course of a Ministry depends on the will of the Queen.5 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 24 April 1868

original: rac d1 72 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Majesty’s.

4886

April 24 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He entreats Yr Majesty not to mistake this for a formal communication respecting the vacant Bishopric,1 or to believe, for / a moment, that he has the slightest wish to press Yr. Majesty for a decision on the subject. But, as Yr Majesty was graciously pleased as to say once, that Yr Majesty would assist him in these matters, he wishes to / place before Yr Majesty’s, for Your Majesty’s convenient consideration, the following arrangement. Dean Wellesley to go to Hereford;2 & Yr Majesty to appoint to the vacant Deanery the Hon: & Revd. Grantham Yorke.3 / Mr Yorke has been, for 5 & 20 years, the Incumbent of the largest Parish in Birmingham, & has gained golden opinions throughout the Midland Counties for his devotion to his duties & his admirable discharge of / them – 8a real working clergyman in a great parish.9 Mr Yorke’s Ecclesiastical opinions are very temperate. It is an appointment, Mr Disraeli believes, wh: would not offend the High Ch:, would

4 Stanley on the 19th had recalled ‘a seditious placard having been posted up in Pall Mall (and I suppose elsewhere) calling on the Queen to abdicate in favour of the P. of W. as she will not perform her social duties. It does not appear to have been widely circulated.’ Disraeli, Derby 332. 5 Replying from Osborne on the 25th, the Queen would thank d ‘for 3 satisfactory letters. She will be glad to receive Mr. Disraeli any day, & at any time if he will only telegraph to her before, so that she may not be out. The Queen rejoices to hear of Mr. Hunt, & Lord Stanley’s success. She has been g[rea]tly shocked & distressed – as have also all our Children – at this dreadful Fenian outrage on our dear Son [see 4890n1], but we are deeply grateful to God who has so mercifully spared him to us!’ h b/xix/a/42. 1 The bishopric of Hereford had become vacant upon the death on the 23rd of Bishop Renn Dickson Hampden; he would be succeeded by James Atlay on 21 May. See 4905&n1. 2 Gerald Valerian Wellesley (1809-1882), ma 1830 Trinity College, Cambridge, ordained 1831 and rector of the family living of Stratfield Saye 1836-54. As dean of the Chapel Royal at Windsor 1854-82, he was one of the Queen’s most trusted advisers. The Queen would reply to d from Osborne on the 27th that Wellesley, ‘tho’ much gratified at being thought of – has no wish for a Bishopric – & prefers remaining where he is.’ h b/xix/a/43. 3 Grantham Munton Yorke (1809-1879), ma 1842 Queen’s College, Cambridge, deacon 1835 Litchfield, priest 1837 Lincoln, rector of St Philip’s, Birmingham, 1844 and rural dean of Birmingham, would be dean of Worcester 1874-9. Founder in 1849 of Tennal School, Birmingham, the first Free Industrial School in England, he was the author of The School and the Workshop: Why Should They Not Combine? (1856), 23 pp.

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satisfy the Low, but would rejoice all temperate / & earnest supporters of Church & State. Mr Disraeli has no personal knowledge of Mr Yorke, but, from what he observed of Mr Yorke, when Mr Yorke waited on Mr Disraeli, as one of a very numerous deputation on / charities, Mr Disraeli would say, that, from appearance & manners, he was, as might be excepted expected, a gentleman not unworthy of being placed in somewhat intimate relations with Yr Majesty. Mr / Disraeli has taken the liberty of placing in this box a copy of the “Globe” newspaper of yesterday, & of marking in it a letter from Professor Brewer on the Royal Supremacy, wh:, he humbly thinks, is / not unworthy of Yr Majesty’s attention.4 Professor Brewer, of King’s Coll:, is a man of first rate abilities & reputation, & is, in politics, a Whig. He wrote a letter, some weeks ago to the “Times”5 / on the same subject, wh: produced a leading article in that journal,6 &, otherwise, made much sensation: but in the letter enclosed, his views are more developed. They are the real views to be considered, & the public mind / is only beginning to open to them. But Mr Disraeli believes, that, with time, they will ultimately prevail.

4887

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Saturday 25 April 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/61 publication history: m&b v 85 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed on the fourth page: ‘Mr. Disraeli April 25. 1868. Reduction of Prussian Army Further corroboration’.

4 o’ck. I feel persuaded its all true.1 They have a letter this morning in detail, explaining the telegram, & enforcing 4 John Sherren Brewer (1810-1879), ma 1835 Queen’s College, Oxford, had taken holy orders in 1837. Appointed to a lectureship in classical literature at King’s College, London, in 1839, he had worked closely for over a decade with colleague F.D. Maurice, succeeding him as chair of English in 1853 and, in addition, assuming the chair of history in 1865. He would be vice-principal of Working Men’s College 1869-72, retiring in 1877, when d would obtain for him the crown living of Toppesfield in Essex. 5 Brewer’s long letter of 6 April had been published in The Times on the 10th: ‘The disestablishment of the Church is the extinction of the Royal supremacy, – that and no more... it is not the Church but the nation that is in danger from Mr. Gladstone’s measure... Never in the whole range of English history, with the exception of the civil wars, have the rights of the Crown been exposed to a more dangerous aggression... Disestablish the Church, it will remain as before; but not under State control as before; at liberty to be as strict, defiant, intolerant, as it pleases. As wealthy it will be as before (for Mr. Gladstone does not propose to sweep away all its revenues, and individual zeal will soon supply the deficiency), as far removed from the sympathy of the Roman Catholic. For, though the Irish Church may remain loyal, and will remain Christian, yet loyalty and Christianity mean different things in the mouths of different people ... in his crusade against Establishments, Mr. Gladstone buries with them whole heaps of benefactions intended for the poor.’ 6 The Times (see n5), commenting at length on Brewer’s letter, which ‘deserves attention as a rational expression of honest anxiety and alarm at the late division in the House of Commons’, had noted that Brewer, ‘deceived by the fallacious statements of Mr. Gladstone, greatly overrates the probable wealth of the dis-established Church.’ 1 See 4883&nn2&4.

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it. The writer, fresh from Bismarck / himself, does not speak, as if doubt were possible: gives all the details of the military reductions to commence on 1st May, / & the larger ones, wh: will be immediately set afoot, if France reponds. How can you explain all this? What of Loftus? D. to: THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 25 April 1868

4888

original: nor f/185/4 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Apl 25 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Northumberland Dear Duke of Northumberland, I propose to have the honor of calling on Your Grace today, at ¼ to three o’ck:1 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street [Saturday] 25 April 1868

original: h a/i/a/358 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4889

April 25 1868 My dearest, Not hopeless: he has refused the Ld. Lieutcy: & asked for a short time to think about the other: / that is, consult his wife, as I shd do. Details when we meet.1 Your affecy | D. to: WILLIAM GLADSTONE

original: bl add mss 44414 ff242-3 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

The Right Honorable | W.E. Gladstone

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 26 April 1868

4890

Apl 26 1868

1 Northumberland would write to d from Northumberland House on this day (25th): ‘After the most serious consideration of the matter discussed at our interview this afternoon, I have come to the conclusion that I must not accept the proposal you were so good as to make [see 4882&n2], unless I am thoroughly satisfied that it is Her Majesty’s own pleasure that I should do so, after the fact has been submitted to her, that I have made you fully acquainted with my intention to take my seat on the cross benches, and to pursue a political course unfettered by a feeling of obligation to party or ministry ... I hope that you will understand the motives which actuate my conduct, and acquit me of any other feeling than the desire to maintain the reputation for independence which alone can enable me to be of real service to Her, or of any public utility. In conclusion I must beg you, if, after reading my letter, you think it advisable to allow the matter to drop, to do so without hesitation or scruple.’ h b/xxi/n/196. See 4896. 1 See 4888&n1.

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Dear Mr Gladstone, I propose, at ½ past four o’ck: tomorrow, to move an address to the Crown on the attempted assassination of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh: of / wh: you will, perhaps, like to be apprised.1 The triumph of our arms in Abyssinia seems to have been complete.2 There was a battle in the plain on Good Friday, wh: ended in the total discomfiture of the enemy; of / whom 14000 surrendered with their arms, but the King succeeded in retiring to his fortress8; with troops9. The next day, he sent not only all the prisoners, but all the Europeans, to our camp; Napier3 summoned him to capitulate, wh: he refused; & Magdala, under / a fire of Armstrong steel guns, & the rocket brigade, was stormed; “the ascent to the gates was terrific”. The King was killed: this was the 13th:, & on the following day, Napier telegraphs “the army on its return home”.4 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli 5

1 The Duke of Edinburgh had set off on a world tour aboard the Galatea in January 1867. On 12 March 1868, while at Sydney (the first royal visit to Australia), he had been shot by Henry James O’Farrell, a reputed Fenian sympathizer. The ball had been removed from his back on 14 March and after a few weeks’ convalescence he had sailed for England. He would arrive on 26 June (and later sail for the Far East, returning home in 1871). Despite the Duke’s intercession, O’Farrell had been hanged on 21 April. News of the attempted assassination had not reached London until 24 March via a telegraph to the Duke of Buckingham; a detailed despatch to Buckingham of 27 March would be published on 18 May. The Times (27 Apr, 18 May, 27 Jun 1868). For d’s address to the Queen, see 4893&n1. 2 There is in h an item docketed by ma ‘1868 April 18th Telegram Storming of Magdala Release of Prisoners Death of Theodore’: ‘Reuters Telegrams Storming of Magdala Release of the Captives Death of King Theodore Zoulla [Zula, in Annesley Bay] 18 April Magdala was taken by storm on the 13 April. King Theodore was killed. The prisoners were surrendered and 14000 men laid down their arms. The British loss was only one officer and 14 men wounded. The loss of the enemy was 500 killed and 1500 wounded – Three months provisions have been accumulated with the troops.’ h b/xxi/n/19, 19a. For background to the Abyssinian Expedition, see ix 4482n3. The King had in fact committed suicide. 3 Sir Robert Cornelis Napier (1810-1890), 1st Baron Napier of Magdala and Caryngton 1868, cb 1858, gcsi 1868 and frs 1869, had been privately educated before attending Addiscombe College 1825-7. He would enjoy a distinguished career in India as soldier, engineer and administrator, becoming commander-inchief at Bombay 1865, lieut-gen 1867, commander-in-chief in India 1870-6, general and col-commandant of the corps of Royal Engineers 1874 and field marshal 1883. As head of public works department of the Punjab 1849-56, he had supervised various engineering projects (irrigation, roads, bridges and frontier defences), later taking part in numerous battles, for which he was mentioned in dispatches. He had been nominated to command the Abyssinian Expedition in September 1867. A few months after his elevation to the peerage on 17 July 1868, he would return to India, leaving in 1876 after forty-eight years’ service to become governor and commander-in-chief at Gibraltar 1876-83. 4 The Times on the 27th would publish a 14 April telegram from Napier to Northcote: ‘“Magdala taken by assault on the 13th under cover of Armstrong steel guns, eight-inch mortars, and rocket battery. Ascent to gates most formidable ... Army will return immediately.”’ 5 Gladstone would reply on the 27th from Carlton House Terrace: ‘Accept my true thanks for your courtesy in apprising me of your intention with respect to an address on the horrible outrage in Australia, and in giving me so clearly & fully the very happy news of the complete success of the military operations under Sir R. Napier.’ h b/xxi/g/110.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac a37 15 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 27 April 1868

4891

April 27 1868 Mr Disraeli, with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He humbly requests Yr Majesty graciously to appoint the Duke of Wellington Ld Lt. of Middx.1 Altho’ / His Grace has no estate in the County except Apsley House,2 a fine house is necessary for the office, as the Magistracy, a very numerous body, like to be periodically received & entertained. The / Ld Lt. of Middx:, also, shd be a military man, as he has a volunteer army under him of 18,000 men – the Duke is himself a Colonel of one of the principal corps.3 to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 27 April 1868

original: h b/xx/d/72 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

4892

G.G. | April 27 1868 Is the First Lord of the Admiralty aware that Prince Adalbert of Prussia, the High Admiral of that Kingdom, has arrived? and have proper / steps been taken to pay him all the professional attentions requisite?1 The F.O. forwarded to the First Lord, a week ago, a despatch notifying / this impending event. D. Enquire at three o’ck. the last telegram as to the state of Duke of E. so / that I may have it as I call on my way to the House.2

1 For Northumberland’s refusal of the office made vacant by the death of Salisbury, see 4872&n2. 2 For d’s description of the magnificent Apsley House, see viii 3486. 3 The 2nd Duke of Wellington was lieut-col commandant of the Victoria Middlesex Volunteer Rifle Corps. Peerage (1869). See 4898&n1. 1 Heinrich Wilhelm Adalbert (1811-1873), son of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia and Landgravine Marie-Anna of Hesse-Homburg, while serving in the Prussian army, had written a first plan for the construction of a Prussian fleet in 1835-6 and in 1848 would head the Maritime Technical Commission on the construction of what became the Reichsflotte (Imperial Fleet). Named admiral of the Prussian Coast and commanderin-chief of the navy in 1854, he had commanded the Baltic Squadron during the Second Schleswig War of 1864. He would retire following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1. The Prince had attended the launch on 25 April 1868 of the ironclad König Wilhelm at the Thames Ironworks, Blackwall, and would visit Osborne on the 29th. The Times (27, 30 Apr 1868). 2 The Times on this day (27th) would publish an item dated ‘Saturday Night, April 25’ stating that Buckingham had received ‘another telegram from the Earl of Belmore, dated the 31st of March, 1868, Sydney, which reports that his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh is still progressing favourably.’

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4893

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Monday] 27 April 1868

original: rac d24 37 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm: written in.’

Ho: of Comm: | April 27 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He moved the Address to Yr Majesty he mentioned, wh: was received with much respect & sympathy: indeed, deep feeling.1 The / debate on the Irish Ch: then commenced, & proceeded languidly until 10 o’ck:, when General Peel rose, & spoke, for some time, with rough gaiety & great constitutional spirit. / He was successful. Mr Horsman followed in sentences of polished acrimony, & Ld. John Manners concluded wit the debate with sense & spirit.2 Adjourned until tomorrow[.]3

4894

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[London, Tuesday] 28 April 1868

original: rac d24 39 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out.

April 28 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: There have been a great number of petitions this evening against Mr Gladstone’s resolutions. / The Clerk at the table, with an official return for previous days, but estimating for this evening, told Mr Disraeli that the number was 4078 – & signed by five hundred thousand / persons.1

1 In the House on this day (27th) d had moved (Gladstone seconding) an Address to the Queen conveying ‘“sorrow and indignation”’ at the attempt on the life of the Duke of Edinburgh (see 4890n1). Hansard cxci cols 1334-7. 2 In the House on this day (27th), on the first night of debate in committee on Gladstone’s motion that ‘“the Established Church of Ireland should cease to exist as an Establishment, due regard being had to all personal interests and to all individual rights of property”’, Peel had argued that severing Church from State in Ireland would lead to a similar dissolution in England, remarking that ‘a moribund Parliament proposes to make a moribund Church’ and suggesting that all copies of Hansard be burned and the Treasury Bench be relegated to the British Museum. Quoting from numerous articles and newspapers, Horsman had defended Gladstone against the charge of sudden change of opinion by showing that he had pronounced against the Irish Church as early as 1865. He claimed it was ‘notorious’ that eight out of nine cabinet members favoured disestablishment, the ninth (Hardy) being ‘still more averse to the disestablishment of the Government’. Manners had observed that legally ‘there was no such thing as the Established Church “of” Ireland. It was the Established Church of England and Ireland established in Ireland’, Gladstone having misrepresented one of the country’s most sacred institutions ‘for the purpose of facilitating his attack upon it.’ d had replied to Gladstone that, as the Irish Church question ‘must have ultimately very serious consequences,’ he could not guarantee that discussion would close the next evening. Hansard cxci cols 1338-1424 (d 1418-20). 3 The Queen on this day (27th) would write from Osborne to thank d ‘for his 2 letters of yesterday & ... for his kind expressions on the occasion of the dreadful attempt on our dear Son’s life. The Queen is truly delighted at the glorious & satisfactory news from Abyssinia – wh she thinks must have a favourable effect on the general position of the Govt.’ h b/xix/a/44. 1 In the House on the 28th numerous petitions had been presented against Gladstone’s resolutions for the disestablishment of the Irish Church as well as many in favour. The Times (29 Apr 1868).

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Yesterday, & to day, Yr Majesty’s government were successful in two contested elections: Cockermouth & Grantham.2 But the interest of the situation will culminate in the elections for the / great Constituencies, the County of Kent & the City of Bristol, wh: take place on Thursday next.3 These are the events wh:, at such a crisis, really tell what public opinion is: not newspapers, with their rattling articles, or / the chat of coteries, social & political.4 A Tory has not been returned for Bristol since the days of Sir Robert Peel – in 1841;5 but there is a very likely chance of one / being returned now. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac d24 38 editorial comment: Sic: Newdigate.

[House of Commons, Tuesday] 28 April 1868

4895

April 28 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The House more animated this evening; well attended; & commenced by determining, that they / wd. not divide until Thursday next.1 An animated speech of Mr Buxton2 brought out an address, of considerable power, from Mr Adderley; well argued, language cultured & original, & no / platitudes.3 After a short interval, Lord Royston indulged in an erratic harangue: by no means void of talent, but singularly indiscreet.4

2 On 28 April Major Andrew Green-Thompson had been elected mp (c) for Cockermouth, Cumberland, and Edmund Turnor mp (c) for Grantham, Lincolnshire. 3 John William Miles, elected mp (c) for the City of Bristol on 30 April, would be unseated on petition in November. Edward Leigh Pemberton would be elected mp (c) for e Kent on 2 May and in November four Conservatives would also be elected for the ridings of Mid Kent and w Kent, two members each. McCalmont; Stenton. 4 In the House on 30 April d would state that ‘No doubt, if you take rattling articles in newspapers and the conceited conclusions of coteries as public opinion, all is very easy for a public man, whether he be a Minister or a Leader of the Opposition. But when questions of fundamental interest in the Constitution of this country arise, it is not in our power to ascertain what the opinion of a nation like England is in such haste and by such superficial means.’ Hansard cxci col 1673. See 4902n1. 5 Tory mp Philip William Skinner Miles, re-elected in 1841 and 1847, had represented Bristol until 1852 as a Protectionist. 1 See 4902&n1. 2 In the House on this day (28th), on the second night of debate in committee on Gladstone’s motion (see 4893n2), Charles Buxton had derided d’s ‘ragged regiment of reasons’ for opposing it, deriding the principle of the union of Church and State as ‘hoary with antiquity ... now truly in its decay’. Buxton (18221871), educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, a partner in the brewery of Truman, Hanbury, Buxton & Co., a jp for Surrey and Norfolk and lieut-col 1st Battalion of the Tower Hamlets Rifle Volunteers, was mp (l) for Newport, Isle of Wight 1857-9, Maidstone 1859-65 and e Surrey 1865-71. In 1850 he had married Emily Mary Holland, daughter of Henry Holland, physician to the Queen. Hansard cxci cols 1466-1534. 3 Charles Adderley (n2) had deplored that the House was being called upon to disestablish the Irish Church ‘by a phrase coined for the purpose’ and disendow it ‘merely by inference’, and affirmed that to deal with this grave subject without ‘the necessary information or a measure in view betrayed [in Gladstone] the agitator and not the statesman.’ 4 Royston (n2), in a speech that elicited much laughter, had accused the opposition of ‘holding a pistol at the heads of the Church party’ and warned that if the House passed Gladstone’s resolutions, it ‘would be throwing itself into an abyss, the bottom of which they probably might never reach.’

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It was a rule of Sir Robert Peel, that officers / of the Household were not to speak; only vote. Lord Royston rarely attends, tho’ he shd. be always in his place, & as he does not vote when he is wanted, it is supposed, that his oratory was offered as a compensation.5 / Lord Hartington gave us a speech of marked ability,6 but (rather to the surprise of the House) was triumphantly replied to by the Judge Advocate, Mr Mowbray, in / a speech of energy & fire.7 Mr Newdigate is now speaking at midnight – not witht. effect,8 & the evening so contrasts with the comparative apathy / of last night, that it is rumoured the debate may go on to Friday. It is advantageous, that it shd. not be hurried. The trains have been / bringing in the gentlemen from Newmarket, summoned, in consequence of what Mr Gladstone said last night, to a “certain division”;9 & they are very angry, particularly those who may have lost their money. Sir Robt. Peel among them.10

4896

to: THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND Downing Street [Tuesday] 28 April 1868 original: nor f/185/6 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Confidential

April 28 1868

  5 Royston, controller of the royal household 1866-Dec 1868, would speak very briefly on 12 May and 13 July, both times to report an answer from the Queen.   6 Lord Hartington(n2), comparing the Irish Church to a rotten branch on the healthy tree of the English Establishment, had asserted that the rights of private property were not ‘so sacred that they should be allowed to interfere with the prosperity of the Empire.’ If disestablishment were received as ‘a measure of conciliation’, he concluded, landlords would benefit by ‘increased security of their lives and property.’   7 John Robert Mowbray (n2), noting the detrimental effects of the resolutions on the monarchy and the Lords, asked if suddenly ousting Irish prelates from their seats was not ‘a constitutional question’. ‘Was the Queen’, he queried ‘to be supreme over the Church in England and not supreme in the Protestant Churches in Ireland? Was the Privy Council to be the final Court of Appeal?’   8 Charles Newdegate (n2) had asserted that the Liberals represented ‘the spirit of Ultramontanism’ and that never before had ‘the Roman Catholic Members of this House’ been ‘so servile in their obedience to the hierarchy of Ireland’ under Cardinal Cullen and Archbishop Manning. ‘Were it not so late in the night ... I could show that the apprehension of a growing union between the English and the Irish on the part of the Papacy is the secret cause’ of Gladstone’s policy, one which was at variance with freedom of religion. The House would adjourn at 1 pm on the 29th.   9 In the House on the 27th, Gladstone had stated: ‘I am sorry we are not in a position to close the debate on this Resolution to‑night; because the subject, though undoubtedly one of very great importance, has been discussed in two debates, lasting four nights each, which we have gone through in the present Session ... If, however, it be the decided wish of Gentlemen on the other side of the House to continue the debate to‑morrow, I hope we shall at least arrive at an understanding that it shall not be prolonged beyond then.’ Hansard cxci col 1418. 10 For the first spring meeting of the Newmarket horse races, 27 April to 1 May, special trains ran between London and Newmarket. Sir Robert Peel was ‘extensively engaged in racing under the name of Mr F. Robinson’ since about 1856. The Times (25, 28 Apr 1868); odnb.

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His Grace | The Duke of Northumberland Dear Duke of Northumberland, I regret your Grace’s decision.1 I am confident, that Her Majesty, under my advice, would have been graciously pleased, that you should have accepted the Garter / with a clear understanding, that such acceptance shd. not affect the entire independence of your political conduct. It is a condition, perhaps, never before accepted by a Minister, but, in this case, it was on my part a voluntary suggestion, prompted by personal respect & regard. The / condition, wh: your Grace mentions, in your letter of Saturday night, is, however, of a different kind, & I could not, even if I were willing, place such a proposal before the Queen. To sit upon the cross benches is, practically, to avow a want of confidence in / Her Majesty’s government; & to so advise the Queen to confer a high distinction on an individual assuming such a position, & for the first time, would be, on the part of a Minister, an act of meanness & humiliation.2 Sincerely yours, | B. Disraeli to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street, Tuesday 28 April 1868

original: h a/i/a/359 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4897

Tuesday 1868 | April 28 My dearest Wife, The division will not take place until Thursday, so I shall have a quiet night, & a quiet day to nurse tomorrow, & feel, / somehow or other, I shall be all right for Thursday, & Friday (Osborne) & all the exciting scenes of the following week.1 I thought it wd. make you happy to / hear this. Your own, | D. to: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON Downing Street [Wednesday] 29 April 1868

4898

original: mopsik [182] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

His Grace | The Duke of Wellington | K.G.

April 29 1868

1 See 4888n1. 2 Northumberland would reply on this day (28th) from Northumberland House: ‘Your letter of today has relieved my mind from a great weight ... on the eve of an impending revolution, I feel it to be of the utmost importance, that persons whose fate it is to be posted in the front rank, should be able to face the shock without the suspicion of any selfish motive attaching to their conduct. But though I am glad our correspondence should have arrived at this conclusion, I must own that there is one consideration which caused some anxiety, and which I trust you will do me the justice (if it has any foundation) to remove, should the occasion offer; I mean the fear that my behaviour on this matter may be deemed incompatible with the loyal respect and affection which is due from me to Her Majesty, implying that I indeed value the mark of Her favour which Her Majesty was graciously willing to bestow now, but which I feel assured, will never again be suggested to Her by any future Minister.’ h b/xxi/n/197. See 4900. 1 See 4902&nn1&2.

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My dear Duke of Wellington, I have received Her Majesty’s pleasure to Yr Grace’s appointment as Lord Lieutenant of the County of Middx: on wh: / I have the honor to congratulate you.1 I will give immediate directions for the necessary steps in consequence.2 Ever, my dear Duke of Wellington, | Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

4899

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Thursday] 30 April 1868

original: h b/xx/d/73 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. Sic: Green.

April 30 :68 1 Be very careful to arrange that Tuesday next is well filled by Mr Green & Co: so that Gladstone may not be able to bring forward his Resolutions that day: this / is most important.2 Remember to give directions for the Duke of Wellington’s business to be attended to forthwith. Return me his letter on my arrival, as I / shall send it to the Queen.3 D. I have had no news of Kent4 & my dreams were not favorable as to the result – otherwise pretty well today: gout gone.

4900

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Thursday] 30 April 1868

original: rac a37 16 publication history: Blake 492, the third paragraph and part of the fourth paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.



April 30 1868

1 See 4891. Wellington had written from London on 25 April apparently in reply to d’s letter (not found): ‘I have no property in Middlesex but Apsley House and therefore many others are more worthy than I ... Lord Derby might as well have made me Lt. Lieut of my own county for he did not always care for the quasi rate of non succession; but I am too old to be ambitious having seen too much of it to run after it. Now that I have said my say if you persevere in your kind offer I yield overcome with modesty. Apropos, Fate is curious – in spite of me an army of 1800 men is likely to be placed under my command for the volunteers of Middlesex are of that number.’ h b/xxi/w/186. 2 Wellington would reply on the 30th asking d to ‘assure Her Majesty that, with ceaseless gratitude and devotion I shall serve her faithfully, and, as much as in me lies, to the advantage of the Country.’ h b/ xxi/w/187. Wellington would be sworn ll of Middlesex at Whitehall on 4 May. The Times (6 May 1868). 1 Edward Greene (1815-1891), a prominent brewer, mp (c) for Bury St Edmunds 1865-85, the Stowmarket division of Suffolk 1886-91, a jp and dl for Suffolk co, was chairman of the Bury and Thetford Railway Company 1865-76. He would not speak in the House on Tuesday 5 May but on the 7th would move an amendment (defeated 132-97) ‘“that no part of the Endowments of the Anglican Church be applied to the endowment of the institutions of other religious communions.”’ Hansard cxci cols 1931, 1941. 2 For the debate on Tuesday 5 May, see 4908&nn1-3. 3 See 4898&nn1&2 and 4900. 4 See 4894&n3.

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Mr. Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He apprised last night the Duke of Wellington of Yr Majesty’s gracious pleasure, & received the enclosed letter, wh: he lays before your Majesty.1 He also encloses two letters from another noble Duke,2 as he thinks that it is interesting to Yr Majesty to be acquainted with the character, & feelings, of Yr Majesty’s principal subjects. The / Duke of Northumberland is very unpopular, & has the reputation of being the proudest man in Yr Majesty’s dominions. He is proud, but he is more shy; & suffering under a morbid feeling, that he has never been appreciated. / The Duke has talents, & they are extremely cultivated. He knows a great deal & has thought a great deal; & has passed the greater, & more important, portion of 8his9 life with people of highly cultivated taste, & of even learning, / but of very fantastic opinions: mainly, 8the9 late Mr Drummond of Surrey whose daughter he married,3 & who inherits all her fathers tastes, much of his knowledge, & his freakish mind. Her husband is devoted to her, being, tho’ of / a reserved, of a very affectionate, disposition. The Duke of Northumbd: did not agree with Ld. Derby, but Mr Disraeli, having known His Grace for for many 8years9, & in some intimacy & sympathy, & never having had a cloud between / them, thought, with Yr Majesty’s gracious permission, that it wd. be expedient to offer him some of the honors at Yr Majesty’s disposition. The Duke received 8refused9 the Lord Lieuty. of Middx: on the plea, that, locally, all / his thoughts & interests were in the North,4 & indeed it is an office of considerable business & labor: the late Ld. Salisbury had a special establishment & clerks for the affairs of the County: But the conduct of the Duke with respect to the / Garter was very strange: it was clear, that he desired to have it, but not on the terms usual in public life. As Mr Disraeli was well acquainted with the Duke’s character, & appreciated it, he saw the Duke, & confident that he shd. / not repent His Grace’s conduct, he ventured to say, that his the Duke’s acceptance shd. not in any way compromise the independence of his position, & that if the Government took a course, on any great question, wh: the Duke disapproved, it shd. be clearly / understood, between him & Mr Disraeli, that he shd. be free. Then came the letter of Saturday night, in wh: for the first time, His Grace talked of sitting on the Cross benches, & so on. Mr Disraeli replied to this, reciting his previous offer / of independence made in conversation, & stating, that it was probably one, wh: had never before been made 8suggested9 by a Minister, but wh: was a voluntary suggestion of Mr Disraeli made out of personal respect & regard: but sitting on the Cross benches / was, in fact, a declaration that His Grace had no confidence in Yr Majestys government: that 8he9 I could not submit such a proposition to Yr Majesty, & that “its acceptance by a Minister would be an act of meanness & humiliation.” / 1 See 4898n2. 2 See 4896&nn1&2. 3 Henry Drummond and daughter Louisa, Duchess of Northumberland. 4 See 4872n2.

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Then came the reply enclosed. There is no haste about the disposal of the Garter, & Yr Majesty can decide at Yr Majesty’s convenience.5

4901

to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS [London, April 1868?]

original: tas [2] cover: His Grace | The Duke of Buckgm | & Chandos editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand: ‘Mr. Disraeli Bishop of Gibraltar’. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

I conclude Malmesy is out of town, having written to him, & heard nothing.1 I think you must not be precipitate about the Bishopric, as there is a strong feeling / in society in favor of Harris,2 even among those who do not sympathise with his ecclesiastical opinions.3 D.

4902

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: durg [19] editorial comment: House of Commons paper.

House of Commons [Friday] 1 May 1868

½ past two – a.m. | May 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Mr Gladstone’s first Resolution, for the Disestablishment of / the Irish Church, having been carried, by a majority of 65, Mr Disraeli has adjourned the House until Monday,1 & proposes to have the / honor of humbly requesting an audience of Yr Majesty, at Yr Majesty’s gracious convenience.

5 See 4915&n1. 1 d’s letter has not been found. He had last written to Malmesbury on 2 March 1868 (4777). Malmesbury had written to d on 11 February 1868 from the office of the privy seal: ‘I have just seen my brother [see n2]. He holds much to Gibraltar because it is the second time it has been offered him. He refused it in 1863 being then married – now he is a widower. His appt has been so generally known in & out of the Church that it would be a slur upon him to lose it & place him in a false & absurd position. I spoke to the Duke after the Cabinet who told me he had two other men in view but that he would settle nothing till he had seen Derby. I feel that if my brother is thrown over I should myself stand in a very painful position as a member of the Cabinet wh however unfairly, must bear the responsibility of the act.’ h c/iii/a/4. 2 Malmesbury’s brother was Charles Amyand Harris (1813-1874), ba 1835 and ma 1837 Oriel College, Oxford, fellow of All Souls College 1835-7, deacon 1836, priest 1837, rector of Shaftesbury, Dorset, 1839-40, prebendary of Chardstock in Salisbury Cathedral 1841-63, perpetual curate of Rownhams, Southampton 1856-63, archdeacon of Wiltshire and vicar of Bremhill 1863-8. Harris would be consecrated Bishop of Gibraltar on 1 May (succeeding Walter John Trower), resigning due to ill health in 1873. 3 Harris was of ‘the moderately High Church school’. The Times (9 Feb 1863). 1 In the House in committee on 30 April, Gladstone’s motion to disestablish the Irish Church, after protracted debate, had been carried 330 to 265. Speaking after Gladstone, d had called the resolution ‘an act of injustice’ and ‘a retrograde act and a retrograde policy’ that would ‘shake the principle of property throughout the kingdom’ and ‘make the connection between Church and State in England impossible.’ Hansard cxci cols 1583-1679 (d 1667-75, 1679). The House had adjourned at 3 am on this day (1 May).

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Mr Disraeli purposes to arrive at / Osborne tomorrow about seven o’ck:2 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Osborne [Friday] 1 May 1868

original: rac a37 17 publication history: m&b v 30-2; Blake 501, extract from the penultimate paragraph editorial comment: Osborne paper. h b/ix/a/70 is a draft.

4903

May 1. 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The division of this morning, by wh:, at ½ past two o’ck a m, Mr Gladstone carried a resolution for the Disestablis[hmen]t of the Irish Ch:, by a majority of 65, renders it necessary to call Yr Majys attention to the position of Yr Majesty’s Govern[men]t.1 About two years ago, Lord Derby undertook the managemt. of Yr Majesty’s affairs in a Parliamt. elected under / the influence of his opponents, & in wh: there was a liberal majority certainly exceeding 70.2 In the spirit of the Constitution, he might have advised Yr Majesty to dissolve this Parliamt: & / in the broken state of the Liberal Party at that time moment, perhaps not without success. But considering the Parliamt had been so recently elected, he attempted to conduct affairs without such an appeal. In the following / year, he had to encounter the Reform Question under peculiar difficulties, & he succeeded in carrying a large measure on a subject, wh: had, for a long series of years, baffled all statesmen & all parties.3 Lord Derby would, naturally / have advised Yr Majesty to dissolve Parliamt. at the close of last year, were it not, that time had been wanting to pass the supplementary Reform Bills, the principle of 8all9 wh:, however, had / been sanctioned by the Ho: of Comm: Was there anything in the general conduct of affairs by Yr Majesty’s present Governmt., wh: shd. have deterred them from this appeal to the opinion of the nation? That / general conduct has never been impugned in any department: foreign, domestic, Irish, financial, Abyssinian. On the grounds, therefore, that they assumed office in a large minority in the Ho: of Comm: of their success in passing the Reform Act: that / their policy has never been impugned; they would only be acting in the spirit of the Constitution, were they to advise Yr Majesty to appeal to the country. In this state of affairs, while attempting to complete the / Reform legislation, &, then, appeal to the public voice; at a few days notice, a measure is introduced to disestablish the Church in Ireland. The objections of Yr. Majesty’s Ministers to this policy are grave: 1st. It is a retrograde policy, opposed to the conciliation of the last thirty years: 2. It shakes the principle of Property 2 d would dine with the Queen and the royal family at Osborne on this day (1 May), the birthday of Prince Arthur, and would leave on the 2nd. The Times (4 May 1868). 1 See 4902&n1. 2 At the 1865 general election, 369 Liberals and 289 Conservatives had been elected, a Liberal majority of 80. Colin Rallings and Michael Thrasher British Electoral Facts 1832-2006 (Aldershot 2007) 59. 3 See ix index under ‘Reform Bill (1867)’.

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3. It dissolves, for the first time, the connection between Government & Religion. 4thly., / & chiefly in their opinion, it introduces a principle, wh: must sooner or later, &, perhaps much sooner than is anticipated, be applied to England, with serious consequences. The Church will either become an Imperium in Imperio, more powerful, than the State, or it will break into sects & schisms, & ultimately be absorbed by the tradition & discipline of the Ch: of Rome. The Queen’s supremacy being destroyed, the sole / security for our Religious liberty, & one of the 8main9 securities for our civil rights, will be subverted. This will be a revolution: & an entire abrogation of the English Constitution. Is the fact, that such / a policy has been sanctioned, perhaps heedlessly, by the House of Commons, a reason for not appealing to the Nation? Yr Majesty’s ministers humbly think not; & that no satisfactory settlement / of such a question can be arrived at without such an appeal. Under these circumstances the advice, wh: they would humbly offer Yr Majesty, is to dissolve this Parliament as soon as the public interests will permit, & / they will earnestly endeavour, if the House of Commons permits them, that such appeal shall be made to the New Constituency. In offering Yr Majesty this counsel, Yr Majesty’s Ministers would most dutifully / state, that if Yr Majesty thought the question could be more satisfactorily settled, & the public interest best consulted, by their immediate retirement from Yr Majesty’s service, they would, at once, place / their resignations in Yr Majesty’s hands with only one feeling, & that of devotion & gratitude to Yr Majesty, for Yr Majestys constant support in their arduous duties, wh: has always / encouraged, & often assisted, them.4

4 The Queen would reply from Osborne on the 2nd: ‘The Queen has given her most serious consideration to Mr. Disraeli’s letter & cannot hesitate, as she has already verbally informed him, to sanction the dissolution of Parliament, under the circumstances stated by him, in order that the opinion of the Country may be deliberately expressed on the important question which has been brought into discussion. The Queen admits the correctness of Mr. Disraeli’s statement of the circumstances under which Lord Derby undertook the Government in the first instance, & Mr. Disraeli has since continued to carry it on. She has frequently had occasion to express her satisfaction at the zeal & ability with which the several Departments of the Govt. have been administered and while her Ministers have done nothing to forfeit the confidence she has hitherto reposed in them, she cannot think of having recourse to the Alternative wh: Mr. Disraeli has placed before her, of accepting their resignations, till the sense of the Country shall have been taken on a question which is admitted on all hands, cannot be settled in the present Parliament.’ General Grey would also write to d from Osborne on 2 May that the Queen thought it would be best if d’s proposal and her answer ‘were both given in writing. Her Majesty understood you to state, in substance, as follows: That in the opinion of the Cabt., the question of the Irish Church was too serious to be settled without a direct appeal to the Country; & that if H.M. shared this opinion, & was otherwise satisfied with the manner in which the general affairs of the State had been conducted by her present Servants, they would ask H.M’s sanction for the Dissolution of Parliament at the earliest moment at which a due consideration of the public Interests, & the state of business wd admit of it. At the same time, however, if H.M. thought the question cd. be more satisfactorily settled, & the Public Interests best consulted, by the immediate retirement of the present Govt. from her Service, they would at once place their resignations in H.M’s hands. Of course in submitting this alternative for H.M’s consideration, you would state the reasons & circumstances which you conceive to entitle the present Govt. to ask for the power dissolving Parlt. H.M. would then give her answer in writing – of the import of which, after her conversation with you yesterday, you can have no doubt.’ h b/xix/a/65, d/56. See 4904.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac a37 18 editorial comment: Osborne paper.

Osborne [Saturday] 2 May 1868

4904

May 2 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: As the enclosed document1 only expresses wh: what Yr Majesty deigned to listen to in the audience of / yesterday, he has dated it the 1st. of May, to preserve its historic interest. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Sunday] 3 May 1868

original: rac d1 75 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: St. Peter’s Coll:.

4905

May 3 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: For Yr Majestys consideration, he forwards three 8(& more)9 names for the vacant Bishopric1 1: Dr. Atlay, Vicar of Leeds: a Cambridge man; of St. / John’s Coll: & graduated in 1840; 1st. Class in Classical Tripos, & Senior Optime. The following is a confidential note of Mr Walpole on Dr Atlay: “A good working clergyman in a large community; zealous in all he undertakes; a / right-minded & sound Churchman, & not without theological learning”.2 Mr Disraeli observed, that Dr Atlay took the chair at the meeting of Leeds on the Irish Ch:, so he cannot be very high.3 He has reason to believe, that / Lord Derby meant to have brought Dr Atlay’s name before Yr Majesty. 2. Dr Cookson, Master of St. Peter’s Coll: Camb: Has been also a Parish Priest. A fair classic, good geologist & botanist, & well acquainted with modern / literature & science. A stout conservative; quiet, judicious; firm & moderate in his religious views & opinions.4 1 See 4903. 1 For d’s previous letter to the Queen about the vacant bishopric of Hereford, see 4886&n1. 2 James Atlay (1817-1894), ba 1840, ma 1843, bd 1850 and dd 1859 St John’s College, Cambridge. Deacon 1842, priest 1843, curate of Warsop in Nottinghamshire 1843-6, vicar of Madingley near Cambridge 184752, tutor at St John’s 1846-59, vicar of Leeds 1859-68 and Bishop of Hereford 1868-94, Atlay was a high churchman and a conservative in politics. At Derby’s request, Walpole had sent him on 15 November 1867 a ‘Confidential’ list of candidates for bishoprics, deaneries and canons with brief descriptions of each one. d quotes from Walpole’s comments on Atlay. Grey on 5 May would inform d that the Queen approved of Atlay’s appointment. In a letter of 7 May (not found), d would offer Atlay the bishopric and Atlay would reply on the 9th accepting the appointment, which would be announced in The Times on the 12th. h c/iii/a/1a, 47m; h b/xix/d/57. See 4978&n3. 3 Atlay, chairing ‘a meeting to support the united Churches of Ireland and England’ in the Music-hall at Leeds on 27 April, had been forced to abruptly close his speech amidst protests from the ‘Anti-State Church party’; the meeting had lasted barely thirty minutes. The Times (28 Apr 1868). 4 Henry Wilkinson Cookson (1810-1876), ba 1832, ma 1835, bd and dd 1848, fellow 1836, tutor 1839, proctor 1842 and master 1847 Peterhouse, Cambridge, rector of Glaston in Rutland 1847-67 and president of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 1865-7. In 1867 he had declined Derby’s offer of the bishopric of Lichfield. The last two sentences are Walpole’s (n2).

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3 C. Wordsworth, Canon of Westminster. Had a splendid University career; learned, / & eloquent as a divine. A capital scholar. Rather high, &, perhaps, a little too controversial. Cambridge.5 4 Dean Goulburn. He is an Oxford man, & this is the Oxford turn; tho’ / Mr Disraeli counts little of that routine. 15 of the Bishops are Oxford men now, & only 12 of Cambridge.6 But if Oxford is to be considered, 85.9 Dr Leighton, the Warden of All-Souls, seems generally looked to. / He is High Church, but quite sound, & a gentleman of high breeding & manners, & for a College Don, quite a man of the world.7

4906

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 4 May 1868

original: rac a37 20 publication history: lqv B i 527-8 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: lossed.

12 o’ck: | May 4 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: His report of affairs is favorable. He succeeded in expressing on the whole to his satisfaction, his general views.1 / Mr Gladstone, he thought, violent, but, for him, weak. He seemed surprised & checked, & was obliged to withdraw the offensive motion of wh: he had given notice

5 Christopher Wordsworth (1807-1885), ba 1830 Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was an outstanding classical scholar and Greek and Latin linguist. A priest 1835, headmaster of Harrow School 1836-44, canon of Westminster 1844-69, vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Berkshire 1850-69 and Bishop of Lincoln 1869-85. Wordsworth, literary executor of his uncle the poet, wrote Memorials of William Wordsworth (2 vols, 1851). d’s description is Walpole’s (n2). 6 Edward Meyrick Goulburn (1818-1897), ba 1834, ma 1842, dcl 1850, dd 1856 Balliol College, Oxford, fellow 1841-6 and tutor and dean 1843-5 of Merton College. Deacon 1842, priest 1843, perpetual curate of Holywell, Oxford 1844-50, headmaster of Rugby 1850-7 and dean of Norwich 1866-89. 7 Francis Knyvett Leighton (1806-1881), ba 1828 Magdalen College, rector of Cardeston, Shropshire, vicar St Chad’s, Shrewsbury, and rector of Harpsden, Oxfordshire, was warden of All Souls College, Oxford 1858-81, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford 1866-70 and residentiary canon of Westminster Abbey 1868-81. 1 In the House on this day (4th), in his ‘Ministerial Statement – Defeat of the Government on the Irish Church Resolutions’, d had summarized his audience with the Queen following the division on 30 April. He had told her that her ministers advised that she ‘should dissolve this Parliament, and take the opinion of the country’ on the Irish Church question, but also ‘that there were important occasions on which [she] should not be embarrassed by personal claims, however constitutional, valid, or meritorious’, and that if she thought the question would be better settled ‘by the immediate retirement of the present Government from Office, we were prepared to quit Her Majesty’s service immediately ... In fact, Sir, I tendered my resignation to the Queen.’ The following day, the Queen had refused d’s resignation but expressed her readiness to dissolve Parliament as soon as the state of public business would permit. ‘I advised Her Majesty that, although the present constituency was no doubt as morally competent to decide upon the question of the disestablishment of the Church as the representatives of the constituency in this House, still it was the opinion of Her Majesty’s Ministers that every effort should be made with a view that the appeal, if possible, should be directed to the new constituency which the wisdom of Parliament created last year; and I expressed to Her Majesty that, if we had the cordial co‑operation of Parliament, I was advised by those who are experienced and skilful in these matters that it would be possible to make arrangements by which the dissolution would take place in the autumn of this year.’ Hansard cxci cols 1694-1746 (d 1694-1708, 1742-6). See 4908&nn1-3.

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for this evening, & wh:, had he carried / it, would have taken the management of the House of Commons out of the hands of Mr Disraeli.2 The more desperate men of his party went about / the lobbys, & said, that “Gladstone had lossed his opportunity.[”] All the men, who spoke against Mr Disraeli, were expectants of high office. They were bitter & chagrined. Principally among these, Mr / Lowe, & Mr Bright. The first most violent & bitter. He positively raised his crest, & hissed, like an adder, but he was, according to Lord Stanley, his admirer & a cold judge, “most ineffective”. Bright rumbling & rambling – 8he is generally condensed & clear.93 The general impression of the House was, that the Opposition were afraid of a dissolution; whether early or late; & affected to wish, that it should be / early, while, at the same time, they proved it was impossible. Mr Disraeli anxious not to take 8make9 a too sanguine report, would sum up; that Mr Gladstone was decidedly checked; that the / feeling of the House generally was that the Government would baffle their opponents: but, at the same time, many difficulties & trials are impending, wh: will require courage, &, above all, patience. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday 5 May 1868?]

original: rac a37 23[b] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see n1.

4907

Mr Disraeli omitted to report yesterday, that the much vaunted attack of Mr Gladstone on the Public Expenditure was brought on yesterday, & quite failed. The / proposition of the Government, for an additional 2d in the Income Tax, was to have been reduced on Mr Gladstone’s proposition to 1d. – but his case quite broke down: the / Chancellor of the Excr, Sir John Pakington, & Mr Corry, vindicated their departments with irresistible power – & Mr Gladstone left the House much chagrined.1 This was another threatened trouble of Yr Majesty’s Government.

2 Gladstone (n1) had deplored how d and his colleagues were ‘too much given to this practice of dissolution’, how the plea that dissolution ‘was to be a reference on the question of the Irish Church is no plea at all’, and how, in giving advice to the Queen, d had not acted ‘in the spirit of the Constitution’. He had then withdrawn his motion (of which he had given notice on 30 April following the division; see 4902&n1) that government business be suspended and replaced by continued debate on the Irish Church. 3 Speaking briefly, Lowe (n1) had called d’s account of his audience with the Queen ‘most fallacious’, claiming d treated members ‘as persons whose decisions are absolutely insignificant’. Bright (n1) had closed a very long speech by saying that he saw in d’s course ‘no adherence to any recognized principle, no regard for parliamentary practice, and no care for constitutional usage’. 1 In the House on 4 May, in committee of ways and means, Gladstone had criticized the Government for ‘the system that is now being carried on of increasing expenditure on the naval, military, and civil services’, with rebuttals by Hunt, Pakington and Lowry-Corry, among others. Although on 28 November 1867 (ix 4595n2) it had been agreed to raise income tax to 2d to help finance the Abyssinian expedition, the current figures, according to Gladstone, were extravagant beyond even the 2d rate and would prevent a return to the 1d rate. Hansard cxci cols 1746-75.

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4908

to: THE DUKE OF RICHMOND original: wsro Goodwood ms 822 fq13 publication history: m&b v 35 editorial comment: Carlton Club paper.

Carlton Club [Tuesday] 5 May 1868

His Grace | The Duke of Richmond | K.G. May 5. 1868 My dear Duke of Richmond, Mr Gladstone, to night, without giving me any notice whatever, called on me to explain what he described as a / discrepancy in our statements as to the Queen’s declaration in my audience at Osborne.1 Had he been courteous enough to give me the usual notice, I could have had the opportunity of / conferring with Yr Grace, & learning from yourself what you had stated,2 instead of being referred to the mere extract of an alleged report in a newspaper.3 All that I could do, / therefore, was to repeat what Her Majesty had been pleased to declare, & to add, that if there were any discrepancy in our statements, as I was the Minister, who had / waited on Her Majesty, it seemed to me, that the enquiry ought rather to be made in the House of Lords, than to myself. I write this note, / that Yr Grace shd. not suppose, that I hesitated to defend, or support, an absent colleague: but under the circumstances of the case; having had no notice from Mr Gladstone, / & having no evidence, that the alleged quotation

1 In the House on this day (5 May), Gladstone had objected to Richmond’s statement in the Lords on the 4th (see n2) as a declaration ‘purporting to define the relative positions of the Crown, the Government, and the House of Commons ... The Duke of Richmond tells us that leave for a dissolution had been obtained by the Government beforehand in anticipation of events, with reference to cases which have not arisen [and] to the entire course of public business; not simply ... in respect of the Irish Church, but in respect of every stage of any Bill which may come before the House of Commons.’ d had replied by reiterating his previous night’s statement (see 4906n1), summarizing again his audience with the Queen at Osborne and stating he was ‘entirely unaware’ of Richmond’s comments. After long debate on this issue, Gladstone had proposed ‘to insert the words in the third Resolution which will bring in that part of the substance of the second Resolution which is necessary fully to express its sense’ and have a document printed in the morning. He then withdrew his earlier motion for adjournment. Hansard cxci cols 1787-1819 (d 1793-6, 1814-16, 1819). 2 In the Lords on 4 May Richmond had stated that d, ‘on the part of his Colleagues, tendered to his Sovereign the resignation of their offices on Friday afternoon.’ The Queen, receiving d in audience on Saturday, had ‘expressed her unwillingness’ to accept his resignation, ‘and the result is that we still occupy the same position we did before, and intend to conduct the affairs of the country so long as we are able to do so; and in the event of any difficulties arising Her Majesty was graciously pleased to state that she would make no objection to a dissolution of Parliament. It, of course, will depend upon the state of affairs whether that dissolution shall be a dissolution under the existing constituency, or whether it shall be a dissolution under the new constituency to be formed under the Reform Acts’. Hansard cxci col 1690. 3 The Times on this day (5th) had reported Richmond as having stated that ‘the Government had made up their minds as to the course they intended to pursue, and repeated the statement made by Lord Malmesbury as to their being ready to dissolve when public business admitted of it.’ d was reported as having advised the Queen, ‘with the full concurrence of his colleagues, to dissolve this Parliament, but he had at the same time placed the resignation of their offices at Her Majesty’s disposal.’ The Queen ‘had declined to accept his resignation, but had signified her readiness to dissolve this present Parliament as soon as the state of public business permitted.’ d had then ‘advised the Queen that ... there might be a dissolution in the autumn of this year.’

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was authentic, I thought it best to take a course, wh: suspended all judgment on the question.4 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: LADY CARRINGTON

Downing Street [Tuesday] 5 May 1868

original: carr [34] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Carington.

Dear Lady Carington,1 I have placed Edward Mathews on my list. Ever yours, | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

4909

May 5 1868

House of Commons [Tuesday] 5 May 1868

original: rac a37 21 publication history: lqv B i 528-9 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm:’ written in.

4910

Ho: of Comm: | May 5 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: It requires four & twenty hours to estimate the general effect of a statement such as that made last night:1 & after that / interval, Mr Disraeli can report the effect as very favorable. Mr Disraeli is assured, that the floating independent body, on the Opposition side, was / quite satisfied with the Ministerial statement, &, to use the expression of one of them, “You have passed the Rapids”. An unfortunate Speech of the Duke of Richmond / last night,2 not even read by Mr Disraeli, gave Mr Gladstone an opportunity for a disagreeable agitation in the Ho: of Commons this evening.3 There was a meeting, it / seems, in the morning at Mr Gladstone’s house, & an attack was there concerted, & it was sharp.4 Strange to say, no notice of it was given to Mr Disraeli. Mr Gladstone wished to pin Yr Majesty’s / Govt. to the Duke’s observations, wh: were certainly not very constitu-

4 No reply from Richmond has been found, but see 4912. Hardy on the 6th would describe Gladstone (n1) as having been ‘in a white heat with an almost diabolical expression of countenance’ and Richmond’s statement (n2) as ‘true but carelessly expressed. He is coming to see me about it directly. I foresee nothing but trouble & wish heartily our resignation had been real & effective.’ Hardy Diary 72. 1 Lady Carrington was the mother of Charles Robert Carrington, who had succeeded as 3rd Baron on 17 March 1868. 1 See 4906&n1. 2 See 4908&n2. 3 See 4908&nn1&4. 4 Gladstone on the 4th had recorded ‘Conclaves at 11 and 2 on the situation’ and on this day (5th) a ‘Conclave on Irish Reform Bill at H. of C.’ Gladstone Diaries vi 595.

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tional, & quite inaccurate, but Mr Disraeli without throwing over the Duke, avoided this, & believes, that the ship was steered / quite clear. Tho’ the discussion was very animated & elaborately got up, Mr. Disraeli observed, that the performers were the same as in previous instances, & that the great body of the Opposition / did not sympathetically join in the onslaught. The performers were Messrs. Lowe, Horsman, Ayrton, Bouverie & so on, all aspirants & expectants of office.5 They / always come out on these occasions: it is a company, a troupe, like one of those bands of minstrels one encounters in the sauntering of a summer street, as one returns from the House of Commons, but with visages not so fair & radiant, as the countenances of Yr Majesty’s subjects at Balmoral.6

4911

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 5 May 1868

original: h b/xx/d/74 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

G.G. | May 5 1868 Have you got the card of the Lit: Fund Dinner? Where do they dine? at what hour?1 Write to – Blewitt Esq Lity. Fund Chairman Adelphi Terrace 8(that is, I think)9 / & enquire. Let messenger wait for answer and will you tell

5 In the House on this day (5th), Bouverie had asked whether the dissolution recommended to the Queen by d (see 4906&n1) would be ‘with the present or the future constituency’ and had recommended the government resign or dissolve. Horsman had demanded to know if d had advised the Queen ‘to dissolve or appeal to the present constituencies’ and ‘to intrust [d] with a general power of dissolution to be used whenever he thought fit to advise it’. Ayrton had criticized d’s account of his audience with the Queen as a ‘short summary of his own idea’ of what had transpired and had demanded an explanation of ‘the whole interview’, not merely its effect. Lowe, after quoting Richmond’s 4 May remarks (see 4908n2), had asked d ‘whether the Government avows them or not.’ Replying briefly, d reiterated that the permission given by the Queen to dissolve Parliament had been confined solely to the question of the disestablishment of the Irish Church. Hansard cxci cols 1796-1814 (d 1814-16). 6 For General Grey’s reply to d, see 4918&n1. 1 See 4661&nn1&2. Octavian Blewitt on 15 April had sent d ‘the first List of Stewards of the Anniversary Dinner on the 6th of May, thinking it probable that you may like to see it before we advertise it in the Papers of Saturday. It will be gratifying to you to know that with the single exception of the Prince of Wales, no Chairman has ever had such a List of Stewards in the whole history of the Institution; and the Applications for Tickets are so numerous that there is no doubt of the Dinner being one of the most brilliant on record. I take this opportunity of mentioning that we shall be happy to send you as many Ladies’ Tickets as you may desire, and to send Honorary Invitations to any personal friends whom you may wish to invite as guests.’ Blewitt had informed d on this day (5th) that Stanhope had asked him ‘to submit to you the proposed List of Toasts for the Dinner tomorrow, and to say that the Anniversary Committee will be happy to make any alterations in it which you may think desirable. They will also be happy to reserve seats at the Table, or in the Ladies’ Gallery for any friends or Ladies whom you may desire to bring to the Dinner: and on receiving an intimation of your wishes I will immediately send Honorary Invitations and Ladies’ Tickets. Should you desire to see the record of the Society’s operations since you presided in 1853, I shall be glad to submit the Book to your inspection.’ h a/iv/a/98-9.

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Blewitt, that Mrs Disraeli thinks of going to the Ladies Gallery – & will / he arrange accordingly?2 D.3 to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Wednesday] 6 May 1868

original: h b/xx/d/75 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4912

May 6 1868 Did you see your father about laying down a new Yacht? It must be attended to. Let me know.1 D. The Duke of R. has been here: nothing cd be more satisfactory.2 to: LORD ELCHO

original: sro [6] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 7 May 1868

4913

The | Lord Elcho May 7 1868 My dear Lord, Don’t think, that I am neglecting your note,1 but, at present, my reply would not be favorable, / &, therefore, I prefer, that the expectation in the public mind should not be disturbed. I will write again.   Always yours, | D.

2 Corry would inform Blewitt on this day (5th) that d had ‘mislaid his card of invitation’ and ‘forgotten at what hour and where’ the dinner would take place. ‘Will you be so good as to inform me? – and also to give me, for him, a list of the Toasts, if he has not already had one sent him. He also desires me to ask you to be so kind as to arrange that Mrs Disraeli may have a seat in the Ladies Gallery, and to inform me at what hour she ought to be there.’ 3 Blewitt would reply to Corry on this day (5th): ‘I wrote to Mr Disraeli this morning & enclosed the proposed List of Toasts, at the same time offering to send invitations or Ladies Tickets. As my messenger has returned without an answer, I beg to enclose another List of Toasts – a Card of Invitation to the Dinner, and two Ladies Tickets, more of which can be sent if required. You will see that the Dinner is announced for 6 O’clock at the Freemasons Tavern, Great Queen Street’, with seats reserved for ma, ‘with Countess Stanhope & Countess Beauchamp in the front row of a Gallery to be erected in the Hall itself. Many of the Ladies will be in their places at 6 – but if Mrs Disraeli comes later, she will find her seat reserved for her. If Mr. Disraeli is there by 6, it will be early enough.’ rlf [20q]; h a/iv/m/100. 1 See 4861 and 4862. 2 See 4908. 1 Elcho had written to d an undated letter (docketed by aes ‘? April 1868’) marked ‘Private’: ‘I met the Duke of Cambridge this afternoon. He was very full of the Prince of Wales’ great success and popularity in Ireland and said how desirable it was that something should be done to Rub up the present state of policy towards him & the Princess in that Country. I suggested the propriety & policy of a question being asked in the H of C as to whether the Govt. intended to propose any vote to Parliament to enable their R. Hs. to spend a part of the year in Ireland. The Duke thought it would be a good thing to do and I said that I wd. communicate with you on the subject. Would you please think it over & let me know if you approve.’ h b/xxi/e/131.

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4914

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Thursday] 7 May 1868

original: rac a37 22 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm:’ written in.

Ho: of Comm: | May 7 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: This evening, tho’ little was expected, has been memorable by the first, & sudden, ebullition of on the / part of the Scotch members. Mr Gladstone’s resolutions,1 it was agreed, shd. be passed, not without a protest, but without a prolonged discussion & organised division: & / this went off very quietly, when a Scotch member on the Liberal side suddenly arose, & proposed, that no portion of the confiscated funds shd. be applied to the Roman Cath: religion.2 If / it had been done with any concert, it might have been almost fatal to the further progress of Mr Gladstone’s scheme. As it was, it led to protracted, & rather fiery, debates, & / finally to a division, wh: came on unexpectedly, but wh: showed much reduced power & broken discipline in the enemy’s force.3 It is more than probable, that this might well lead / to grave results[.] Mr Bright was so alarmed & mortified, that he quite lost himself.4 Mr Disraeli has never ceased to give the most anxious consideration of Yr Majesty’s / answer to the Resolutions – & has been in constant communication on that answer with the Ld. Chancellor.5

1 In the House on this day (7th) Gladstone’s four resolutions had been agreed to: that ‘“the Established Church of Ireland should cease to exist as an Establishment, due regard being had to all personal interests and to all individual rights of property”’; that ‘“it is expedient to prevent the creation of new personal interests by the exercise of any public patronage, and to confine the operations of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners of Ireland to objects of immediate necessity, or such as involve individual rights, pending the final decision of Parliament”’; that the Queen ‘“place at the disposal of Parliament, Her interest in the temporalities of the Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, and other Ecclesiastical Dignities and Benefices in Ireland, and in the custody thereof”’; and that ‘“when legislative effect shall have been given to the First Resolution ... the Grant to Maynooth and the Regium Donum be discontinued, due regard being had to all personal interests.”’ Hansard cxci cols 1886-1949 (d 1901, 1929-30, 1940-1, 1946-7). 2 Roger Sinclair Aytoun (1823-1904), ba 1845 and ma 1848 Trinity College, Cambridge, a dl and jp of Fifeshire and mp (l) for Kirkcaldy 1862-74, had moved (n1) ‘“That when the Anglican Church in Ireland is disestablished and disendowed, it is right and necessary that the Grant to Maynooth and the Regium Donum be discontinued; and that no part of the secularized funds of the Anglican Church, or any State funds whatever, be applied in any way, or under any form, to the endowment or furtherance of the Roman Catholic religion in Ireland, or to the establishment or maintenance of Roman Catholic denominational schools or colleges.”’ 3 After protracted discussion and the introduction of amendments and cross-amendments, Aytoun’s motion (n2) had been defeated 198-85. 4 Bright (n1) had said that, unlike d, he had ‘not been endeavouring to climb the ladder of Parliamentary promotion and notoriety’, had called d’s speech of 4 May (see 4906n1) ‘a mixture of pompousness and sometimes of servility’ and had stated that any man ‘who puts the Sovereign in the front of a great struggle like this ... who points to the Irish people, and says from the floor of the House – “Your Queen holds the flag under which we, the enemies of religious equality and justice to Ireland, are marshalled” ... is guilty of ... one of the most grievous offences against his country which a Prime Minister can possibly commit.’ In reply, d had defied Bright to ‘substantiate any charge of the kind which he has presumed only to insinuate.’ Bright on this day (7th) would note that he had attacked d ‘with great severity ... His reply showed how hard I had hit him’. Bright 323. 5 d would write to Cairns on 8 May; see 4916.

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The Cabinet is called for Saturday next to decide / it, & Mr Secy Hardy will have the honor of bringing down the decision to Yr Majesty.6 to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH original: cam add 9271/3/15 (i) editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 7 May 1868

4915

His Grace | The Duke of Marlborough May 7 1868 My dear Duke of Marlborough, The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer on you the Order of the Garter. I congratulate Your Grace / on receiving, from Her Majesty, this great distinction; & I feel persuaded that, since the illustrious founder of your House, it has never been conferred on / any member of your family, who more completely merited it.1 Believe me, dear Duke of Marlborough, | Sincerely Yours, | B. Disraeli2 to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff25-6 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 8 May 1868

4916

Right Hono[ra]ble | The Lord Chancellor May 8 1868 My dear Ld Chanr, I shall summon the Cabinet tomorrow for two o’ck:, as Hardy has to go 8down9 to Osborne, & I wish that he shd. take / to the Queen, if possible, our “answer” to the Address.1 I shd. like very much, that we three shd. have been able to consult together upon it before the Cabinet; but, / with yr engagements, that is, I fear, impossible.2 As it is avowed now, even in Gladstone’s revised resolutions that they are certainly preliminary only to a bill, & that bill only to regulate the matters for one year, it

6 See 4916&n2 and 4917&n1. 1 The current (7th) Duke of Marlborough, John Winston Spencer Churchill, was the fourth member of his family to receive the Garter: John, the 1st Duke (d 1722), in 1702, Charles, the 3rd Duke (d 1758), in 1741, and George, the 4th Duke (d 1817), in 1768. Haydn 741-2. 2 Marlborough would reply on this day (7th) accepting ‘this distinguished honour’ and thanking d ‘for the friendly feelings by which you have been activated in offering me yr. own congratulations upon the bestowal of this mark of Her Majesty’s favour.’ cam add 9271/3/15 (ii). 1 The third of Gladstone’s four resolutions, discussed in the House in committee on 7 May and published that day in The Times, reads: ‘“That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, humbly to pray that, with a view to preventing, by legislation during the present Session, the creation of new personal interests through the exercise of any public patronage, Her Majesty would be graciously pleased to place at the disposal of Parliament, Her interest in the temporalities of the Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, and other Ecclesiastical Dignities and Benefices in Ireland, and in the custody thereof.”’ Hansard cxci col 1949. 2 Stanley would note on the 9th: ‘Cabinet at 2, where settled the answer to the address on Irish resolutions, with little differences of opinion except as to words’. Hardy would record on the 11th a meeting with d and Cairns on the 9th ‘at 1 oClock & settled a form of reply to the H of C. address wh. has however since the Cabinet wh. approved been altered for the better in some respects. The Queen approved it as no doubt she will the improved form.’ Disraeli, Derby 333; Hardy Diary 73. See 4919&nn3&4.

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seems, / that our difficulties, as to the reply, ought to be diminished. I hope, therefore, you may have some draught ready, wh: we may all of us approve.3 yrs, | D.

4917

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Grosvenor Gate [Friday] 8 May 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript dated ‘Grosvenor Gate, May 8. ’68.’

My dear Hardy, .........The meeting of the Cabinet must be arranged accordingly. It will not do, on so important an occasion, that you, who are my sword arm, should be absent, or hurried! I wish, that you, and the Lord Chancellor, and myself, could have conferred together about the “answer” before the Cabinet, but, I suppose, it is impossible........1

4918

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 8 May 1868

original: rac a37 23[a] publication history: Blake 502, extract from the second and the third and fourth paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Newdigate.

May 8 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He received Genl Grey’s letter this morning, & replies immediately, that Yr Majesty may not have unnecessary anxiety.1 Mr Liddell’s demonstration, already / repented, is quite isolated:2 at no period

3 Cairns would reply on this day (8th): ‘I could meet you & Hardy with a draft of an Answer tomorrow at Downing St. (your rooms) half an hour before the Cabinet (i.e. ½ pt. 1.) or an hour before if you wish.’ h b/xx/ca/30. See 4917. 1 See 4916&nn2&3. Hardy would reply from the home office on this day (8th): ‘I could not remain later at the Cabinet than 5.30. There will be a good many points to consider but I shd think that 2½ hours wd. dispose of them. I have two deputations this afternoon & some pressing work but will try & see you before the House meets.’ h b/xx/ha/29. 1 Grey had written to d on the 6th from Osborne that ‘H.M. has desired me to thank you for your report of the proceedings in the House of Commons yesterday (4910), which she received by Mess[enge]r. H.M. sincerely trusts that the worst of the storm may be over, but she cannot shut her eyes to the possibility of further complications before this question of the Irish Church shall be put aside for a new Parlt. to deal with. She trusts, however, that the sort of disaffection of which Mr. Liddell gave evidence does not extend beyond himself, & above all she trusts that some of the Reports of serious divisions in the Govt. itself, which appear to prevail rather widely, have any [sic] foundation in truth.’ h b/xix/d/57. 2 In the House on 5 May, Henry George Liddell had said the present situation was ‘one of extreme gravity, if not of danger’ and ‘regretted extremely that the resignation of Her Majesty’s Ministers had not been accepted, because he could not see how they could continue to occupy their present position with either honour to themselves or advantage to the country’. He also ‘thought that the name of the Sovereign had been brought forward on recent occasions too prominently, and that the First Minister had sheltered himself under that august name more than he was justified in doing.’ He believed that ‘an in terrorem influence was being exercised by the Government over the House of Commons.’ Since ‘the Government had obtained permission from Her Majesty to dissolve Parliament ... was it any use, then, to continue to battle upon this ground to the obstruction of all other business?’ Hansard cxci cols 1816-17.

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have the unity, & even the enthusiasm, of the Tory party been so marked as at this moment. Men, like Sir Rainald Knightley & others, who have alre always affected to / distrust Mr Disraeli, have spontaneously conveyed to him their unqualified adhesion: even Mr Newdigate, tho’ he wanted to divide on the 2nd & 3rd. Resolutions, refrained from doing so, as he said he shd. act under Mr Disraeli’s / orders. Since the commencement of the great struggle, the Cabinet has never been more serene & united. The Duke of Marlborough seemed a little bilious when Mr Disraeli returned from Osborne, & so, ultimately, / acting on Yr Majesty’s sanction, Mr Disraeli announced to His Grace, that Yr Majesty had been pleased to confer on him the blue ribbon.3 Mr Disraeli does not anticipate / further complications about the Irish Church: indeed the rabid rage of Mr Bright yesterday indicated a consciousness of failure.4 The intelligence from the country, generally, this morning testifies to the / extraordinary effect, that has been produced by the Ch: & State meeting, & especially by the speech of the ABp of York.5 Mr Disraeli is informed, that there is about to be held a Lay meeting on Ch: & State, in the City of / London, of a character, wh: will greatly influence opinion.6 On the whole, Mr Disraeli has little fear, that, if his health be spared, he shall be able to steer the vessel of the State into port, sustained by Yr Majestys inspiring graciousness. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 11 May 1868

original: rac a37 24 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4919

May 11 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Yesterday afternoon, the Lord Chancellor called on Mr Disraeli, & gave it, as his opinion, for reasons wh: Mr Disraeli will lay before Yr Majesty tomorrow, that / the

3 See 4915&nn1&2. 4 See 4914&n4. 5 On 6 May ‘a large and influential meeting of the “supporters of the union of Church and State” was held in St. James’s Hall, to condemn Mr. Gladstone’s resolutions proposing the disestablishment and disendowment of the Irish Church.’ Among the speakers were the Archbishops of Canterbury (chairing) and York, the Bishops of Oxford and London, the Earl of Harrowby, the Dean of Westminster and Lord Chelmsford. Speaking at length, William Thomson, the Archbishop of York, had stated that ‘the great difficulty ... is whether you are going to devote to secular purposes the revenues hitherto given to the service of God; or whether you are going to dispose of them for the spiritual good of the people.’ He called the Suspensory Act ‘most unjust’ towards the Queen, who must accept or refuse a measure ‘which has in view the ultimate enactment of nobody knows what.’ The Times on the 8th would make fun of the ‘the glowing and magnificent landscapes’ painted by the nobility and Church dignitaries, a portrait of ‘a Church which combines as in one pious and happy family all the orders of a great and prosperous State’, concluding that ‘for all ecclesiastical purposes, there is a much wider and deeper gulf between the two British Churches than between the Church of England and that of Rome.’ The Times (7, 8 May 1868). 6 On 18 May at the Cannon Street Hotel, London, the lord mayor would preside over a two-hour meeting, confined to laymen, ‘in support of the United Church of England and Ireland, and the maintenance of the Protestant Constitution in Church and State’, with speeches by Sir William Baynes, Sir William Rose, Hardinge Giffard and Richard Baggallay. The Times (19 May 1868).

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word “Prerogative” shd. not be inserted at all in the Answer – & also that the words “for the good of my people” or suchlike, shd. not appear.1 Mr Disraeli encloses for Yr Majesty’s satisfaction, the / Lord Chancellor’s amended draught, wh: has been approved by every member of the Cabinet, except the First Ld of the Admy, absent.2 Mr Disraeli now humbly submits it for Yr Majesty’s approbation.3 He has made a / copy for Yr Majesty. [enclosure in d’s hand on 10 Downing Street paper:] I have received your Address. Relying on the wisdom of my Parliament, I desire that my interest in the Temporalities of the United Church of England & Ireland in Ireland may not stand in the way of the consideration by Parliament of any measure relating thereto, that may be introduced in the present Session.4

4920

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Monday] 11 May 1868

original: rac a37 26 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Comm:’ written in.

House of Comm: | May 11 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Notwithstanding an effort, on the part of Mr Gladstone, to reduce the Navy Estimates, he was signally defeated, & the Yr / Majesty’s Government obtained votes to the amount of three millions, which places them in a strong position.1

1 See 4916&nn2&3. 2 For the 9 May cabinet meeting, see 4916&n2. 3 The Queen on this day (11th) would reply from Windsor that she had ‘given the altered Draft ... due consideration, & tho’ she prefers the original one, she approves the amended one, the reasons for which Mr. Disraeli says she is to hear from him tomorrow.’ d would have an audience of the Queen at Buckingham Palace on the 12th, as would Lord Royston, controller of the household (see n4). h b/xix/a/46; The Times (13 May 1868). 4 In the House on 12 May Royston would read the Queen’s Answer: ‘“I have received your Address, praying that, with a view to preventing, by legislation during the present Session, the creation of new personal interests through the exercise of any public patronage, I would place at the disposal of Parliament My interest in the Temporalities of the Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, and other Ecclesiastical Dignities and Benefices in Ireland, and in the custody thereof. Relying on the wisdom of My Parliament, I desire that My interest in the Temporalities of the United Church of England and Ireland, in Ireland, may not stand in the way of the consideration, by Parliament, of any measure relating thereto, that may be introduced in the present Session.”’ Hansard cxci cols 113-14. 1 In the House on this day (11th), in committee of supply on navy estimates, Lowry-Corry had moved £3,036,634 ‘“to defray the Charge of Wages to Seamen and Marines, which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March 1869.”’ A motion by Hugh Childers (supported by Gladstone) to reduce the vote by £60,000 had been defeated 127-73, and Col W.H. Sykes had withdrawn his amendment to reduce it by £20,000. Hansard cxcii cols 34-92.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Tuesday] 12 May 1868

original: rac a37 27 publication history: lqv B i 529 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Comm:’ written in.

4921

House of Comm: | May 12 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The House very serene, & about to die.1 Mr Disraeli humbly thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s bright / & gracious recollection of him this morn. None of the decorations, on wh: he, sometimes, has to take Yr Majesty’s pleasure, were half as fair; & he trusts, that, in their / sweetness & their beauty, they may ever be typical of Yr Majestys life & thoughts.2 to: [UNKNOWN]

Downing Street [Tuesday 12? May 1868]

original: ps 652 publication history: Winifred A. Myers Ltd Autographs No 3 (1960), item 346, described as: ‘1 p., 8vo. signed “D,” 10 Downing St., n.d.’ editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.

4922

H.M. is very anxious to learn something about the riots at Ashton, ...1 D to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Thursday] 14 May 1868

original: rac a37 28 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm:’ written in.

4923

Ho: of Comm: | May 14 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: All is well; the long menaced attack has failed; & nothing is more satisfactory, than the very apparent feeling / of relief in the House, that the crisis was averted. This is a most wholesome feature. The suspense from five to eight 8o’ck:9 was of a painful tension: like / steering in a Scandinavian sea with volcanoes beneath, & icebergs on each side. Afterwards Yr Majesty’s [Ministers] were again successful, as often is the case

1 The House on this day (12th) would adjourn at 1:45 am on the 13th. Hansard cxcii cols 111-75. 2 On this day (12th) the Princess Christian had written to ma from Buckingham Palace: ‘Mama desires me to write these few lines & to send you the accompanying flowers ... for Mr. Disraeli. She heard him say one day that he was so fond of May, & of all those lovely spring flowers that she has ventured to send him these as they will make his rooms look so bright. The flowers came from Windsor.’ ma would reply the same day that d was ‘passionately fond of flowers, & their lustre & perfume were enhanced by the condesending [sic] hand which had showered on him all the treasures of Spring.’ h b/xix/a/47, 47a. 1 On 10 May there had been fierce rioting in the borough of Ashton-under-Lyne between Catholics and Protestants following anti-Roman Catholic lectures by free-speech advocate and zealous Protestant evangelist William Murphy. Although the Riot Act had been read on the 11th, disturbances had continued throughout that day and night, resulting in extensive property damage and numerous injuries and arrests. The Times (12, 13, 15 May 1868).

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when the House is exhausted with / excitement in obtaining many money votes: among others for the alterations in the Park, roads about the “Memorial” &c. which were threatened – but which passed unobserved.1 Mr / Disraeli presumes to congratulate Yr Majesty on the great success of the Ceremonial of yesterday:2 it gave great satisfaction & has produced much & beneficial effect.3

4924

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

House of Commons [Thursday] 14 May 1868

original: h a/i/a/360 publication history: m&b v 40, the first paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H of Comms.’ written in.

8 o’ck: | H of Comms. | May 14 1868 My dearest wife, I think we have got out of our danger, but it has been very ticklish.1 I send you this, that / you ha may have some appetite for the agreeable dinner wh: awaits you. My kind regards to our friends. yrs | D.

4925

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Friday] 15 May 1868

original: h b/xx/d/76 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

May 15 1868 You ought to be sharp about sending out your new invitations, in consequence of refusals: otherwise, the notice will be too short. The dinner ought to be / announced in the papers.1 1 In the House on this day (14th), there had been protracted debate on the Boundary Bill (introduced by Hardy on 26 March), to ‘“settle and describe the Limits of certain Boroughs and the Divisions of certain Counties in England and Wales, in so far as respects the Election of Members to serve in Parliament”’. Numerous votes had been agreed to in committee of supply on Civil Service Estimate, including one for £122,524 for ‘Royal Parks and Pleasure Gardens’, with plans to convert a temporary road in the vicinity of the Albert Memorial into a permanent carriage way. Near the end of the evening, Gladstone had moved the first reading of the Established Church (Ireland) Bill (d’s ‘long menaced attack’) ‘“to prevent, for a limited time, new appointments in the Church of Ireland, and to restrain, for the same period, in certain respects, the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for Ireland.”’ The House had adjourned at 1 am on the 15th. Hansard cxci col 196; cxcii cols 243-324 (d 255-8, 275, 279). See 4938&n1. 2 On 13 May the foundation stone had been laid for the new St Thomas’s Hospital amidst ‘all fitting pomp and ceremony, such as now always distinguishes the very rare occasions in which Her Majesty appears before her loving subjects.’ By 10:30 am, some 2,000 visitors had been seated, the ds arriving at 11 am. The Queen, having been drawn ‘from her long seclusion to inaugurate one of the noblest charities ever founded ... was dressed in the deepest mourning.’ The Times (14 May 1868). 3 The Queen, replying on the 15th, thought d’s letter ‘very satisfactory. She is suffering very severely from headache so as to be hardly able to write.’ h b/xix/a/49. 1 See 4923&n1. 1 ‘The Right Hon. Benjamin Disraeli gives a full dress dinner to a distinguished party at his official residence in Downing-street, on Saturday next, the 23rd inst., in celebration of her Majesty’s birthday.’ mp (15 May 1868).

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The leading art: in the Taunton Paper enclosed, is better, than any I have read in the London Journals: it is the whole case & / well put.2 If the Standard wd. not reprint it, perhaps the Globe would? At any rate, if it be not reprinted, let it be returned to G.G. D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Friday] 15 May 1868

original: rac a37 29 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Comm:’ written in.

4926

Ho: of Comm: | May 15 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: A Royal Residence in Ireland for Yr Majesty, & an engagement, on the part of the House of / Commons, to provide all necessary funds, was brought forward to night, in the shape of an Address to the Crown was brought forward to night by Sir Colman O’ / Loghlen.1 Mr Disraeli, not unacquainted with Yr Majesty’s feelings on the subject, spoke with great reserve, but not altogether without some sympathy with the / motion, as the feeling in its favor was very general.2 Mr Disraeli contrived that the Address shd be withdrawn, altho’, if put to the vote, it wd. have been carried by a large majority on both sides.3

2 The ‘case’ has not been identified. In 1868 there were four weeklies published in Taunton: Taunton Courier (est. 1808 by J.W. Marriott), Somerset County Herald, Somerset Gazette and Western News. The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868). 1 In the House on this day (15th), O’Loghlen had moved that it would ‘“tend to allay jealousy and discontent in that country, if Her Majesty had a permanent residence in Ireland”’. ‘The great evil of Ireland’, he had showed by historical examples, ‘had been absenteeism, and the Sovereigns had been the greatest absentees’; one could not expect the Irish ‘to be over-loyal when they were so neglected by Royalty.’ A royal residence in Ireland would enhance pacifism, promote imperialism and ‘win the hearts and feelings of the Irish people’. Sir Colman Michael O’Loghlen (1819-1877), 2nd Bt 1842, qc 1852, pc 1868, an Irish barrister 1840, chairman of the Carlow 1856-9 and co Mayo 1859-61 quarter sessions, mp (l) for co Clare 1863-77, would be judge-advocate-general Dec 1868-70. Hansard cxcii cols 346-62 (d 359-61). 2 Addressing some of O’Loghlen’s arguments, d (n1) had stated that there was no ‘want of sympathy between the Queen and her Irish subjects’, that the position of Ireland was no worse than that of Scotland ‘until very few years ago’, and that Ireland had ‘no palace in which Royalty could take up anything like a permanent abode’. He urged O’Loghlen not ‘to compel an immediate vote of this House’, with Gladstone supporting d’s recommendation. 3 The Queen would reply from Windsor on the 16th: ‘The Queen is most thankful to Mr. Disraeli for his very kind & feeling letter. She feels most deeply when others do sympathise as he does with her; & Mr. Disraeli has at all times shown the greatest consideration for her feelings. The Queen is glad to see the good tone taken by the Papers relative to the Debate on a Royal Residence in Ireland. That wd never do; Wales & many other parts of England might claim the same thing, – & having a residence wh. you might not be able to go to, – wd. be worse than anything. Frequent Visits of different members of the Royal Family wd. be a good thing – & if the state of the Country permits – can easily be effected. The Queen sends by this Evening’s messenger a few more flowers for Mr. Disraeli. Is Mr. Disraeli coming here tomorrow or does he not think it necessary. If he does one o’clock wd. be the best hour.’ h b/xix/a/50.

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4927

to: LORD MAYO

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 17 May 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

G.G. | May 17 1868 Wait till tomorrow: I am now going down to Windsor, & will take the opportunity of speaking to the Queen on the matter.1 Yrs ever | D.

4928

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street [Monday] 18 May 1868

original: qua 149 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Bronte.

May 18 1868 Lord Bridport is to be raised immediately to the English Peerage by the style & title of Viscount Bridport of Bronte in the Kingdom / of Sicily1 – if there be now such a Kingdom.2 D.3

4929

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

House of Commons [Tuesday] 19 May 1868

original: h a/i/a/361 publication history: m&b v 41 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘House of Commons’ written in.

House of Commons | May 19 1868 My dearest Wife, The Cabinet was very satisfactory,1 & they signed a paper, projected & headed by the

1 Mayo had written to d from the Irish office on the 16th: ‘MacEvoy has been here and has gone away very sulky and pretends to think he has been misled and says that as we have taken a different attitude he can not give us any further support. I told him we had not attuned our attitude further ... He went off to consult Manning and asked me whether the Govt. would ask him to postpone the Bill on Wednesday. I said I could give him no answer to that without reference to you.’ h b/xx/bo/65. Edward MacEvoy, mp (l) for Meath, who had voted for Derby’s 1859 Reform Bill, on 20 February had introduced an Ecclesiastical Titles Bill – ‘“to prevent the Assumption of certain Ecclesiastical Titles in respect of places in the United Kingdom”’ – which he would withdraw on 28 June. Hansard cxc cols 992-4; cxcii col 1892. 1 Alexander Nelson Hood had succeeded as 3rd Baron Bridport of Cricket St Thomas in the Peerage of Ireland on 6 January 1868 and would become 1st Viscount Bridport of Cricket St Thomas and of Bronté, Italy, in July. His mother, Charlotte Mary Nelson, only surviving child of 1st Earl Nelson, had become Duchess of Bronté (Sicily) upon her father’s death. The King of Sicily had created the Duchy of Bronté for Nelson in 1799 and given him land there. Bronté is a town and comune of Sicily, near Mount Etna. 2 Francisco ii, King of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies 1859-60, styled Duke of Calabria before his succession, had lost his throne in 1860 when his realm was annexed to the new Kingdom of Italy. 3 Bridport would write to d from Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, on 4 July: ‘My Peerage having been Gazetted I must write a line to thank you for the very friendly way you forwarded my wishes & I also want to express my feelings of gratitude for restoring the Viscountcy in my family.’ h b/xxi/b/931. 1 Stanley would record on this day (19th): ‘At 2 a cabinet, which sat for an hour and a half. All except myself were in favour of dissolution, if the House did not agree to rescind its vote of last night on the rating

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Duke of Richmond, to stand by me in any advice I / shd. give the Queen 8on the great subject.9 This puts an end to one source of wearing disquietude, namely, the fear, that the Cabinet might not stand firm & united. Ever dear darling | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street, Tuesday [19 May 1868]

original: rac a37 31 publication history: m&b v 41 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: in another hand on the first page, ‘May 19 1868.’, and, in the first paragraph, ‘(Monday)’.

4930

Tuesday Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The ingratitude, &, in some degree, the trickery, of the Liberal Scotch / members, for whom he had endeavoured to do so much, occasioned, on the surface, a very disastrous night 8(Monday)9. But Mr Disraeli believes he shall get everything quite / right again.1 He was obliged to summon the Cabinet this morning,2 & the unexpected incidents have had, at least, this advantage; that they forced the Cabinet to / come to a definitive conclusion on all matters of moment – & they even signed a paper, projected & headed by the Duke of Richmond, to stand by Mr Disraeli in the / advice he shd give Yr Majesty: & anticipating every conjuncture. After this, one source of wearing disquietude, vizt: want of confidence in the cohesion of the / Government, has quite ceased. Mr Disraeli was so harassed last night, that he could not, & would not, write: he was so fearful, that he shd. give way to expressions, / wh: might disquietude Yr Majesty. The morning has brought sunshine & serenity.3

question. I agreed to try whether the rescinding might not be accomplished, but reserved my opinion as to the advantage of a dissolution, which I cannot believe in as likely to be of any use: and it is not justifiable if undertaken without a reasonable prospect of success.’ Hardy on the 20th would note that ‘We must test the House once more before parting with it wh. may be necessary ... I shd have been prepared to resign but accept the alternative if needful.’ Disraeli, Derby 333; Hardy Diary 75. 1 In the House on 18 May, debate on the Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill had begun with Scottish mp (l) William Baxter moving an instruction to the committee that they have the power to disfranchise English boroughs with a population under 5,000 inhabitants. An amendment to that instruction by Sir Rainald Knightley, to take one seat from English boroughs returning two members and having less than 12,000 inhabitants, had been defeated 217-196. Another amendment, by Scottish mp (l) Edward Bouverie, had been submitted, wrote The Times on this day (19th), ‘before members had fairly returned to the House after the dinner hour’ and ‘amounted to no less than the elimination of the Rate-Paying clauses from the Scotch Bill ... It converts the Borough Franchise into Household Suffrage without any qualification’. It had been carried 118-96. Hansard cxcii cols 435-94 (d 451-5, 484-5). See 4941&n2. 2 See 4929&n1. 3 The Queen would reply on the 21st, ‘very sorry to hear from Mr. Disraeli what an unsatisfactory night they had on Monday. She feels very anxious to hear what course they intend to pursue – but trusts that this, as well as other difficulties, will be got over – & this annoying Session soon be brought to an end.’ h b/xix/a/51.

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4931

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Wednesday] 20 May 1868

original: h b/xx/d/374 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

May 20 1868 I was out early this morning, & called here, not expecting to see you. I shall now return, &, probably, remain at / home all day, so when you have done your work, I shall be very glad to see you at Grosr Gate. Yrs, | D.

4932

to: PHILIP ROSE

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 20 May 1868

original: h r/i/a/208 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

Phil: Rose Esq Grosvenor Gate | May 20 1868 My dear Rose, Could you call on me in your way home to Rutland Gate? Yrs ever | D. ¼ to 6 o’ck:

4933

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[London, Wednesday] 20 May 1868

original: rac a37 32 editorial comment: Balmoral paper, imprint crossed out. A fair copy, not in d’s hand. Sic: Lyttleton [three times].

Copy May 20. 1868. Mr Disraeli to the Queen. Mr Disraeli is quite satisfied with the state of affairs, and quite serene as to the ultimate result, and is most anxious that Your Majesty shd: not be unnecessarily disquieted and disturbed; so that the value of Balmoral1 may fulfil its magical.... Every hour strengthens the position of the ministry in the country. The external feeling is so strong, that in the County of Worcester [a Whig seat now vacant by the death of Lord Calthorpe]2 where Your Majesty’s Govt. never dreamed of interfering, the public have insisted on setting up a Church & State Candidate3 against the

1 The Queen had arrived at Balmoral on the 19th. The Times (22 May 1868). 2 Frederick Henry William Gough-Calthorpe (1826-1893), educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, mp (l) for Worcestershire e 1859-68, had succeeded his father, Frederick, 4th Baron Calthorpe (1790-1868), on 2 May as 5th Baron Calthorpe. 3 William Laslett (1801-1884), a barrister (Inner Temple 1856), mp (l) for Worcester City 1852-60 and, as mp (c), Nov 1868-Feb 1874. Laslett had condemned Gladstone’s Irish Church resolutions in a speech on 6 May and on the 9th a bill had been issued from the Conservative journal office in Worcester: ‘“East Worcestershire Election. The electors are respectfully requested to withhold their promises, pending an application to William Laslett, Esq., of Abberton-hall (late M.P. for Worcester), to come forward as an independent candidate and farmers’ friend, and rescue the division from dictation. Mr. Laslett’s principles are known to be against the dis-establishment of the Church and fresh taxation for compulsory education.”’ The Times (11 May 1868).

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eldest son of Lord Lyttleton, who was about to be returned without opposition, and there is every expectation now that Mr. Lyttleton will be defeated.4 The Earl of Dudley has written to say, that in the present state of the Church question, he can no longer support Mr. Lyttleton, who has pledged himself to the schemes of his uncle, Mr. Gladstone.5 Last night, the motion against purchase in the Army was successfully disposed of,6 and Mr. Otway has withdrawn his motion on the Double Government of the Army.7 This latter relief was occasioned by the wholesome dread of precipitating a dissolution, which works with the most beneficial effect. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Thursday] 21 May [1868?]

4934

original: h b/xx/d/375 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: based on ‘10 Downing Street’ and ‘d’.

May 21 The letter to Ld. Denbigh, enclosing that of the R.C. Bishop, must have been forwarded in box to D.S., to be posted, about a week / ago. Enquiries must be made.1 D.

4 Charles George Lyttelton (1842-1922), eldest son of 4th Baron Lyttelton and his wife, Mary (d 1857), 2nd daughter of Sir Stephen Richard Glynne, Bt, by the Hon Mary Neville, daughter of Richard, 2nd Lord Braybrooke. A lieutenant in the Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry 1863, Lyttelton would be elected mp (l) for e Worcester on 1 June (2688 to 2429) and hold the seat until 1874, succeeding as 5th Baron Lyttelton 1876 and 8th Viscount Cobham 1889. 5 No letter to d from Dudley has been found. Gladstone’s wife Catherine was the first daughter of Sir Stephen Glynne and thus Charles Lyttelton’s mother’s sister and his aunt, making Gladstone his uncle by marriage. 6 In the House on 19 May, George Trevelyan had moved ‘“That the Purchase and Sale of Military Commissions be discontinued after a date fixed for that purpose”’, to which Captain John Vivian had moved an amendment to replace this with ‘“That in the opinion of this House, the ground of complaint against the operation of the Purchase System in the Army would be greatly diminished, and the efficiency of the Service improved, by the abolition of Purchase above the rank of Captain in the Cavalry and the Infantry of the Line.”’ Both motion and amendment were withdrawn. Hansard cxcii cols 514-78. 7 Arthur Otway on 23 March had withdrawn his motion (proposed on that day) to reduce the number of land forces ‘“for the Service of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland”’ from 1 April 1868 to 31 March 1869 by 2,758 (from 138,691 to 135,933). Otway had complained that ‘at the bottom of our military expenditure, was what might be called the double government of the army ... a double staff of officials to do work which could be well done by one Department. When we compared the expense of these two Departments with that of the one Department in France or Prussia, we saw the cost which the double government of our army entailed. The charge for the War Department was £224,578. There were 621 employés in the War Department, and 156 in the Commander-in-Chief’s Department, making a total of 777 persons employed in the administration of the army. France, which has an army three times as numerous as ours, had only 480 clerks to administer her army.’ Otway believed that there would be ‘no real economy’ until ‘an end was put to the ridiculous and overdone system of correspondence between the two offices.’ Hansard cxci cols 40-98. 1 d’s letter to the Earl of Denbigh and the one by Archbishop Manning, both Roman Catholic converts, have not been found.

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4935

to: JOHN EVELYN DENISON

Grosvenor Gate [Friday] 22 May 1868

original: ps 1536 publication history: John Evelyn Denison Notes From My Journal When Speaker of the House of Commons (1900) 228.

Grosvenor Gate, 22nd May, 1868 Dear Mr. Speaker, The Queen is anxious that I should say something about her absence from the seat of Government at this moment,1 and I think the statement would give satisfaction.2 But these things should never be forced. Mr. Rearden, though a mean fellow, might give me an opportunity. It would seem that he persists in giving notice of his question.3 Could I move that his question be not received at the Table, and then take the opportunity of saying what Her Maj-

1 The Queen had written to d on the 21st from Balmoral ‘much annoyed at an article in the Times – of the same ill tone as the Globe. Could Mr Disraeli have a few words to this effect inserted that it was of paramount necessity to the Queen’s health to get some pure bracing air.’ h b/xix/a/51. The Times on 20 May had expressed astonishment that, amidst ‘a Ministerial crisis, which may dissolve either the Ministry or the Parliament’, the Queen had left for Balmoral, on the 18th at 6:30 pm, ‘at the very hour when a most important debate was proceeding – a debate on which the question of life and death to Government or to Parliament might turn – the first person in the State, to whom recourse must be had in every momentous conjuncture, was hurrying at full speed from the neighbourhood of the capital to a remote Highland district, six hundred miles from her Ministry and Parliament ... it was an act of culpable neglect on the part of the Minister not to inform the Queen that the political prospects of her Government were so doubtful as to demand her presence at or near the seat of the Legislature.’ 2 There is in h an undated announcement in d’s hand (not found in The Times): ‘We have authority to state, that it is by the imperative advice of Her Majesty’s physicians, that the Queen, for a limited period in the early spring, seeks the benefit of mountain air, & comparative repose. Altho’ the public business, now personally transacted by the Sovereign, is heavier than that of any single department of the State, the rapid & constant communication betn. Balmoral & London prevents its progress from being arrested, in any appreciable degree, by Her Majesty’s occasional absence from the seat of Government. It is expected that the Queen will return to Windsor shortly after the Whitsun Holidays.’ h b/xix/a/73. See 4942n2. 3 Denison had noted in his diary (see ph 227) on 21 May that Denis Joseph Rearden (1817-1885), mp (l) for Athlone, Ireland, until 20 November 1868, had ‘brought a notice to the Clerk of a question to be put as to-day, Thursday, 21st May: “To ask the Prime Minister, as the Queen’s health appears to be so weak that she cannot live in England, whether he has advised her to abdicate in favour of the Prince of Wales”. I authorised the Clerk to decline to have this notice printed, on the ground that it was an infringement of the rules of the House.’ In the House on this day (22nd) Rearden would give notice that on the 25th he would ask d if it was true that ‘the Queen has been compelled, through delicate health, to retire from England during the remainder of this Session; and, if so, whether it is the intention of Her Majesty’s Government, out of consideration to Her Majesty’s health, comfort, and tranquillity, and in the interest of the Royal Family and of Her Majesty’s subjects throughout the Empire, and especially of this metropolis, to advise Her Majesty to abdicate?’ Following clamorous objections, Denison would reply: ‘The House has anticipated my decision by the expression – the indignant expression of feeling with regard to the terms employed in the Notice of the hon. Member. No doubt Questions may be addressed by a Member of this House to the confidential Advisers of the Crown as to any matter relating to the discharge of public duties by the Sovereign; but these questions must be addressed in respectful and Parliamentary terms. The Question of the hon. Member is not couched in such terms, and cannot be put.’ To this, Rearden would apologize ‘for putting a Question in any form of words which is either un‑Parliamentary or not in strict accordance with the views of this House. Nothing can be further from my views, mind, or heart, than to do anything inconsistent with strict loyalty to Her Majesty.’ Hansard cxcii cols 711-12.

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esty wishes? I have told the Queen that I should consult you, and I should really be obliged if you would assist me with your counsel.4 Ever yours sincerely | Disraeli. to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE original: bl add ms 50016 f700/26 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 22 May 1868

4936

Right Honorable | Sir Stafford Northcote May 22 1868 My dear N.1 I believe, I must move the vote of thanks: I shall do it briefly, & wish, that you shd. follow me in / the debate, & speak at length, & in detail.2 Yrs ever | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Foreign Office [Saturday] 23 May 1868

original: rac a37 33

Copy

4937

Telegram May 23. 1868.

4 Denison would note (ph 228-9): ‘I answered [d] that I had heard nothing further from Mr. Rearden of his intentions; perhaps he might have been advised to employ a different form of words ... Mr. Rearden asked his question. The House condemned it by the loudest disapproval. Mr. Disraeli sat still, and said nothing, and I think he judged rightly in so doing.’ 1 Northcote on 27 April had asked d ‘What will you do for Sir R. Napier? It seems to me a case for a Peerage. The Duke of Cambridge is anxious that he should be gazetted G.C.B. tomorrow, and to this I suppose there would be no objection; – but except as to the moment for conferring the distinction it will be absolutely no reward; for he had won his G.C.B. before, and had been promised it on the first opportunity ... But I trust you won’t think the Peerage too much. It is not as if he were an undistinguished man before; he has never failed in anything since he began by distinguishing himself at Moodkee. He was the active spirit in the China War, where he was second in Command. And his chase of Tantia Topee brought him nearly up to the level of Lord Strathnairn in 1858. His only fault has been the not making difficulties. If you tell him to do a thing he goes and does it, and the world thinks it is easy ... The Queen was delighted, and thought it would do us much good. She has sent a special message to Napier.’ h b/ xx/n/7. See 4951&n4. 2 In the House on this day (22nd) Northcote would state that a collection of Napier’s despatches ‘from the time the troops landed in Abyssinia until now were in course of preparation, and would be laid upon the table ... and will be in the hands of hon. Members before the Vote of Thanks is proposed.’ d would explain on the 26th that he had intended to propose the vote of thanks on this day (22nd) but had not received despatches. ‘The Notice had already been delayed on this account, but within the last forty‑eight hours information has arrived which leads us to believe that these despatches in a few days may reach the Government.’ d believed ‘it would be far more convenient and satisfactory that the thanks of the House should be founded on the Despatches of the Commander‑in‑Chief, and therefore I propose to postpone this Vote until after the holidays.’ Hansard cxcii cols 716-17 and 925. The vote of thanks would be moved on 2 July by Malmesbury in the Lords and by d in the Commons. Hansard cxciii cols 473-95, 522-9.

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Foreign Office Mr. Disraeli to The Queen Saturday 1. Oclock Last night good; majority reduced ten have written every day, will write fully to-day after Cabinet.1

4938

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[London, Saturday] 23 May 1868

original: rac a37 34 editorial comment: A fair copy, not in d’s hand.

copy May 23. 1868. Mr. Disraeli to the Queen. With respect to public affairs Mr. Disraeli’s report is very favorable. Yesterday the second reading took place on Mr Gladstone’s Irish Church Bill, and the Majority are reduced not by ten, as Mr Disraeli telegraphed, but by eleven. This was occasioned by the withdrawal of several Scotch Members: a significant circumstance.1 Monday (25th.) is a critical day, but Mr. Disraeli has little fear of a successful arrangement of the Scotch Bill. If the Ministry carry their point, it will be the clearing storm. He will telegraph immediately to Your Majesty.2 The Cabinet today was entirely on the Scotch Bill.3 The Duke of Marlboro’, who is very nervous about public affairs and anxious not to be absent from the Cabinet, has repeatedly urged Mr Disraeli to lay before Your Majesty his humble request not to leave town at this critical moment. If Your Majesty would deign to telegraph, that His Grace need not repair to Balmoral until the crisis is passed, His Grace would be gratified and relieved, & Mr. Disraeli does not think it would occasion a greater delay than 8 & 40 hours.4

4939

to: LORD BEAUCHAMP

Downing Street [Monday] 25 May 1868

original: bcp [7] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Tailors.

The | Earl Beauchamp May 25, 1868 My dear Beauchamp, We are obliged to decline having the pleasure of dining with Lady Beauchamp, &

1 See 4938&n1. d’s telegram is followed on the microfilm by an undated note on Balmoral paper from General Grey: ‘This seems very satisfactory, & is quite as much as could be expected.’ d had written to the Queen every day the House sat in May except the 6th, 13th, 18th and 21st. 1 On 22 May, Gladstone had moved the second reading of the Established Church (Ireland) Bill. Following protracted debate on Hardy’s motion (defeated 312-258) for a six-month postponement, the bill was read and the House adjourned at 1:45 am on the 23rd. Hansard cxcii cols 720-813 (d 787-96); The Times (25 May 1868). See 4949&nn1&4. 2 See 4942&n2. 3 There had been a cabinet at 2 pm on this day (23rd). The Times (23, 25 May 1868). 4 See 4941.

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yourself, on the 10th. June, because I had, myself, / fixed that day for a great function at Mercht Tailors Hall. That function is now postponed until the 17th. Inst:, & as you might observe this, or remark that we were / dining at some other place on the 10th., I send this line, for I shd. grieve to be misapprehended by my best friend, & his charming wife.1 Ever yours | D. to: [MARY ANNE DISRAELI]

[London, Monday 25 May 1868]

original: h d/iii/d/805 editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on a sheet of paper docketed by ma: ‘1868, May 25 | Character for William Taylor | Mr Feilden’.

4940

This will do. | D.1 to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 26 May 1868

4941

original: cam add 9271/3/16 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

Grosvenor Gate | May 26 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Marlboro’ | K.G. My dear Ld President, The Queen intimated, by telegraph yesterday, that, during the critical state of affairs to wh: you referred, H.M. wd. not press for Yr Grace’s presence / on Wednesday, &, therefore, you would not be expected at Balmoral on that day.1 But the crisis is over. Yesterday, was the clearing storm of the Session, & a Government, that not only rescinded a / vote, but, in a very full House, carried their own scheme by a majority of 39, is completely master of the situation. We shall have no more trouble of any kind.2 1 The ds would dine at the Beauchamps’ on 11 June. On the 17th d would speak to over 300 guests at a Conservative banquet given by the Merchant Taylors’ Company. The Times (18 Jun 1868). See 4967&n1. 1 J. Feilden – possibly Joseph Feilden, mp (c) for Blackburn – had written to d from 37 Eaton Place on 25 May 1868: ‘In reply to your inquiries rspctg. the character of Mr Taylor who lived with me as upper footman for 2 years, I have much pleasure in saying that he is a very good servant & I believe him to be perfectly honest & sober & is a very good cleaner of Plate. He left my service of his own request & we were sorry to part with him.’ h d/iii/d/805. ma would record: ‘May 30th Saturday. William Taylor entered our service as under Butler to have 30£ a year, 2 suits of Livery, & a working dress, a great coat, when wanted – a fortnights wages or a fortnights warning but no board wages’. h acc. d’s ‘inquiries’ letter has not been found. 1 See 4938. 2 On 25 May numerous amendments to clauses in the Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill had been debated in committee. Shortly before midnight Scottish mp (l) William Baxter had proposed an amendment that Glasgow return four members, Edinburgh three, and two each for Dundee, Aberdeen and the counties of Lanark, Ayr and Aberdeen. Hardy’s amendment to Baxter’s amendment, that Glasgow return not four but three members, had been carried 261-222, the House adjourning at 1:30 am on the 26th. Hansard cxcii cols 840-96 (d 867-72, 889-90, 892-6). The bill would be read a third time on 18 June; read in the Lords on the 19th and 23rd; and, following discussion of amendments on 9 and 10 July, given royal assent on the 13th.

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I think, therefore, it would be well to attend Her Majesty as soon / as you conveniently can.3 I was greatly vexed at not being present yesterday at an event, wh: much interested me – but everything was at stake, & I could not leave the scene of action for an instant.4 Yours sin[cerel]y, | D.

4942

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[London, Tuesday] 26 May 1868

original: rac a37 35 editorial comment: A fair copy, not in d’s hand, on Balmoral paper, imprint crossed out.

May 26. 1868. Mr. Disraeli to the Queen. What occurred last night in the House of Commons has shown, that the views, which Mr. Disraeli offered from the first, to Your Majesty, as to the real condition of that Assembly, were accurate; and that, if he were supported, as he has been most cordially and generously, by Your Majesty, he could master them. Last night he rescinded a vote of the House of Commons, which has, always, been considered the greatest test of power and skill in a Minister: he carried, by a large majority his own scheme of Scotch Reform: and a proposed vote of want of confidence on the notice paper was silently withdrawn. It is impossible to pretend after this, that the present Ministry is a minority on sufferance, or that its position is ignominious or humiliating.1 Mr. Disraeli anticipates no further danger of any kind, & very little difficulty, and will wind up the session with all possible expedition. But he could not have done this, had it not been for the more than gracious support that Your Majesty has given him – & this makes him truly unhappy when he feels that this anxious exertion, on the part of Your Majesty, may have aggravated those sufferings which under / less difficult circumstances, it might have been his pride and privilege, in some degree, by sedulous devotion to have mitigated.2

3 At Balmoral on 23 May, Marlborough had been granted a kg in absentia. He would dine with the Queen and the royal family there on 3 June. The Times (27 May, 6 Jun 1868). 4 On the morning of the 25th, Marlborough’s daughter, Lady Cornelia Churchill, had married Sir Ivor Bertie Guest, 2nd Bt, at St James’s Church, Piccadilly, with ma attending. mp (26 May 1868). 1 See 4941&n2. 2 Replying on the 29th from Balmoral, the Queen would thank d ‘very much for his kind letter & very satisfactory telegram. She seriously hopes all will soon go well. The Queen thinks it will be better to say nothing just at present unless some very good opportunity offers itself respecting the Queen’s health, in the papers. But it must be done by degrees & Sir Wm. Jenner whom the Queen sent for, can tell Mr. Disraeli how much harm all this irritation has done her. But the Queen is extremely sorry Mr Disraeli shd have been attacked for it. Nothing has suffered now – or ever has suffered from the Queen’s necessary absence but: The Queen might if absolutely necessary on any occasion – delay her departure for a few days & go later & return later – but go at this time of year for a few short weeks – she absolutely must, – unless she is to become seriously ill, & each year makes it more necessary.’ h b/xix/a/56.

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to: CHARLES GREY

original: durg Earl Grey Papers editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 26 May 1868

4943

confidential May 26 1868 Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey My dear General, Her Majesty made a statement to me personally, as to the causes of her visit to Scotland, wh: rendered / it quite impossible for me to dissuade Her Majesty from going.1 Therefore, the P of Wales, & the Princess Louise, & all others, are quite under an / erroneous impression in this matter. And I cannot conceive, under the circumstances, that any Minister could have acted otherwise, than I did. Yesterday was the clearing / storm of the Session. After being daily described as a Ministry on Sufferance, & occupying a position equally ignominious & humiliating, I made the House of Commons rescind / a most important vote, always considered the highest test of the power & skill of a Minister; I passed my Scotch scheme in the teeth of the Opposition plan; / &, at the end of the evening, the notice of Want of Confidence was silently withdrawn from the paper.2 Gladstone, who had been very eager the whole of the night, left / the House immediately after the division, quite beaten. As far as I can judge, there is no longer any danger, & scarcely any difficulty. I shall be very / glad to hear of the return of the Court.3 Ever yours, | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Wednesday 27 May [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/376 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n5.

4944

Wedy May 27 I have had a day of great repose, &, unless there is anythg urgent, I wd. wont trouble you to call here today. It occurs to me that / Mellor’s brother,1 who is very low Church, & Secy. to the British & For: Bible Society,2 might have West Ham3 offered him: a large area for / an energetic man, & no bringing him into view. 1 d had been at Windsor on 17 May (see 4927). For the Queen’s hasty departure for Balmoral on the 18th, see 4935n1. 2 See 4941&n2. 3 The Queen would leave Balmoral by train in the afternoon of 16 June and reach Windsor the next morning. The Times (18 Jun 1868). 1 Probably the brother of cotton manufacturer Thomas Walton Mellor, future mp (c) for Ashton-underLyne (Dec 1868-80), T. Vernon Mellor, rural dean, vicar of Idridgehay, Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Clergy List (1868) 224. 2 The British and Foreign Bible Society (formed 1804). 3 The Times on 4 June 1868 would record that the ‘valuable and important living of West Ham, Essex, vacant by the resignation of the Rev. S. Ram, has been conferred by the Prime Minister upon the Rev. Thomas Scott, for sometime past chaplain at the London Hospital ... It is understood that he was a perfect stranger to Mr. Disraeli, but was selected for his well-known ability as a preacher, and from the testimony

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We dine out at Ld Cadogans,4 &, therefore, it is not impossible I may go on to Lady Tankerville’s5 with Mrs Dis: perhaps you will / be there? Has Lady Eliz: won?6 D.

4945

to: LORD CAIRNS

Downing Street [Friday] 29 May 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff27-8 publication history: m&b v 41, extract from second paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

The | Lord Chancellor May 29 1868 My dear Lord Chanr, You must be very general in your answer to night respecting the Dissolution. The matter is under the consideration of / the Government. Whatever plan may be proposed, it is of the utmost importance that no suspicion shd enter the mind of the New Constituency, that / there is any design to neutralise the large franchises, with wh: they have been wisely invested, by hurrying & hustling them in the establishment of / their electoral privileges.1 Yrs ever | D. There must be a Cabinet on the subject.2 My own opinion is, that the scheme won’t stand analysis, & I am sure it is, every day, getting more & more unpopular[.]3

received from many Quarters as to the zeal and devotion with which he had performed his hospital duties.’ 4 Lord Cadogan resided at 28 Lowndes Street, Belgravia. 5 Lady Tankerville would have a reception on this day (27th) ‘at the family residence in Curzon-street, Mayfair, which was fashionably and numerously attended.’ mp (28 May 1868). 6 Blue Gown had won the Derby on the 26th. ‘Lady Elizabeth, whose former performances gave such great promise, and in whose success her owner [Lord Hastings] was so much interested, gave no fulfilment of the hopes which were felt in her, as she seemed to have no chance from the first.’ mp (28 May 1868). 1 Cairns would not speak in the Lords on this day (29th). In the House, when asked what steps he would take in expediting dissolution in the autumn, d would reply that it was ‘useless’ to speak on the matter ‘unless you are prepared to speak with great precision’, and that ‘it is of the utmost importance that no suspicion should enter into the minds of the new constituencies of this country that there is any attempt to neutralize the great privileges which we, in my opinion most wisely, accorded to them last year, by, as it were, hurrying and hustling them in obtaining their electoral privileges.’ Hansard cxcii cols 1053-76 (d 1065-8). 2 For the 4 June cabinet, see 4951&n3. 3 Cairns would reply on the 30th, ‘anxious as to our position with reference to a Dissolution. The private feelings of many members on both sides of the House will very probably be averse to a hastened Dissoln., but the very same persons, & I think also the general public, will, if the Govt. appear to hang back in urging on a Dissoln., accuse the Govt. of acting in bad faith, & of using the present anomalous position of affairs as a means of delaying the great appeal to the Country. I think our honour is greatly concerned in avoiding such a suspicion. I have no doubt you will be pressed with this on the reassembly of the House on Friday. I don’t know whether you propose to have a Cabinet on or before that day: but I wd. ask you to consider whether it wd. not be expedient for the Govt. to introduce a Bill placing the dates & at the earliest possible period, so as to give an opportunity for a Session early in Decr., & then refer the Bill to a select Commee., leaving the responsibility of taking any later dates on the Commee.’ h b/xx/ca/32. For d’s reply, see 4948.

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to: LORD LONSDALE

original: cro d/lons/l [1] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 30 May 1868

4946

Right Honorable | The Earl of Lonsdale May 30 1868 My dear Lord, I will have the honor & pleasure, of calling on you on Tuesday next at ½ pt two o’ck:1 Yours ever | D to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/3 publication history: m&b v 40, the first paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 30 May 1868

4947

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. May 30 1868 My dear Lord, I must thank you for your kind letter, & for your invaluable counsel. I had moved a little in / the direction you advise, & will still further prosecute that course.1 We are bothered a good deal about the dissolution; but if we can ultimately manage for / a dissolution in November, & meeting of Parliamt in Jany, I think we may be satisfied.

1 Lonsdale had written to d on this day (30th): ‘I am sorry to be so troublesome. If you remain in London during your short vacation pray give me a short interview as regards Marcus Lowther. I will not trespass on your time in writing a long letter.’ h b/xxi/l/295. See 4981&n1 and 5023. 1 Derby had written to d on the 29th from St James’s Square: ‘I think you will be pleased to hear that Malmesbury acquitted himself tonight better than I ever heard him. John Russell was feeble and spiteful, and very discursive. Malmesbury answered him on every point, and was deservedly cheered when he sat down; and as none of the Opposition gave Russell any support, it was not only unnecessary for me to say anything, but it would have been unjust to Malmesbury to follow him as if he had not made out his case. The D. of Argyll was evidently intending to speak, but wished to follow me.’ Derby congratulated d ‘on being master of the position for the remainder of the Session, which I presume you will close as soon as you can. Will you allow me to suggest that, partly to promote that object, it would be well to let it be understood that you do not mean further to oppose Gladstone’s suspension Bill. But I have another reason. The Church Commission will report towards the end of next month; and if they recommend any modification of appointments, it will be difficult to oppose the Suspension Bill, and we shall be driven to attempt to define and limit its objects instead of opposing the 2d. Reading – which the Country will not understand. I think Gladstone will see this chance, and consequently will not be in a hurry to carry his Bill through the Commons: hence, in my opinion, our object should be to get it disposed of in the Lords as soon, and as summarily, as possible. I suggest this for your consideration as a matter of tactics, of which however you are too great a master to stand in need of any hint from me. I shall be back by Tuesday week, for which day, I understand, the vote of thanks to the Abyssinian Army is at present fixed.’ h b/xx/s/493.

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I shall be anxious to hear, that you bore the journey well.2 I shan’t / leave town, except for a morning ceremony in the County.3 I beg you to offer my kindest regards to Lady Derby, & am ever Your obliged & faithful | D.

4948

to: LORD CAIRNS

Grosvenor Gate, Sunday [31 May] 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff29-32 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

Grosvenor Gate | Whit. Sunday 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor, Before I received yr letter, I had summoned the Cabinet for Thursday at one o’ck: on the very question.1 I had, also, ordered / a copy of the enclosed Mem: to be sent to every member of the Cabt:, but the writer, Mr Lambert, informed me, that it must be reconstructed with the reference to the present position of the Boundary / Bill & also of the Boundaries in Scotch & Irish Bills. 8In its present form, he says, it would mislead; but it can be distributed by Wednesday in its reconstructed state.92 I conclude then circumstances would rather add to the delay & difficulties. The compromise wh:, I think, wd. be generally acceptable, wd. be dissolution in / Novr. & the House meeting after Xmas holidays. But the very people, who propose these schemes, have never looked into the matter. We must secure the New Constituency a full / & fair opportunity of registering their votes. That is the great & indispensable point, & of wh: men of the world are better judges, than all the Thrings & Lamberts in the universe. Notwithstanding / Mr Lambert said, that the enclosed Mem: would be now entirely deceptive & misleading, I still thought it best to send it you, but return it to me.3 2 The Derbys left for Knowsley on this day (30th) for the Whitsun holidays. mp (1 Jun 1868). 3 On 1 June at 1 pm the ds would attend the opening of the Halton Industrial Exhibition at Halton, ‘in one of the most secluded portions’ of Bucks. The exhibition had ‘originated in a desire upon the part of members of the family of Sir Antony de Rothschild to collect specimens of the industry of the residents in a single parish upon their estates in Buckinghamshire’ but had been expanded to include fifty parishes. Some 5,000 spectators would attend on 1 June, along with over 3,000 exhibitors of crafts and agricultural products, ‘everything bearing on the daily lives of the people’. After a short speech praising what he called ‘the triumph of the industry of the Vale of Aylesbury’, d would announce the inauguration of the exhibition, which would close on the 6th. The Times (2 Jun 1868). 1 For Cairns’s letter, see 4945n3; for the 4 June cabinet, see 4951&n3. 2 Although the ‘enclosed Mem:’ has not been found, there is in h a three-page handwritten memorandum from John Lambert dated 12 June 1868 entitled ‘As to the addition of Parishes now under Compounding Acts within the extended Boundaries of Boroughs’, which opens with: ‘The Boundary Bill, as amended in Committee, will have the effect of adding, either wholly or in part, 44 Parishes to the Boroughs of England and Wales.’ h b/xi/m/31. 3 Cairns would reply on 1 June: ‘I return Mr. L’s paper. I have not gone into it with any detailed accuracy, as it is to be recast, but two observations occur to me on it. 1E. I think it assures that an election can conveniently & practically take place, & a poll be held as soon as the list is printed. This overlooks the absolute necessity of some interval, 3 or 4 weeks, during wh parties can look round, consider their position, &

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I go out of town tomorrow morning to open / an Industrial Exhibition in the Vale of Aylesbury, but shall return in the evening, & not leave town again.4 Yrs ever | D. to: CHARLES NEWDEGATE

Downing Street [Sunday] 31 May 1868

original: war b.6338 publication history: m&b v 40 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4949

Confidential May 31 1868 C.N. Newdegate Esqr | M.P. Dear Newdegate, I think it would be well to consider, whether it may not be desirable to place no further impediments to the passing of the Suspension Bill in the House of Commons, so, that the decision of the / House of Lords, may be taken as speedily as possible.1 It is probable, that the Church Commission will report towards the end of next month;2 & if they recommend any modification of appointments, it will be difficult for the Lords to oppose the Suspension Bill; / & they will be driven to define & limit its objects, instead of opposing the second Reading. And this the country will never understand. No doubt Gladstone sees this chance, & will not be in a hurry to carry his bill thro’ our House, whereas, in my opinion our / object should be to get it disposed of in the Lords as soon, and as summarily, as possible.3

conduct a canvass. 2E. Altho’, as at present advised, I think we are bound, unless Parlt. indicate strongly an opinion the other way, to have an ante-Christmas meeting, I think this obligation quite satisfied by meeting on say Tuesday Decr. 8., giving time for the Election of Speaker, & a trial of strength, if any one is so disposed, on the Address, before Christmas. My present idea wd. be an arrangement of dates to allow a meeting on 8th Decr.; a bill to effect this; & then an opportunity given to the House, by referring it to a Sel: Commee., to enlarge the dates.’ h b/xx/ca/33. 4 See 4947&n3. 1 The Established Church (Ireland) Bill would pass at third reading in the House on 16 June but would be rejected 192-97 in the Lords after a third night of debate on the 29th, the House adjourning at 3 am on the 30th. Hansard cxcii col 1697; cxciii cols 169-300. 2 See 4983&n1. 3 This paragraph is cribbed wholesale from a letter Derby had written to d on the 29th; see 4947&n1.

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I wish you would think over this, & give me your opinion.4 Yours very faithfully, | B. Disraeli

4950

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Sunday June 1868]

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript headed: ‘Sayings &c. D. to M.C. – Sunday. (On Osborne envelope.)’ Dating: by context; see n1.

I am distressed at Doo, the greatest line Engraver of our times, figuring in the Pension list as a civil Engineer. This should be rectified. The pension was a homage to art and to a peculiar branch, now almost extinct. Besides Doo having been the Queen’s Engraver.1 D.

4951

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

House of Commons [Thursday] 4 June 1868

original: rac a37 38 publication history: lqv B i 530-2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Ho: of Commons’ written in.



Ho: of Commons | June 4 1868

4 Newdegate, who had attempted to speak on 22 May at the second reading of Gladstone’s bill (see 4938&n1) ‘but was inaudible in consequence of persistent cries of “Divide!” and “Question!”’, would reply on 2 June: ‘I do not see any necessary connection between the Suspension Bill, introduced by Mr Gladstone, and any contemplated rearrangement, or, even, moderate curtailment of the establishment of the Church in Ireland. Although the Suspension Bill may be said not to be based upon Mr Gladstone’s First Resolution, I think this a fallacy, for it is obvious, that the Bill is framed to carry out the purpose of the First Resolution; since the suspensions, which the Bill would effect, are no less likely to occur in parishes having large Church Congregations than in those having the smallest; unless the Clergy of the latter take fright and abandon their posts; and precipitation on the part of the Legislature is likely to produce a panic of this kind. The House of Lords would, it seems to me, have to recast the Bill and to alter its principle, if they were to adapt it to the objects, which the Commissioners are likely to recommend. I do not see what the Conservative party lose by affording time for the adequate discussion of a Bill, intended to initiate a policy so dangerous, as that of the Suspension Bill. It appears to me, that the precipitation with which Mr Gladstone introduced both his Resolutions, and this Bill shows, that he, and those, who have prompted him, are aware, that these objects will not be advanced by the Nation’s having time to be informed of, and to consider the probable consequences & effects of the policy, they are invited to accept; and that this policy is not gaining ground in the House of Commons seems clear from the Majority on the Second Reading of this Bill being less than those in favor of the Resolutions. You ought to be much better informed than I am, but I do not see any reason to suppose, that the same disposition, which has been manifested in the country & in the House of Commons does not prevail in the House of Lords, or that their Lordships are on longer reflection likely to look with more favor upon the policy of the Suspension Bill a short time hence, than when that policy was abruptly introduced.’ Hansard cxcii col 809; h b/xxi/n/94. 1 George Thomas Doo (1800-1886), historical engraver in ordinary to William iv 1836 and Queen Victoria 1842, frs 1851, associate engraver of the Royal Academy 1856 and ra 1857, had retired in 1866. According to the House of Commons Parliamentary Papers, Doo’s pension was granted on 19 June 1868 and his occupation corrected: ‘19 June – Mr. George Thomas Doo, f.r.s. – In consideration of his attainments as a Line Engraver. £100 –’. Civil list pensions. A list of all pensions granted between the 20th day of June 1867 and the 20th day of June 1868, and charged upon the civil list. 1867-8 (449) xl.187.

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Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He has refrained from troubling Yr Majesty for some days.1 All goes well here, & he earnestly hopes, that the bright air / of Balmoral, & Yr Majesty’s serener life, have, at the same time, strengthened & tranquillised a nervous system very sensitive, & too much tried. He is never unmindful of / Yr Majesty’s wishes on a certain subject,2 but relying on Yr Majesty’s gracious expression of confidence in his judgment, he watches, with devoted vigilance, the fine & golden opportunity. / It must not be forced; but it will come. The Cabinet today deliberated on the measures necessary to expedite the Dissolution, & Mr Secy Hardy was instructed / to bring in a bill with that object.3 If it were carried, the Dissolution might take place in December, but the difficulties are so great, that Mr Disraeli thinks it will all end in / the House adhering to the provisions of the Reform Act of last year, & that the Dissolution will take place, consequently, in January 1869. Sir Robert Napier wishes to be made a / peer, having been confidentially consulted by Sir Stafford Northcote, individually, & without in any way pledging the Government.4 Mr Disraeli wishes Yr Majesty’s pleasure on this / subject. The opinion of Society is, he thinks, favorable to Napiers object. Peerages have been given for smaller services: as to Ld. Keane, for taking Ghuznee.5 There will, however, be remonstrants. The Commander in Cf:, for / example, might think the reward disproportioned to those given to some other officers, especially to Sir Hope Grant for the China War.6

1 d’s previous extant letter to the Queen was on 26 May (4942). 2 See 4942&n2 and 4935&n2. 3 Hardy on the 5th would note: ‘Yesterday ... We had a Cabinet & I gave notice of Bill for registration [of electors] but doubt if we can succeed’. Hardy Diary 76. 4 See 4936&nn1&2. Northcote had informed d on 3 June that Napier had sent him a telegram ‘answering my questions about honours for himself. He says he would like a peerage. He quite understands, however, that my inquiry was a personal one, and did not pledge the Government ... You will have now to make up your mind about the honours for Napier. Peerages have been given for smaller services, e.g. to Lord Keane for taking Ghuznee; and I think the public generally would approve of one. There will however be remonstrants. The Duke of Cambridge, I think, would consider the reward disproportioned to those given to some other officers – especially to Sir Hope Grant for the China War. It seems to me that there is something exceptionally good in this expedition, so well planned, so quietly and thoroughly executed, the political part of it so judiciously managed, the troops so admirably handled throughout the long trying march, and the strength of Anglo-Indian organisation so strikingly demonstrated in the eyes of Europe, wiping out all the old stories of Crimean blundering, that an exceptional reward would be well bestowed ... Of course you would have to consult the Queen. There will barely be time for that before Tuesday unless we decide tomorrow.’ In a separate note, Northcote had asked d, ‘Will you approve of Baron Magdala? Napier does not like to take Murchiston or Thirlestane, because they belong to the other branch of the family. He can’t take his mother’s family name Carington, because it is already taken. He wishes for Napier of Magdala but I tell him it will not do. “Magdala” is almost the only title open to him.’ h b/xx/n/8. See 4961. 5 Irish-born career soldier John Keane (1781-1844), 1st Baron Keane 1839, gcb 1839 and gch 1831, had served with distinction in, among other conflicts, the Peninsular War 1808 and the Battle of New Orleans 1815. Commander-in-chief at Bombay 1834-9, he had commanded the victorious British and Indian army troops at the Battle of Ghazni (Afghanistan) on 23 July 1839 and been raised to the peerage as Baron Keane of Ghuznee and of Cappoquin, co Waterford. 6 Sir James Hope Grant (1808-1875) had had a distinguished military career, serving in the first Chinese Opium War (cb 1843) and during the Indian Mutiny (kcb 1858), ‘although his promotion to major‑gen-

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But History will place / the Abyssinian 8Expedition9 in a higher, & more enduring expedition 8position9 than the China War. So well planned, so quietly & thoroughly executed, the political part so judiciously managed, / the troops so admirably handled during the long, trying march, the strength of Anglo-Indian organisation so strikingly demonstrated in the eyes of Europe, wiping out all the old stories of / Crimean blundering – the Abyssinian expedition stands apart & merits, Mr Disraeli thinks, perhaps an exceptional reward. But Yr Majesty will decide in your wisdom whatr. that decision, he will / not shrink from the responsibility of sanctioning & supporting it. Mr Birch has accepted the Canonry with overflowing gratitude, & evidently some / surprise.7 Mr Disraeli confesses he was a little disappointed, as he would have liked, in Yr Majesty’s name, to have made the Whippingham hearth happy.8 However, if things / go well, Yr Majesty will have other opportunities of so doing. All foreign affairs seem wonderfully calm, & the domestic prospect every day clearer & stronger. All that remains / now is, that Yr Majesty shd. profit, in mind & body, during the next fortnight, by the sweet stillness, & the inspiring atmosphere, of Yr Majesty’s mountain home.9

4952

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 6 [June] 1868

original: rac a37 39 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, ‘May’ crossed out and ‘June’ inserted in another hand. Sic: May.

May 6 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet is just over:1 main subjects, the course the Government shd. take, in

eral had been at considerable personal cost as he forfeited the value of his commission amounting to £12,000.’ In 1860, as lieutenant-general, he had commanded a joint Anglo-French expedition against China, occupying Peking within three months, and been created a gcb by the Queen that November. He had been commander-in-chief of the Madras army 1861-5 and would be commander at Aldershot 1870 and general 1872. odnb. 7 d would appoint Henry Birch (v 1995n4), chaplain to the Queen, to the canonry in Ripon Cathedral and would present him to the Prince of Wales at a levée at St James’s Palace on 26 June. The Times (19, 27 Jun 1868). 8 George Prothero (1818-1894), ba 1843 Brasenose College, Oxford, deacon 1842, priest 1843, since 1857 rector of St Mildred’s Church, Whippingham (on the Isle of Wight, near Osborne) and chaplain in ordinary to the Queen 1866, was of moderate Church views and held in high esteem by the royal household. He would be appointed a canon of the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster, in November. The Times (23 Nov 1868, 27 Feb 1869). See 5075n8. 9 The Queen would reply from Balmoral on 6 June: ‘The Queen thanks Mr. Disraeli very much for his kind, long letter ... The Queen trusts the Session will quickly be got to an end for it is sure to be disagreeable, as long as it lasts. The Queen is feeling better, quieter & stronger for the complete Quiet, the beautiful scenery, & the fine, bracing air. – Alas! She has but 10 days left. The Duke of Marlborough left this morg. & will communicate various things to Mr. Disraeli in her name. – Nothing cd. be kinder or more sensible than the Duke was about the Queen herself.’ h b/xix/a/56. 1 Hardy on the 7th would note: ‘Yesterday a Cabinet. I am not clear that our proposal will do. We ought to be a week earlier.’ Hardy Diary 77.

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case the Opposition attempt to limit / the Supplies, wh: they threaten; & what they shd. do with respect to the Report of the Ritual Commission.2 In the first instance, they determined to resist the proposal of the Opposition & Mr Disraeli believes / they will do it successfully: in the second, they consider that, in consequence of the position of public affairs as regards the Ministry, & that the evidence of the Ritual Commission is / not yet published, Yr Majesty’s Government 8shd.9 will refrain from originating any legislation, tho’ if a bill be brought in against Ritualism by Ld. Shaftesbury, as seems not impossible, they / will support its second reading, & amend its provisions, if necessary, in Committee[.]3 The general position of affairs continues satisfactory. It is highly important, that / a public thanksgiving shd. be announced on account of Abyssinia. As a Council is necessary for this, Mr Disraeli has managed to delay it on the grounds of the thanks not having yet been voted / to the Army, & other causes. He calculates, that the thanks will be voted on Thursday week, the 18th. Inst: & if Yr Majesty could hold a Council on the following / Saturday, all will be well, & the delay will pass over without comment.4 Three hours before his death, Ld Shrewsbury summoned his daughter & Ld. Brownlow to his bedside, & they were / then, & there, married! One of the strangest weddings, perhaps, that was ever celebrated.5 Mr Disraeli has again seen Sir Wm. Jenner.6 He will write to Yr / Majesty on this

2 The first report (on Eucharistic vestments) by the Ritual Commission had been issued in August 1867 (see ix 4527n3) and the second (on incense and lights) in early May 1868. Shaftesbury on 15 May in the Lords had complained to Malmesbury that although both reports ‘were now before the House ... the public were now becoming exceedingly impatient, and were not inclined to make any allowance whatever for further delay’; Malmesbury had replied that ‘the greater the delay the greater would be the excitement’. Hansard cxcii col 332. A third report (on revisions to the Lectionary) would appear in 1869 and a fourth (on revisions to the Prayer Book) in 1870. 3 In the Lords on 23 June, Shaftesbury would introduce a Uniformity of Public Worship Bill that would proceed no further after second reading on 9 July. Hansard cxcii col 1921; cxciii cols 868-96. 4 In the House on 15 June, in answer to a question from A.H. Layard, d had replied that ‘portions of the Despatches have been received; but not the Despatch which ought to be placed before the House before the Vote of Thanks is moved, and which refers particularly to the recommendations of Sir Robert Napier as to the services of the individuals engaged. The moment the remaining Despatches are received they will be placed on the table, and the House will see that it is absolutely necessary to have them. When they are received, I will give Notice of a day for moving the Vote of Thanks.’ ‘Abyssinian Expedition – Vote of Thanks to Her Majesty’s Forces’ would be read in both Houses on 2 July. Hansard cxcii cols 1565-6 (d 1565); cxciii cols 473-95, 522-9 (d 522-6). See 4955&n1. 5 The Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot had died after a brief illness on 5 June at the Scottish seat of his sonin-law, the Marquess of Lothian. On the 22nd his youngest daughter, Lady Adelaide Talbot (1844-1917), would marry the Earl Brownlow at Ford Castle, Northumberland, the seat of Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford. ‘Lady Marian Alford and a few relatives of both families were present at the solemnization.’ The Times (6, 24 Jun 1868). 6 Sir William Jenner (1815-1898), 1st Bt (22 Feb 1868), md 1844 London University, frs 1864, kcb 1872 and gcb 1889, had studied at University College London and its hospital and began to practise in 1835, becoming professor of pathological anatomy at UCL 1849, first physician to the Hospital for Sick Children 1852-62, assistant physician to the London Fever Hospital 1858-61, physician 1854-76 and professor of medicine 1862-7 at UC Hospital. Jenner had attended Prince Albert prior to his death from typhoid fever in 1861 and was appointed Physician Extraordinary to the Queen that year and Physician in Ordinary to

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subject at a more favorable occasion at than the present, when he hopes 8only9 to gain the post. All, therefore, he will add, now, is an earnest / hope, that tranquil hours, & Favonian breezes, are bringing some strength & solace to his ever gracious Mistress.

4953

to: LORD ABERCORN

original: texu [12] editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 8 June 1868

His Excelly | The Marq: of Abercorn | K.G. June 8 1868 My dear Lord, I have to receive, this morning, a monster deputation of yr Excellency’s subjects:1 otherwise I would have requested the pleasure / of our meeting together & consulting over affairs. How will Yr Excelly be engaged tomorrow? I could receive you, here, at ½ past two o’ck:, which would, perhaps, / be more convenient, &, certainly, more private than Downing Street. Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

4954

to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Downing Street [Tuesday] 9 June 1868

original: ps 1520 publication history: m&b v 75-6, identified as being to Sir Stafford Northcote.

10, Downing Street, June 9, 1868 I could have wished to have replied to your letter instantly, but every moment, yesterday, was taken up.1 Although your loss to me would be not easily calculable, I

the Prince of Wales in 1863. He was president of the Epidemiological Society 1866, the Pathological Society of London 1873, the Clinical Society of London 1875 and the Royal College of Physicians 1881-8. On 5 June Jenner had called on Hardy ‘by the Queens desire to explain the real state of her health. Speaking medically he looks at her nervous temperament, time of life, easy excitability, hereditary tendency to the disease of wh. her mother died & to that of her grandfather. Quiet & change & freedom from irritation most important ... He described the state of agitation in wh. at times he found her in her private room, & the violent headaches & sickness to which she is subject ... Poor Queen, she feels lonely & desires at least to know that those about her sympathise. The late articles in newspapers &c have disturbed her peace at Balmoral.’ Hardy Diary 76. 1 On this day (8th) d would receive a deputation, introduced by the Marquess of Downshire, ‘of noblemen and gentlemen representing the Ulster Protestant Defence Association, and the central Protestant Defence Association in Dublin, together with their various branches throughout Ireland’. They would present d with resolutions stating their resolve to defend ‘“the principle of the connexion of Church and State in Ireland ... [and] to defeat any proposition which may be made for the purpose of ... endowing the Roman Catholic Church or priesthood”’. d would assure the deputation that the verdict of the impending appeal to the nation would ‘uphold the institutions of the country, and ... the Protestant institutions of Ireland.’ The Times (9 Jun 1867). 1 According to m&b v (75n1), Northcote had written to d that, ‘while he would very much like to go to India, he did not put himself forward as a candidate [for Indian viceroy], and would most cheerfully accept Disraeli’s decision. Only, for family reasons, he should like to know, as soon as might be convenient, what the decision was.’

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don’t think I could allow it to weigh against your personal interests, for which, I trust, I have always shown a due regard. But the Indian V. Royalty has always been destined for Lord Mayo, who did not wish to return to Ireland, and I spoke to Lord Derby, with that view, when his Government was formed, and when you did not occupy that great office of State, which you have since administered with so much satisfaction to the country, and with so much credit to yourself. Certainly, Lord Mayo’s administration of Ireland affords no reason for disturbing the prospect in which, for a considerable time, he has been permitted to indulge, and, being myself now at the head of affairs, it would hardly become me to shrink from the fulfilment of expectations, which I sanctioned and supported as a subordinate member of the Ministry.2 I could not speak to you on this matter before, because, when the prospects of the Ministry were not as bright as they are at present, Lord Mayo had nearly made up his mind to go to Canada, when the next mail brought the news, that the wise Parliament of the Dominion had reduced the salary of the Governor-General from £10,000 to £6,000 per annum, thereby depriving themselves of ever having the benefit of the services of a first-class man.3 You did quite right in addressing me directly and frankly, and I reply to you in the same spirit. I should be more than sorry to occasion you disappointment, because I highly esteem and regard you, and am anxious, so far as it is in my power, to advance, and secure, your fortunes. to: THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH

original: cam add 9271/3/17 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 9 June 1868

4955

His Grace | The Lord President | K.G. June 9 1868 My dear Ld President, I wrote to the ArBp of Canty. this morning, requesting him to prepare a Thanksgiving.1 I have written to the Queen / on the subject, but have not received Her

2 Mayo, Irish secretary since 1852, would be sworn in as governor-general of India in Calcutta on 12 January 1869, replacing Sir John Lawrence. Gladstone would seriously consider cancelling the appointment (which Mayo had long coveted), ‘believing that a viceroy should not be appointed by a government in its last agony. However, the recall was not issued.’ odnb. 3 The Times on 11 June (reprinting the Toronto Globe) would note that ‘The Ottawa Times speaks in a semiofficial manner of the appointment of Earl Mayo to the Governor-Generalship of Canada, and that Lord Monck will shortly leave Canada.’ Monck, governor-general since 1 July 1867, would resign on 13 November 1868; he would be succeeded on 2 January 1869 by Sir John Young (Lord Lisgar 1870). 1 Archbishop Longley would reply on this day (9th) from Lambeth Palace: ‘The suggestion you make shall have my immediate consideration, and I will take care that a Form of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the success of our Arms in Abyssinia, and the deliverance of the Captives, shall be prepared in time for the Council which is likely to be summoned about the 20th June.’ h b/xxi/l/260.

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Majesty’s reply.2 I fancy H.M. will suggest Saturday the 20th. for the Council. But, perhaps, it / shd be earlier. But nothing can be settled till we have H.M’s reply.3 Yours sincerely, | D.

4956

to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Wednesday] 10 June 1868 original: tas [3] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential June 10 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buckgham | & Chandos My dear Duke, Will you take immediate steps for the publication of your second Natal Despatch. Hardy tells me, / that the publication of the first is doing immense mischief.1 They are absolutely, in consequence, getting up an opposition to him at Oxford.2 Yours sincerely, | D.3

4957

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street, Thursday 11 June [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/77 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed on the first page in another hand: ‘68’. Dating: from context; see n1.



Thursday June 11

2 See 4952. 3 There would be a council at Windsor on 19 June at 2:45 pm attended by d, Marlborough, Buckingham and Tankerville and preceded by d’s audience with the Queen. The Times (20 Jun 1868). 1 On 13 June, John Bull would publish two despatches by Buckingham. The first, dated 30 January 1868 and previously published in the Pall Mall Gazette, was to Robert William Keate, governor of Natal, cautioning him that the government deplored the intention (reported in the press) ‘by some colonial Bishops to consecrate a Bishop to take charge of the diocese of Natal, on the assumption that Dr Colenso has been deposed’, warning that if ‘any ecclesiastical officer ... were to be a party to such transaction’, the Queen would be advised ‘to cancel his appointment.’ John Bull regretted that Buckingham had not stated ‘that the Government in no way desired to favour Bishop Colenso.’ The second, dated 23 May 1868 and addressed to the governors of the Cape of Natal and of Mauritius, stated that since his 30 January despatch Buckingham had heard from the Bishop of Capetown, who disclaimed any contemplated interference with Colenso’s legal rights, saying it had been ‘only proposed to consecrate a bishop who shall perform Episcopal functions for such of the clergy and laity as dwell in Zulu land and the adjacent parts as in Natal, &c., who may be willing voluntarily to submit themselves to him’, and that he did not desire such bishops should be consecrated by the title of Bishop of Natal. Buckingham believed it was therefore not necessary to oppose or prevent such a proceeding. In the Lords on 3 July, Carnarvon would move an address to the Queen (agreed to) for copies of two circular despatches (30 January and 31 March 1868) from the colonial office ‘“relative to the Consecration of a Colonial Bishop in South Africa.”’ Hansard cxciii cols 587-93. 2 Hardy on 17 May had recorded: ‘Carnarvon sent me a pressing note to see him & told me of the D of Buckinghams foolish & wrong despatch to Natal wh. may breed evil. I write to the Duke.’ On 11 June he would note that ‘Buckingham’s Natal despatch is my trouble & he must publish the one recalling it. It is said that opposition is to be attempted at Oxford but I can’t believe it.’ Hardy would be re-elected mp for Oxford University on 18 November. Hardy Diary 74, 77. 3 See 4957 and 4963.

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With reference to my letter to the Duke of Buck[in]gham of yesterday, see His Grace the moment he arrives, & say, that / it is of vital importance, that no delay shd. take place in the publication of the second Natal Despatch. / Perhaps, it wd. be as well, that it shd. first appear in the “John Bull” next Saturday.1 D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 12 June 1868

4958

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. June 12 1868 My dear Lord, I shd. become jealous of my secretaries, if they had the privilege of addressing you, & so, therefore, I return you the letters myself, with many thanks.1 / Walpole’s conduct about the Boundaries has been most distressing.2 There are a great many points on wh: I shd. wish to consult you, &, therefore, I shall take an early opportunity of trying / to find you disengaged. Ever your obliged | & faithful, | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac a77 30 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 13 June 1868

4959

June 13 1868 Mr. Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet sate two hours to day: chiefly on the Irish Reform Bill, wh: is in Committee in the House of Commons on / Monday next, & settled its 8their9 course in both houses with respect to it. The Scotch Bill has been very satisfactorily settled, & will be read a third time in the House of Commons in / a weeks time.

1 See 4956&nn1&2. 1 Derby on the 10th had written to d from St James’s Square: ‘I think you ought to see the two letters I enclose, if you can spare time to run your eye over them. Mr. [John William] Maclure was Secretary of our Manchester Relief Committee, a strong Conservative, who knows more of the Electors of the Salford Hundred (S.E. Lanc) than any man in England. Mr. [Henry?] Gartside is also a strong Conservative, and was Mayor, I think, of Ashton[-under-Lyne]. Their opinions may be worth something, while the Boundary Bill is still under consideration in the Commons. It is not a case for interference by the Lords. Desire your Secretary to return me the enclosed.’ h b/xx/s/494. 2 In the House in committee on 8 June, Walpole, chairman of the Boundary Bill Committee, had briefly summarized the committee’s findings while also complaining of ‘the imperfect manner in which the directions and Instructions were given to enable either the Commissioners or the Committee to arrive at a clear and satisfactory conclusion’, saying that ‘the Committee had gone in some degree beyond their instructions in proposing the sweeping changes which they had recommended.’ On the 11th the government had been defeated 184-148 in a division on an amendment by John Hibbert ‘to carry out the recommendation of the Select Committee’. Hansard cxcii cols 1257-94 (d 1283-5, 1293-4); 1404-44 (d 1444).

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The Boundary Bill, tho’ somewhat curtailed of its excellence, is, nevertheless, a very good measure, & may also be looked upon as having virtually passed the Commons. The / Irish Bill, tho’ not without difficulties, will be managed.1 Mr Disraeli has refrained from troubling your Majesty’s repose, as nothing has occurred of exigency. On the whole, all is well. There is something more, of / 8than9 £300: left of the Pension Fund for the year, wh: expires at the end of this month. Mr Disraeli proposes to give £100 8pr ann:9 to Mr. Doo, Yr Majesty’s engraver;2 / & £100 pr ann: to Mrs Oliphant – respecting whom Yr Majesty wrote to him.3 The children of Leech, the artist, whose widow had a pension from Yr Majesty, &, is just / dead, are quite destitute. Mr Disraeli proposes, that Yr Majesty shall divide the remaining £100 pr annm. between them.4

4960

to: GATHORNE HARDY

original: esu [4] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 13 June 1868

June 13 1868 My dear Hardy, At one o’ck: today there is to be a meeting of the Whigs & Lds Nevill & Colville, at my rooms here (D.S) about our organisation / for dissolution. Northcote is to be there, I hope – & I shd. be very glad indeed, if you cd. come, tho’ I / know Home Secy is hard pushed for time always[.]1 yrs ever | D.

1 There had been a cabinet in the afternoon on this day (13th). The Times (13 Jun 1868). The Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill would be read a third time on 18 June. For the Boundary Bill, see 4958&n2; for the Irish Reform Bill, see 4964&n1. 2 See 4950n1. 3 Scottish novelist and historical writer Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant (1828-1897), author of some 98 novels, some 50 short stories, 25 works of non-fiction and over 300 periodical articles, would be granted a civil list pension of £100 in June. 4 John Leech (1817-1864), educated at the Charterhouse School with lifelong friend W.M. Thackeray, had studied medicine in 1833-4 at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, but would turn his draughtsman’s hobby into a profession. His illustrations for Punch were published as John Leech’s Pictures of Life and Character between 1854 and 1869. In 1842 Leech had married Anne Viola (Annie) Eaton (c 1818-1868) of Knutton, Staffordshire; they had a daughter Ada and a son John George Warrington. In later life Leech had suffered from angina and died of a heart attack. The Times on 23 June would announce that d had ‘responded to the appeal made to him on behalf of the orphan children of John and Anne Leech, and has caused the pension granted to their late mother to be continued to them’, an ‘act of kindness and consideration on the part of the Premier’. 1 Hardy on the 14th would record: ‘Yesterday a Cabinet. I had been with Disraeli about the Elections & certain reports are not unpromising. I fear we shall have to subscribe largely & it is not a good year for me. Still the coming Election may turn events for a quarter of a Century & we ought to fight vigorously.’ Hardy Diary 77.

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to: [CABINET COLLEAGUES]

Downing Street [Sunday] 14 June 1868

original: h b/xiii/3a editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. A draft in d’s hand (apparently incomplete, as the catchword ‘Lawrence’ is repeated on the sixth page).

4961

June 14 1868 Mr Disraeli invites the opinion of his colleagues on the honors, wh: Her Majesty shd. be advised to confer on Sir R. Napier. It is understood, tho’ only privately, that the / Commander of the Abyssinian Expedition wd. desire to be ennobled.1 Peerages have been conferred for less eminent services; as, for example, in the case of Ld Keane, for the capture of Ghuznee.2 On / the other hand, a Baronetcy only was accorded to Sir John Lawrence for quelling the insurrection in the Punjaub & mainly contributing to the defeat of the Indian Mutiny;3 & Sir Hope Grant was not / ennobled for the capture of Pekin.4 Whether the hereditary honor took the form of a peerage or a baronetcy, Mr Disraeli would be prepared, with the concurrence of his colleagues, / to recommend the grant of a pension of £2000 pr annm. for two lives, to sustain the honor.5 This was, he believes, the course taken in the case of Sir John Lawrence. / to: LORD LYTTON

original: hcr d/ek c5 [29] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 15 June 1868

4962

Private June 15 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Lytton My dear Lytton, I am anxious that you should take a leading part in the impending debate in / the House of Lords on the Suspensory Bill. The occasion will be worthy of you.1 Yours ever, | D.

1 See 4951&n4. 2 See 4951&n5. 3 Sir John Lawrence had been awarded an annual pension of £2,000 by the East India Company directors that enabled him to accept a baronetcy (in 1858) he had previously declined. He would be created Baron Lawrence of the Punjaub and of Grateley on 3 April 1869, Parliament extending his pension for the life of his son. 4 See 4951&n6. 5 See 4986&n1. 1 Lytton would not speak on the Established Church (Ireland) Bill; see 4949&n1.

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4963

to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Monday] 15 June 1868

original: tas [4] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Buckingham on the third page: ‘F.15 June/68 Mr. Disraeli as to submission of draft despatches to H.M.’; and on the fourth: ‘Disraeli seen. The matter referred to was the submission of important despatches to the Queen before being sent out – in the same way as at the F.O. – as the rule instead of as now exceptionally – instructions to be given accordingly – B&C 17/6./68’.

June 15 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buckgm & Chandos Dear Duke of Buckgm, The Queen wishes me to see you respecting the publication of “important” Colonial Despatches witht. H. M[ajest]y. being previously acquainted / with them.1 Perhaps I may be able to see you about this today or tomorrow, as conversation is always preferable to writing.2 Yrs sin[cere]ly | D.

4964

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac d24 54 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 16 June 1868

June 16 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Yesterday was a very successful evening in the House of Commons. He succeeded, when many contemplated / many difficulties & defeats, in virtually passing the Irish Reform Bill: & was supported, in a critical division, by a decided majority.1 Mr Disraeli proposes / to attend the Council at Windsor on Friday – & to have the honor of an audience of Yr Majesty.

1 See 4956&nn1&2. 2 Buckingham would reply on this day (15th) at ‘2.30 ... I am at your service at any time you find convenient.’ h b/xxi/b/1255. 1 On 15 June, 23 out of 31 clauses of the Representation of the People (Ireland) Bill, introduced by Mayo on 19 March, had been agreed to in committee. In debate on Clause 18 (Payment of Expenses of conveying Voters in Boroughs to the Poll illegal), there had been a division on an amendment (carried 134-86) that ‘Galway’ stand part of an amendment by William H. Gregory, mp (l) Galway, ‘to except from the operation of the clause the towns of Carrickfergus, Drogheda, and Galway, and the cities of Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford.’ The House had adjourned at 2 am on this day (16th). Hansard cxcii cols 1571-97 (d 1581, 1586, 1597).

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to: LORD STANLEY

[London] Wednesday [17 June 1868]

original: h b/xiii/102a editorial comment: Docketed by aes: ‘June 1868’ and ‘Proposed Compliment to Mr Adams. See letter from Mr. Baring attached. AES’. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

Secy | Lord Stanley Dear S. What do you wish to be done about Baring’s proposal?1 Yrs | D.2 to: [MARKHAM SPOFFORTH]

4965

Wednesday

[London, Thursday 18 June 1868]

original: h b/xiii/4a editorial comment: Recipient and Dating: by context; see n2.

4966

This is all 8very9 wrong:1 there ought to be no communication between 6 Victoria St.2 & the great body of the Clergy. They must be addressed individually 8& confidentially9 by the local agent with whom they are acquainted: or, if generally ap-

1 Thomas Baring, mp (c) for Huntingdon 1844-73, had written on 17 June asking d to add his signature to an enclosed ‘paper’ (not found) signed by the friends of Charles Francis Adams, son of former President John Quincy Adams and US minister at London since 1861. d’s name ‘would have the greatest weight & value but should you decline what I wish to know [is] whether you think it would be indecorous to ask those who are in close political connection with you or if they would all follow suit. The object is to have those who have been brought in any social relations with Mr Adams & wish without any political feeling to express their esteem for his character ... Will you kindly return the paper.’ Adams, who had helped maintain British neutrality during the Civil War, had retired and been succeeded by Reverdy Johnson on 12 June. h b/xiii/102c; The Times (29 Jun 1868). 2 Stanley would reply with a note dated ‘June 17’: ‘The proposed compliment is unusual, but I see no harm in it, and if you put your name to it I will do the same.’ h b/xiii/102b. 1 There is in h an unsigned draft of a letter written on ‘13, Bedford Circus, Exeter’ paper, imprint crossed out and ‘6 Victoria Street Westminster Abbey. S.W.’ written in, dated ‘16th June 1868’ and marked ‘Private’: ‘Reverend Sir, I conclude it almost unnecessary for me to remind you, that the battle cry of the coming general Election will be the continuance or severance of the Union between Church and State and the preservation of the principles of the Reformation. The Clergy of England are equally with the Laity vitally concerned in the issue. It is therefore time for both personally to exert themselves in the arduous struggle and as the first step towards success will be getting properly qualified constitutional voters on the Register, I send you confidentially, the enclosed “Hints on County Registration” in order that you may be able to give information to the County Agents to be placed on the Register and pray communicate with these persons asking them to send in their claims ... Relying on your co-operation in this most important matter.’ h b/xiii/4a. 2 Philip Rose’s office was at 6 Victoria St, from which Markham Spofforth would write on 18 June 1868 to an unnamed recipient: ‘It has been suggested that advantage should be taken of the now ascertained desire of the Clergy to help the Constitutional Party on the coming Election. With this view do you not think it advisable to send a letter in the form of the enclosed [see n1] to such Clergymen in your County as you think would be likely to co-operate with us. Each envelope should contain a copy of my hints for County Registration and I will supply as many more as you think necessary. No time should be lost in getting the Clergy to work, but be careful to send to only known friends. P.S. Ten copies of the Hints are forwarded by Rail or Book Post.’ h b/xiii/4c.

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pealed to, it shd. be by the President of some Central Committee of importance & influence.3 D.

4967

to: [MONTAGU CORRY?]

[London, Thursday 18 June 1868]

original: h b/xiii/6 a,b editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand on the second page: ‘Times Leading Article misrepresents Mr. D’s speech at Merchant Taylors Hall. Draft of Article for the Globe. ? June 1868’. Dating: by context; see n1.

I think the “Times” art: this morning is too unblushingly false & insolent.1 Something like this shd. be inserted in the Globe – immediately. Alter as you choose. D. / There shd. be some limit even to party misrepresentation. The leading art: in the “Times” of this morning on Mr Disraeli’s speech at Mercht. Taylors Hall illustrates this rule. It is not true that Mr Disraeli attributed the commercial / panic of 1866 to the policy of his predecessors, or claimed any credit to the present Govt. for its subsidence. What All that he said was, that altho the present Govt acceded to office at a period of commercial pro when the 8our9 commercial credit / of this country was in a state of unprecedented prostration, they had nevertheless managed

3 Sir Lawrence Palk would write to d on 23 June: ‘My agent Mr Daw has forwarded me the enclosed which I beg you will have the kindness to read. I cannot conceive anything so mischievous as the Circular of Mr Spofforths would be, had Daw acted on his advice. I believe there is hardly any doubt that we shall return two Conservatives for East Devon, if we are not interfered with by Mr Spofforth. I must however state that I will have no communication with Mr Spofforth and that if he ventures to intrude himself on me in any shape or form, I will instantly resign and throw all the influence I may be able to command on the Liberal side. Such a Circular ... would do the most incredible mischief in my County, as I firmly believe it would in any other County. I venture to warn you that I am not singular in my antipathy to Mr Spofforth, I think if he interferes you will lose many seats.’ The enclosure is a copy of a letter of 22 June to Spofforth on ‘13, Bedford Circus, Exeter’ paper and signed ‘John Daw & Son’: ‘In reply to your letter of the 15th inst received this morning we beg to say that we think East Devon will certainly return two Conservative Members. Sir L. Palk will be one of the Candidates but we are not sure who will be the other. The leading Conservatives have been discussing the matter. There will be no difficulty in getting the Registration properly done. With respect to a private letter to the Clergy we think the matter requires serious consideration. The great majority would clearly be with us but we do not think they would like to be addressed as Registration Agents and it is quite impossible to write to them generally without the certainty that some of our Adversaries would be written to. In this district the Ritualist Clergy are in the main Radicals and there are some Clergy who although not of Ritualistic tendency are so mixed up with the Whig County families as generally to belong to the Radical party and it is quite impossible to forsee [sic] which side they will take at the next Election. Our opinion is that the Overseers in East Devon will make an honest list of £12 Voters and the Country parishes particularly. For towns the Overseers will require much looking after but in Country parishes very little. In East Devon the landed interest is Conservative and we doubt whether it would not be better to rely on it than to endeavour to make active Agents of the Clergy.’ h b/xiii/4b,c. 1 The Times on this day (18th) had printed d’s speech at a banquet for over 300 guests given by the Merchant Taylors’ Company the previous day. d had stated that when his party acceded to office ‘the memory of “Black Friday” was still fresh in your recollection’ and ‘we found the commercial credit of England in a state of prostration probably never before paralleled’ and from which it had not yet fully recovered. Nonetheless, there had been improvements in the condition of the army and navy, ‘and we have added nothing to the taxation of the people.’ The Times (18 Jun 1868). d would defend some of his remarks on foreign affairs in the House on the 25th. Hansard cxcii cols 2150-65 (d 2153-8).

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to 8succeeded in9 carrying on the ordinary expenditure of the country with[ou]t increased taxation. to: GATHORNE HARDY

original: esu [5] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 18 June 1868

4968

June 18 1868 My dear H. I do not like giving a hurried reply on such an important matter.1 Stanley, I think, shd. be consulted about it – & the F.O. / regularly engage him. D. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street [Friday] 19 June 1868

original: h a/i/a/362 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4969

June 19 1868 My dearest, The House is counted out, & I shall dine at home, & go with you to the Palace.1 Ever | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 20 June 1868

original: vg [1] editorial comment: Bound into Vivian Grey (London: Frederick Warne, 1868). Transcription made by John P. Matthews at the Queen’s personal library in June 1975.

4970

The Queen | from a grateful Servant | 1868. G G. | June 20 1868 Mr. Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr. Majesty. Your Majesty once deigned to say Yr. Majesty would not refuse to accept some volumes wh. he once wrote. The edition is not worthy / of Yr. Majesty but it is the only complete one now to be obtained;1 and it is humbly offered, not, as he hopes, from the vanity of an author,

1 Hardy had written to d from the home office on this day (18th): ‘You will see that Mr. [E. Brereton] Trelawny who was employed & valued by [William] Feilding wishes you to see his letter [not found]. I do not think that what he proposes to do properly comes within Home Office Jurisdiction but have no doubt he would be useful under the F.O. & is I am told “a spy” by nature & inclination & yet may be relied on. Will you let me know if you have any wish about him as I must answer at once.’ h b/xx/ha/33. See 5090&nn1,2&4. 1 The House on this day (19th), ‘40 Members not being present’, had adjourned at 4:15 pm. The ds would be among 700 guests at a state concert at Buckingham Palace this evening (19th). Hansard cxcii col 1848; The Times (20 Jun 1868). 1 The Times on 21 May 1868 had advertised ‘DISRAELI’s NOVELS. Library edition, 5 vols. thick fcp. 8vo. cloth. 12s. 6d. (postage 2s. 6d.) Disraeli’s Novels. The Disraeli Edition, 5 vols., large crown 8vo., cloth, 21s. (postage 4s.) Disraeli’s Novels. The Shilling Edition, 10 vols., fcp. sewed, each volume 1s. (postage 3d.) Frederick Warne and Co., Bedford-street, Covent-garden.’

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but that he should not appear indifferent or / insensible, to the condescension, that was graciously expressed.2

4971

to: [CONSERVATIVE MPS]

Downing Street [Monday] 22 June 1868

original: h b/xiii/5a editorial comment: A draft of a circular letter. d has written ‘conf conf’ (confidential) in the lower right hand corner of the first page.

Confidential Downing Street. June 22. 1868 The impending General Election is the most important since 1832,1 & will probably decide the political situation for a long period. The party, that is best organised, will be successful. No seat, where there is a fair prospect, of success shd. be unchallenged. To effect this, & to operate on a class / of Boros 8seats9 hitherto unassailed, it is necessary, that a Fund, to aid the legitimate expences of candidates, shd be raised; & that upon a scale not inferior to the range, wh: Democratic Assoc[iat]ions have, on more than one occasion realized, in order to advance their views. It is understood, that the success of this effort much depends / on the example shown by the Cabinet 8H. M.9 government, & with this view, the undersigned express their willingness each to subscribe one thousand pounds, provided a sum is collected from the Cabinet of not less, than ten thousand pounds[.]2   D. £ | 1000

4972

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff33-4 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 22 June 1868

Confidential June 22 1868 My dear Ld Chancellor, Would this do?1 And if you approve, would you send it on to Hardy, & if he assents, I will then forward it to Stanley,2 & / on receiving his signature, will launch it. 8Very private9 Gladstone told my informant on Saturday, that many Conservative peers wd. not

2 The Queen would reply from Windsor on the 21st, ‘most grateful to Mr. Disraeli for the gift of his books which she values much.’ h b/xix/a/57. 1 At the 1832 general election (following the passage of the 1832 Reform Act), the Whigs, under Earl Grey, had won 441 seats (gaining 71) and the Tories, under the Duke of Wellington, 175 (losing 60). 2 See 4972&n1 and 4973. 1 Presumably 4971, d’s circular letter to Conservative MPs on the ‘impending General Election’. 2 See 4979.

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attend the Suspensory Debate.3 Do / you believe this? Mention it, at any rate, to Colville.4 Yrs ever | D. to: LORD BEAUCHAMP

Downing Street [Monday] 22 June 1868

original: bcp [8] publication history: m&b v 56-7 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. See 4971, d’s draft of this letter.

4973

confidential June 22 1868 The | Earl Beauchamp My dear Beauchamp, The impending general Election is the most important since 1832, & will, probably, decide the political situation for a long period. / The party, that is best organized, will be successful. No seat, where there is a fair prospect, should be unchallenged. To effect this, & to operate on a class of seats hitherto unassailed, it is necessary, that / a fund, to aid the legitimate Expences of candidates, should be raised, & that upon a scale not inferior to the range, which democratic associations have, on more than one occasion, realized, in / order to advance their views. As it is natural, that the success of such an effort must depend on the example set by Her Majesty’s Government, I have induced my colleagues in the Cabinet to / subscribe a minimum sum of ten thousand pounds, tho’, if they follow my example, it will reach a greater amount. May I hope, that you will support me in / this enterprise? Some more formal application may, possibly, be made to you; but, to so intimate a friend, I prefer to appeal myself. Ever yours, | D. to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street, Monday [22 June 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/62 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed ‘June 22, 1868’. Endorsed in Stanley’s hand: ‘Queen’s Concert As to going’.



4974

Monday | ¼ to 3.

3 In the Lords on 25 June Earl Granville would move the second reading of the Established Church (Ireland) Bill, the Lords adjourning, after protracted discussion, at 12:30 am on the 24th. Extensive debate would continue on the 26th and 29th, when it would be defeated in a 197-92 division, Cairns and Colville voting against it, the Lords adjourning at 3 am. Hardy would record on 1 July: ‘The great debate in the Lords ended by a majority of 95 against the Suspensory Bill ... Cairns made an admirable wind up.’ Hansard cxcii cols 2023-2129; cxciii cols 1-101, 169-300; Hardy Diary 78. 4 Cairns would reply on this day (22nd) with a ‘Confidential’ letter: ‘I have a somewhat superstitious dread of Documents on wh an evil construction may be put being launched into existence, however impossible it may appear at their birth that they shd. survive the emergency wh called for them. The preamble of your paper is probably sufficiently known by what was said at the Cabinet, & I wd. suggest whether the last six lines of the Paper wd. not be sufficient. I will send this on to Hardy x [insertion at top of page] on further consider[atio]n. I return it to you direct x [end of insertion] for his opinion, as you tell me to communicate with him. As to the other matter I cannot think there is any foundation for the rumour, but I will mention it to Colville.’ h b/xx/ca/36.

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I shan’t go, as I must be at the place of Custom: but I think you had better go – & any of our colleagues / not immediately wanted.1 Yrs | D.

4975

to: LORD HYLTON

Downing Street [Monday ] 22 June 1868

original: scr dd/hy c/2165 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential June 22 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Hylton My dear Hylton, The impending General Election is the most important since 1832. Not a seat, that offers a / prospect, should be unchallenged. I must earnestly request you to permit Hedworth to start with Major Allen, 8for East Somerset9[.]1 It is a crisis, wh: justifies us in appealing / to all our real friends, & when all must be ready to make sacrifices.2 Yours ever | B. Disraeli

4976

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac d24 55 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.



Downing Street [Tuesday] 23 June 1868

June 23 1868

1 On Saturday 27 June there would be two concerts (at 4 and 8 pm) at the Crystal Palace as part of a large fête in honour of Christian Frederick, the Crown Prince of Denmark. On that day, d and Stanley would attend a cabinet meeting. The Times (29 Jun 1868). 1 Hedworth Jolliffe was mp (c) for Wells from 1855 until the borough was disfranchised by the Representation of the People (Scotland) Act 1868, which would be given royal assent on 13 July. Ralph Shuttleworth Allen (1817-1887), a major 1858 in the Royal Artillery, chairman of the Bath Board of Guardians, would be mp (c) for e Somersetshire Dec 1868-79 and Steward of the Manor of Northstead 1879-80. See 4995. 2 Hylton would reply on the 23rd with a letter marked ‘Very Private’: ‘I am quite ready to make every sacrifice I am able to be of use at the present moment, but it is more difficult to know what course to take. Before we contemplated the great disappointment which has occurred about the City of Wells, I had made up my mind what shd be done, & I corresponded with Sir William Miles who helped me to urge upon my aged relation to sanction & support Hedworth in East Somerset, & to make his grandson (Tudway) stand for Wells, where his interest & the Church would be sure to beat Hayter, & he would not have then made any attempt (with a chance) upon East Somst. However we only met with the greatest discouragement from Tom, who in his old age will give nothing & do nothing, Miles therefore continued to tell Hedworth that he had better remain at Wells where he appeared to be safe, & Tudway did not wish to stand. My cousin for a few years helped Hedworth with the annual expences at Wells, but he suddenly stopped that help, which, of course, has since fallen upon me. I take the cause of this to be the same, that has now, brought out Hayter for East Somerset, viz. that all my Old Mans property & affairs are entirely in the hands of Mr. Lovell, although Clerk of the Peace for the County, living at Wells, Old Hayters Agent & most devoted friend & as he is the Agent for many of the larger estates in the neighbourhood, & with the influence of Ld. Cork I believe Hayter will have some chance of success. Hedworth has also had a tempting offer to stand with Peek for Mid Surrey, & I send you a valuable letter, upon the prospects there from Major Penrhyn, who I cannot get to stand himself; it is for yr. private information that I enclose it to you, & you will oblige me by returning it in a few days ... All these considerations are troublesome, but you may depend upon the certainty, of my doing all I can to uphold “Church & State” & your Government.’ h c/ii/a/70a.

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Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Last night, the House of Commons passed the Boundary Bill, reported the Irish Reform Bill & fixed its third reading for / Thursday. The Scotch Reform Bill has already gone to the Lords.1 Mr Disraeli expects to wind up affairs in about a month.2 He presumes to congratulate Yr / Majesty on the deep feeling of satisfaction, experienced by all classes of Yr Majestys subjects, on Yr Majestys gracious re-appearance among them.3 to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Wednesday] 24 June 1868

4977

original: tas [5] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: embarasses.

confidential June 24 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buckgham | & Chandos My dear Duke, The non-providing for Elphinstone greatly embarasses us at Portsmouth. He can’t come in, having no / funds, but he has a strong personal party, who will support no other man, & who think he has not been well treated by the Govt. The new Constituency increases our strength at / Portsmouth, & the Evangelical party is very strong & determined. There is little doubt, that two ministerial candidates, with the proper funds, could be returned.1 A / large deputation comes up on Friday morning to Elphinstone, & he must answer them. If left alone, the chances are prospect is he will stand, & take his chance, as desperate men are fond of doing. We / can’t afford to trifle with such seats. Pray send him to govern some apes or kangaroos, as I long ago wished, & frequently asked you / to do – knowing full well, that he wd. turn up as a troublesome obstacle.2 Hubbard, on Friday night, definitively refused to stand for the / City of London.

1 On the 22nd, the Boundary Bill had been passed at third reading, the House adjourning at 1:30 am on this day (23rd). The Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill, introduced in the Lords on 19 June, had its second reading on this day (23rd). The Representation of the People (Ireland) Bill would be read a third time on Thursday 25 June. Hansard cxcii cols 1892-1908 (d 1902, 1904-5), cols 1913-15. 2 Parliament would be prorogued on 31 July; see 5022. 3 Since her return to Windsor on 17 June, the Queen had reviewed the volunteer corps in the Home Park on the 20th, and on the 22nd had travelled by special train from Windsor to Paddington, proceeding in an open carriage to Buckingham Palace to give ‘a Breakfast’ [sic] from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, attended by the ds, for numerous guests in the gardens. The Times (18, 22, 23 Jun 1868). 1 Sir James Elphinstone, defeated in the 13 July 1865 election, would be successful on 18 November 1868, representing Portsmouth until retiring in 1880. The second member for Portsmouth would be William H. Stone (l), first elected in 1865 and re-elected in November, holding his seat until defeated in 1874. The Evangelical branch of the Church of England was ‘low church’. See n4. 2 Elphinstone had apparently been considered for the governorship of Tasmania in 1867; see ix 4635n2.

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How about Buckingham? Can he be secured, if Yr Grace supports him?3 Yrs ever | D.4

4978

to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Wednesday] 24 June 1868

original: tas [6] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Buckingham: ‘P Bryant: ascertain at H.O. what dress B&C. 24/6’; and at the end of the letter: ‘I will go B&C 24/6. 11.30’.

His Grace | The Duke of Buckghm | & Chandos June 24 1868 Dear Duke of Buckgham, The Queen has fixed tomorrow, at ¼ before three, to receive the homage of the new Bishop of Hereford at Windsor.1 / A Secretary of State must be present to read the oath &c. It will be most inconvenient, that Mr Secy Hardy, who is the Chairman of the Registration Commee, shd / be absent from his pressing duties on the first meeting.2 Can your Grace attend at Windsor in his stead?3 Yours sincerely, | D

4979

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Friday] 26 June 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/63 publication history: m&b v 56, the second sentence and the first clause of the third sentence editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Stanley on the first page: ‘ansd’ and on the fourth page: ‘Disraeli. June 68. Secret Ansd.’

Secret June 26 1868 Dear S. Consider this.1 I send it to you before I launch it in a circulation box. What we want is to raise one hundred thousand, wh:, it is believed, / will secure the result. 3 John Hubbard since May 1859 had been mp (c) for Buckingham borough, which had lost one seat in the 1867 electoral reform. At the 17 November 1868 election the one remaining seat would be won by Sir Harry Verney (l), Hubbard losing by 125 votes. He would be mp (c) for City of London 1874-87. McCalmont; Stenton. 4 Buckingham would reply on 4 July that Hubbard’s ‘chance is a bad one with all the support that I can give him – Church questions have tended to turn the Wesleyan & other dissenters who formerly supported the Conservatives – and to alienate even many Church men of the Low Church School from him ... With regard to Elphinstone I have no present opportunity ... but I do not forget him & had a conversation with Taylor on the subject a short time since.’ h b/xxi/b/1256. 1 See 4905. 2 Hardy would record on the 26th: ‘The Registration Committee sate on Wedy & put me in the Chair, we finished it yesterday with ease & I hope shall have no trouble in the House. My plan was adopted in its entirety.’ The committee would alter the Registration Bill by adding nine clauses, increasing the number of revising barristers, reducing the time needed for revising the electoral lists and shortening the time between the election and the meeting of Parliament. Hardy Diary 78&n3. 3 At Windsor on the afternoon of the 25th Buckingham would present the Bishop of Hereford to the Queen. The oath would be administered by the Rev Lord Wriothesley Russell, deputy clerk of the closet. The Times (26 Jun 1868). 1 See 4971.

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It can be done, if the Cabinet sets a good example, but the Dukes, the other day, seemed churlish,2 & therefore Cairns suggested this / plan, wh: I trust may be efficacious. Yrs ever | D. The mem: is brief &, purposely, does not allude to cause or circumstances. I stated them generally the other day in Cabinet. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 27 June 1868

original: rac d24 57 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4980

June 27 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet deliberated to day on the answer to be given, by Ld. Mayo, to the last letter of the Roman Cath: prelates respecting / the charter to a Roman Cath: Univy:; & settled it. Mr Disraeli trusts, & believes, it will satisfy Yr Majesty:1 He has not troubled Yr Majesty, of late, with too frequent reports of / the proceedings of the Ho: of Comm:, as they have become, generally, insignificant. All interest is now concentered in the debate in the House of Lords,2 & if that discussion is sustained / by a strong majority, the effect on public opinion will be considerable. It will be something for the Country to rally round. to: LORD LONSDALE

original: cro d/lons/l [2] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential

Downing Street [Saturday] 27 June 1868

4981

June 27 1868

2 Marlborough, Buckingham and Richmond had attended a cabinet meeting on 20 June. The Times (22 Jun 1868). 1 There is in h a printed document headed ‘confidential’ entitled ‘Correspondence, &c., on Proposed Charter to a Catholic University’, a series of letters between Mayo and Patrick Leahy (Archbishop of Cashel) and John Derry (Bishop of Clonfert) written between 23 October 1867 and 31 March 1868, the last being a three-page statement written following an interview between the two clerics, Malmesbury and Mayo at the Irish office. This is followed by a two-page undated ‘Memorandum’ drawn up by Mayo and a four-page printed ‘confidential’ draft of a proposed reply by Mayo to the 31 March letter which concludes: ‘It is with extreme regret that Her Majesty’s Government come to the conclusion that the opinions expressed in your letters are irreconcilable with those entertained by the Government ... The proposals made in your letters would strike at the very root of the principles on which such an institution should be based, and I am therefore with extreme regret obliged to inform you that the recommendations contained in your letter cannot be entertained.’ h b/ix/a/42b. 2 Extensive debate in the Lords on a second reading of the Established Church (Ireland) Bill, begun on 24 June, continued on this day (26th) and would resume at great length on the 29th, when it would be decided 192-97 to postpone second reading for six months (the standard means of killing a bill), the House adjourning at 3 am on the 30th. Hansard cxciii cols 2-101, 169-300.

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Right Honorable | The Earl of Lonsdale My dear Lord, I have real pleasure in telling you, that the business of Marcus is arranged to your satisfaction.1 I / had hoped to have had the gratification of letting you know this by a visit, but am prevented taking my chance of finding you at home. Ever yours | D.

4982

to: LORD SHAFTESBURY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 30 June 1868

original: arg [1] publication history: For sale online on 18 May 2010 by Argosy Book Store, New York (Book ID 6349), who kindly provided a photocopy editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private 30 June 1868 The | Earl of Shaftesbury | K G My dear Lord, Tho’ some time has elapsed since you spoke to me on the subject of Mr Baker,1 I can assure you I have not neglected your wishes. It / was necessary, that I shd. refer the memorials, & the matter generally, to the Secy. of State, in whose department Mr Baker is a labourer.2 A Technical difficulty arose in the fact, that / Mr Baker has a senior Inspector in his district, & the distinction in question could not be conferred without occasioning a sense of injustice, wh: it is always desirable not to create. I have, however, by

1 Lonsdale had written to d on 30 May requesting ‘a short interview as regards Marcus Lowther.’ h b/ xxi/l/295. Marcus Lowther (1820-1886), lieut 1844, commander 1859 and capt 16 Oct 1868 Royal Navy, would leave Bermuda for the West Indies on 16 September 1868 on the screw steam gun vessel Dart (which he had commanded on the west coast of Africa in 1866). He would retire as rear admiral in 1886. The Times (23 Oct 1868). 1 Robert Baker (1803-1880), a poor-law surgeon in Leeds during the 1831-2 cholera epidemic, had contracted cholera and abandoned medicine for factory work. In 1834 he had been appointed a superintendent (equivalent to sub‑inspector) according to the Factories Act of 1833 and was the only factory inspector with medical qualifications at the time of Edwin Chadwick’s famous report, The Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population (1842), to which he was a contributor. In 1861 he and his younger colleague Alexander Redgrave were the two inspectors covering the British Isles, Baker supervising the northwest, midlands, west country, Wales, and northern Ireland. He submitted biannual reports and advised on legislation, eventually codified by the Factory Act 1878. He would retire that year and be appointed cb. 2 Following the letter from Shaftesbury on the microfilm is an undated, unsigned note in Hardy’s hand on home department paper headed ‘Inspectors of Factories’: ‘Mr. Redgrave is the Senior Inspector, having been appointed by Mr. Walpole with recommendation of Prince Albert, though much Junior to other Sub Inspectors, of whom he has one. Mr. Baker was also appointed by Mr. Walpole, but subsequently to Mr. Redgrave’s appointment.’ h c/ii/a/72a.

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no / means, forgotten the representations of the memorialists, tho’ I cannot, at present, meet them as I could wish.3 Believe me, | My dear Lord, | Sincerely yours | B. Disraeli4 to: [GATHORNE HARDY]

Downing Street [Thursday] 2 July [1868]

original: esu [6] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see n1.

4983

July 2 I approve of the Memorial, but I don’t see how 8we9 can connect ourselves, in any way or degree, with the Report of a Commission not yet / made, & of wh: I, for one, really know nothing.1 D. to: LORD MALMESBURY

Downing Street [Friday] 3 July 1868

original: hcc 9m73/461/25 publication history: m&b v 42 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4984

July 3 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Privy Seal G.C.B. My dear Lord, I have learnt [of] your proceedings in the House of Lords, last night, with astonishment. The interpretation placed on / my words, when speaking of the 8progress of9

3 According to a letter of 22 April 1868 from Shaftesbury to Phillip Grant of Manchester and Matthew Balme, secretary to the Yorkshire Central Committee, Shaftesbury had that morning seen d on behalf of the counties of Chester, Lancaster and York, and ‘presented to him, the Memorials ... requesting some mark of Royal Favour to be bestowed on Mr Baker, the active, able, & meritorious Inspector of factories.’ The effort failed. British Journal of Industrial Medicine 21.3 (July 1964) 176. 4 Shaftesbury would reply on 2 July: ‘I think that you must have been misinformed. There cannot be in the district of Mr Baker, “a Senior Inspector”; the whole factory Machinery consists of two Chief Inspectors, each having his own province, & his own staff of Sub-Inspectors. Mr Baker is the Chief of one province, Mr Redgrave, of the other. They have no Superior, nor Equal; and Mr Baker’s services are very anterior to Mr Redgraves. I ventured to suggest a Knighthood; but a decoration, such as that given to Mr Chadwick & others, would also serve the purpose.’ h c/ii/a/72a. 1 Hardy had written to d on this day (2nd) from the home office: ‘The Dean of York has brought me the enclosed paper [not found] to advise him on [Gladstone’s] Resolution 3. It appears that Dr. Pusey said that the Government had adopted or would adopt the report of the Commission & reduce the means of the Irish Ch & yet keep it in Slavery to the State while Gladstone wd. not take away more funds & yet leave it free. I told him that we knew nothing yet of the Report of the Commission & therefore are not in a position to say what we shall do upon it & do not see what other reply we can give. Pusey’s influence with a Section of the Clergy is such that whatever he says tells with them. Do you concur in the propriety of the proposed Memorial[?]’ Hardy would inform d on 12 September that he had sent the Irish Church Commission report to the Queen, ‘informing her that the Schedules would follow [next week]. I have given directions that publication may take place when the Schedules come in ... The recommendations do not offer much chance of a good or permanent settlement. Further enfeebling before the final blow.’ The report, dated 27 July 1868 and signed by the nine commissioners and a secretary, would be published in The Times on 21 September. The last item (no. 78) summarizes the report’s 20 principal recommendations. h b/xx/ha/35, 40. See 5034&n1.

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business of 8in9 the House of Commons, is one painfully distorted. I was answering an inquiry into the course 8as to the prospects9 of business in / that House, & in estimating them, I mentioned, that certain measures, tho’ they had not formally passed the House of Commons, might be considered virtually settled: that is / to say, would lead, in the House of Commons, to no further debate or division.1 Yours sincerely, B. Disraeli

4985

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 4 July 1868

original: rac a37 40 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

July 4 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet met today for an hour, but there was nothing in their deliberations, wh: requires Yr / Majesty’s notice. Mr Disraeli has spoken to the Lord Chancellor on the incognita title of Yr Majesty, & will duly report the result.1 The title of Sir Robt Napier is a little perplexing[.] He / suggests, himself, Napier of Magdala – but there is a Lord Napier.2 In consequence of this difficulty, it was suggested, that he shd: be Lord Magdala. He has no territorial property of any

1 On 15 June d had stated that ‘the Scotch Reform Bill and the Boundary Bill, though they have not yet left this House, may be regarded as virtually settled’, and on the 18th, to a request by Milner Gibson for ‘some definite declaration’ as to the general course of public business, d had replied that the Government had wished to ‘proceed with what I call the Supplementary Reform Bills [Scotch Reform, Irish Reform, Boundary], with as much despatch as possible ... we have proceeded with considerable despatch ... and I do not anticipate that any great delay is now possible with respect to any of them.’ In the Lords on 2 July, Earl Granville, after quoting d’s above remarks, had queried: ‘If the matter was virtually settled, how was it possible that [the Government] could re-open it by means of Amendments [to the Boundary Bill] which had been placed in [the Lords’] hands only two days ago?’ Malmesbury, defending d at length, said he ‘did not believe that any one of his Colleagues in the other House had maintained that the decision of the House of Commons was final and could not be discussed or even upset in this House.’ The word ‘settled’ applied to the Commons only and ‘the Government never meant at the time the Prime Minister spoke to regard the Scotch Reform Bill or the Boundary Bill as settled; it is monstrous to charge his words with so incongruous a meaning’. Hansard cxcii cols 1568, 1760-1; cxciii cols 499-514. Reporting on the proceedings in the Lords, The Times on this day (3rd) warned that ‘If the General Election be deferred through any double-dealing upon it, the Ministry will be discredited and Parliamentary government dishonoured.’ 1 Cairns had written to d on this day (4th) ‘very sorry we could not meet last night’ and asking to see d ‘today half an hour before the Cabinet’. He would write on the 5th: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh is Earl of Kent: So that if Her Majesty thought fit to use the Style of Countess of Kent [for her visit to Switzerland], the difficulty as to the title of Countess of Chester, arising from that being one of the dignities of the Princess of Wales, would be avoided. On further consideration I do not think the other alternative I suggested would be practicable. I doubt whether the Crown, the fountain & source of all honor, can create a dignity for itself: & I rather think that when a member of the Royal Family accedes to the throne, all dignities previously enjoyed by him from the favor of the Sovereign become merged, so that the Sovereign cannot, in reality, have at the same time any inferior title.’ See 4988. 2 10th Baron Napier, governor of Madras 1866-72.

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kind to denominate him. / His mother was a Carrington, a gentlewoman of Bucks:3 I knew the family – but he cannot assume that 8her9 name for a title, as it would be confounded with the existing Lord Carrington. Yr Majesty will perhaps deign to consider this[.]4 to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street [Monday] 6 July 1868

original: h c/i/a/62b editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Fremantle on the fourth page: ‘6 July 1868 Sir R. Napier Peerage & Pension wrote Sir R.N. to describe himself as of some place in the U.K. July 7.’

4986

July 6 1868 Let a Patent be made out for Sir Robt Napier – Baron of U.K. by style & title of Ld. Napier of Magdala; & look up the necessary / business for granting him a pension of £2000 pr ann: for two lives. There must be message from Crown, & then bill.1 D. to: SIR ROBERT NAPIER

original: bl ior mss eur f 114/16 16/17 editorial comment: A typescript.

Downing Street [Monday] 6 July 1868

4987

10 Downing Street | July 6th. 1868 Lt. General | Sir Robert Napier, | G.C.B., G.C.S.I. Dear Sir Robert, I have the pleasure to inform you that the Queen has approved of the title you yourself desired, namely that of Lord Napier of Magdala, and I think it is a happy combination to unite the names of the family with that of the memorable act which illustrates it. Though the name is enrolled by another peerage, there are several precedents to justify this arrangement. It is, however, necessary that you should be described in the patent, before your title is declared, as of some place in the United Kingdom. Have the kindness to favor me with this description as soon as possible.

3 Sir Robert Napier was the younger but only surviving son of Major Charles Frederick Napier, ra (c 17781812), who in 1804 had married Catherine, daughter of the late Codrington Carrington of the Chapel and Carrington’s, Barbados. The Bucks family connection is to George Carrington (d 1862), of Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden, Bucks, and of the Island of Barbados, son of George Carrington and grandson of the Rev Codrington Carrington. Peerage (1869); blg (1898). 4 See 4987&n1. 1 Napier would be created Baron Napier of Magdala, in Abyssinia, and of Caryngton, Co. Chester, on 17 July (taking his oath in the Lords on the 27th). In the House on 9 July the Speaker would read a message from the Queen recommending for ‘“Sir Robert Napier and the next surviving Heir Male of his Body, a Pension of Two Thousand Pounds per Annum.”’ d’s resolution for the annuity would be moved in committee on the 10th and passed nemine contradicente. The bill would be read in the House on the 13th, 14th and 16th, in the Lords on the 17th, 20th and 23rd, and given royal assent on the 31st. Hansard cxciii cols 914-15, 1066. See 4987&n1 and 4990n1.

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I congratulate you on receiving this great distinction, as worthily conferred on you by our gracious Sovereign.1 I have the honor to remain, | faithfully yours, | B. Disraeli.

4988

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff35-6 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 7 July 1868

July 7 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Chancellor My dear Lord Chancellor, The Queen expects a sudden invasion of foreign Royal relatives on Saturday,1 & directs me to say, that Her Majesty wishes to postpone / your visit to her Majesty on that day. I am vexed about this, for private reasons, but I will consult you about the day you can conveniently go to Osborne, & consult your wishes also as / much as possible.2 Her Majesty approves of her new title of Countess of Kent.3 Ever yours, | D.

4989

to: WI LLIAM GLADSTONE

original: bl add mss 44415 ff269 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 8 July 1868

Right Honorable | W.E. Gladstone July 8 1868 Dear Mr Gladstone, I propose to move an address tomorrow, at the meeting of the House, of congratulation to Her Majesty on the birth of a Princess in the Royal / House.1 It is rather 1 Napier would reply on this day (6th) from Cleveland Square that ‘The value of the reward is greatly enhanced by my Sovereign having granted it in the form for which I expressed a preference ... I regret that I have not yet been able to express to you personally how greatly I feel indebted for the steady and entire support of Yourself and Her Majestys Government, and for the eloquent terms in which you were so good as to lay before the Country the Services of the Army in Abyssinia. It is a source of infinite satisfaction to us all that we are considered to have done our duty: we have only verified the old adage that “Good Masters make Good Servants!” ... PS I will inform you tomorrow of the place by which I should desire to be described.’ Napier would write to Corry on the 7th: ‘In continuation of my note of yesterday on the subject of the title I beg to inform you that I should wish to be described as of Caryngton Cheshire in the “Patent of creation”.’ h b/xxi/n/20; h c/i/a/62a. 1 On Saturday the 11th, the Prince and Princess Louis of Hesse, the Princess Louise, the Princess of Leiningen and the Duke of Edinburgh would visit the Queen aboard the Galatea in Osborne Bay. The Times (13 Jul 1868). 2 Cairns would reply from Lincoln’s Inn on the 8th at 10 am: ‘I shall be free from this at 4 o.C. today, & after that I could meet you either at Downing St. or at my room in H of Lords ... Let me know where I can meet you.’ h b/xx/co/41. 3 See 4985&n1. 1 In the House on the 9th d would move (and Gladstone second) an address to the Queen to congratulate her ‘“on the Princess of Wales having happily given birth to a Princess, and to assure Her Majesty of our feelings of devoted loyalty and attachment to Her Majesty’s Person and Family.”’ At Marlborough House on 6 July at 4:25 am, the Princess of Wales had given birth to Princess Victoria Alessandra (1868-1945). Hansard cxciii cols 913-14; The Times (7 Jul 1868).

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late but I heard you were socially engaged yesterday,2 & there is a want of reality in Wednesday morning congratulations.3 faithfully yours, | B. Disraeli to: [SIR THOMAS ERSKINE MAY?] House of Commons [about 9 July 1868]

4990

original: h b/xiii/14 editorial comment: House of Commons paper. Recipient and Dating: by context; see n1 and 4991.

What must be the form of the motion if we finish? A Comm[itt]ee to draw up reso reasons &c.? And is it necessary to give notice of the Comm[itt]ee?1 D. to: SIR THOMAS ERSKINE MAY

House of Commons [about 9 July 1868]

original: h b/xiii/15 editorial comment: House of Commons paper. Dating: by context; see 4990.

4991

Sir Erskine May K.C.B. Who nominates the Comm[itt]ee? And if I do, must not the names be those of the Opposition? And if so, will you give me the names? D. to: THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE

Downing Street [Friday] 10 July 1868

original: rac vic addl mss e/1 5867 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4992

confidential July 10 1868 His Royal Highness | The Commander in Chief | K.G. Sir, & dear Prince, The Queen, in audience on Tuesday,1 directed me to consider, & reply to, the letter of Your Royal Highness to Her Majesty on the alleged inadequate recognition / of the services of Sir Hope Grant2 by Lord Palmerston’s government in 1860, &

2 Gladstone on the 7th had recorded ‘18 to dinner ... Evening party afterwards.’ Gladstone Diaries vi 609. 3 Wednesday sessions in the Commons were traditionally short and poorly attended. On this day (8th) the House had sat from 12:25 to 5:55 pm. 1 Sir Thomas Erskine May on 9 July 1868 had written to one Herbert Manay [?] a letter docketed by Fremantle: ‘Precedents for procedure in cases of Queen’s Messages to Parlt (Pension to Sir R Napier)’: ‘I take it for granted that Mr. Disraeli will bring a Message from the Queen concerning Sir Robert Napier. In that case the proper form of notice will be “That this House will tomorrow resolve itself into a Committee to take into consideration Her Majesty’s most gracious Message.[”] I enclose you the Precedents of Sir Fenwick Williams in 1856, and Sir Henry Havelock in 1858.’ Following the Queen’s message (see 4986&n1), d had moved May’s notice (worded slightly differently). h b/ix/d/28a. 1 d had had an audience with the Queen at Windsor on Tuesday 7 July. The Times (8 Jul 1868). 2 See 4951&n6.

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the painful contrast it affords to the contemplated honors & advantages about to be conferred on Sir Robert Napier.3 Her / Majestys Governmt have not advised Her Majesty to take the intended course, with reference to the services of Sir Robt Napier, but after long & mature deliberation. They believe those rewards to be just & wise. Such / a feeling on their part is quite consistent with an entire appreciation of the distinguished services of Sir Hope Grant, but if the recognition of those services, at the time, were inadequate, which Her Majesty’s Government are not prepared to contest, they / were not “inadvertently” settled. They were considered by Lord Palmerston, & the letter of Lord Herbert,4 a copy of which has been forwarded to me, however satisfactory it may prove to Sir Hope Grant in its general expressions, clearly shows, / that a G.C.B. was deemed by the existing Government as a not insufficient acknowledgment of his claims.5 I am sure I need not point out to Your Royal Highness, that if succeeding administrations undertake / to revise the decisions of their predecessors on such points, it is impossible not to foresee, that great, not to say incalculable, inconvenience may occur. The degree of public reward for public services is a subject / on which difference of opinion may easily exist, &, as easily, may become involved in all the passions of party. It is desirable, that the honors conferred by the Crown should be kept as free as possible from such influences. Under / the circumstances, I regret, that I cannot advise Her Majesty to comply with the request urged at this time by Yr Royal Highness in favor of Sir Hope Grant; but such an appeal, preferred in favor of so distinguished an / officer, by a personage of Your Royal Highness’ exalted position & great public repute, cannot be without effect; & I venture to express my belief, that the time may come, when such an appeal / may be remembered.6 3 See 4987. 4 Sidney Herbert (1810-1861), 1st Baron Herbert of Lea 1861, youngest son of 11th Earl of Pembroke, mp (c) for s Wiltshire 1832-61, admiralty secretary 1841-5, war secretary 1845, 1852-5 and 1859-60, a confidant of Florence Nightingale (with whom he led the movement for army health reform after the Crimean War), in 1846 had married d’s friend Elizabeth Ash à Court-Repington; they had seven children. In his last years he had suffered from Bright’s disease, diabetes and pleurisy. 5 The letter to which d refers appears not to have been included in the selection of 1859-61 letters from Herbert to Grant published in Henry Knollys, Incidents in the China War of 1860, compiled from the private journals of General Sir Hope Grant G.C.B. (1875) 137-64. 6 Cambridge would reply on the 11th that he had ‘felt from the first, that the question put by me was a most difficult one to solve. But I considered it my duty to represent to Her Majesty the great hardship that must result to Sir Hope Grant from Sir Robert Napier’s services being so prominently noticed as is intended when compared with what was done in the case of the expedition to China, the more so as I could not but take some blame to myself for not having sufficiently put forward the claims of Sir Hope Grant at the time they were under consideration. The Military Honours conferred on these five distinguished Officers are identical. Both received the GCB, and in this respect I feel I have advised Her Majesty’s Government on both occasions to confer a like honour. Here in fact my responsibility ceases, as civil honours are entirely in the competence of the Government of the day, but incidentally I feel bound to put forward the relative claims & merits of the Officers of the Army serving under my authority, & therefore it was when I heard of the intention so highly to honour Sir Robert Napier that I felt it but just & right to point out that no similar distinction had been conferred upon Sir Hope Grant. I venture to hope, in accordance with the many considerate expressions contained in your letter that I may yet look forward to the day when some substantial mark of Royal favour on the part of the Crown may be bestowed on Sir Hope Grant.’ rac vic addl mss e/1 5869.

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I have the honor to remain, | Sir, & dear Prince, | Your most obliged & | obedient Servant, | B. Disraeli. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street [Saturday 11 July 1868]

original: h a/i/a/363 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed by ma: ‘1868 July 11th’.

My dearest, There is no chance of my finding any one[.]1 yrs ever | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

4993

9 o’ck

Downing Street [Saturday] 11 July 1868

original: rac a37 41 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Councellors [twice].

4994

July 11 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty. The Cabinet only lasted an hour, wh: proves, that the Ministry is serene. Nothing occurred, / wh: would interest Yr Majesty.1 Mr Disraeli has spoken to Ld Stanley as to being in attendance during Yr Majestys visit to Switzerland. He accepts the duty, & will fulfil it, Mr Disraeli feels sure, / in an unexceptionable manner. Yr Majesty will rarely be troubled by a box, & never by Yr Majesty’s Secretary. Some difficulties in the Colony of Guiana render it necessary that a decision of the Judicial Committee / of Privy Council should be laid before Yr Majesty & approved, so that it may be sent to Guiana by the W. India Mail next Friday.2 Mr Disraeli much regrets this trouble to Yr Majesty, but / it is important. There are, perhaps, some Privy Councellors at Osborne: H.R.H. the Captain of the Galatea is one.3 If Yr Majesty would graciously command Genl Grey to inform me 8Mr Disraeli9 / the day (before Friday) when Yr Majesty cd. give the Duke of

1 At Grosvenor Gate on this day (11th) the ds would give a dinner party for sixteen guests, among them the Prince and Princess of Teck. In the evening ma would host a reception to meet Sir Robert and Lady Napier. The Times (13 Jul 1868). ma has crossed out Sir Robert’s name from her guest list. h acc. 1 The cabinet had met on this day (11th). The Times (13 Jul 1868). 2 Buckingham on 6 July had attended a ‘Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on the hearing of a memorial from the Court of Policy of British Guiana on the removal of Chief Justice [Joseph] Beaumont from the bench on the ground of alleged judicial misconduct ... Connected with the memorial was an appeal in the list, “McDermott v. the Judges of British Guiana,” in which the appellant, the proprietor of the Colonist newspaper, sought to reverse a sentence of six months’ imprisonment for contempt of Court by certain articles referring to matters on which the address of the inhabitants of the colony was founded.’ Beaumont had been charged with ‘imposing harsh and vindictive punishments’, ‘illegally exercising arbitrary power’ and numerous other offences. An order in council would be issued for his removal from office. The Times (7 Jul 1868); Alpheus Todd Parliamentary Government in the British Colonies (1894) 832. 3 Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, pc, had been captain of the frigate Galatea since 1866.

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Buckgm ten minutes, he wd. have the honor of attending Yr Majesty, & bring with him such / Councellors as are requisite.4

4995

to: LORD HYLTON

[London, Saturday] 11 July 1868

original: scr dd/hy c/2165

Private July 11 1868 Right Honorable | Lord Hylton My dear Hylton, Major Allen of Bath, has offered to stand for Somersetsr. with £1500, if another candidate will join him in the enterprise with / the same sum – & the Courts say, that if yr son will come forward, they will frank all above £3000.1 Pray don’t refuse me this. Yrs ever | D.

4996

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street [Monday 13 July 1868]

original: h c/ii/a/80f editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

Acknowledge Mr Smith Child’s letter by this post, & say, that the matters, referred to in it, are brought before my notice for the first time: / that such subjects cannot be decided offhand, but demand enquiry & consideration.1

4 See 4999&n1. 1 See 4975&n1. 1 Smith Child (1808-1896), Bt 7 Dec 1868, dl and jp of Staffordshire and high sheriff 1865, was mp (c) for n Staffs 1851-9 and for w Staffs Dec 1868-75. A philanthropist, Child would found the North Staffordshire Permanent Relief Fund (1870) and Incurables Fund (1875), and in 1877 build and endow the Smith Child ward at the North Staffordshire Infirmary. Child had written to d from Stallington Hall, Stone, Staffs, on 10 July, the fourth in a series of letters. He had previously noted that ‘the Cons Party had either forgotten or ignored my existence and I told you that I did not expect any answer – because I did not wish to give you the trouble of making excuses, as it seemed to me that the non performance of the promise [of a Baronetcy] made 2 years ago, was a reply which could not be mistaken ... Even if I asked for an Irish peerage which is vacant and which does not disqualify for the House of Commons I dont think it would be an unreasonable request and my position would be as good as that of Lord Fermoy (the last created) and of many of the Irish peers whose names must be familiar to you ... If I do not hear by Mondays night post I am willing to take silence as a settlement of the question, so that you must not trouble yourself to reply in the negative.’ h c/ii/a/80d.

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State also, if correct, that there is no vacancy, to my knowledge, in the / Irish peerage.2 D.3 to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Monday] 13 July 1868

original: h r/i/a/210 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

4997

confidential July 13 1868 Philip Rose Esqr My dear Rose, I cannot sufficiently acknowledge your ever faithful friendship. I had not forgotten your wish,1 but, singular enough, within four & twenty hours of my promising / to write to him, I found myself involved in a correspondence with him on another matter, & of a delicate & disagreeable character;2 so it was quite out of my power to ask any favor, or even hint at private affairs. / This correspondence, however, terminated on Saturday, &, I hope, with no disturbance of our mutual good feelings: so, tomorrow, or about, I will send you what you desire. I will explain to you about the Committee when / we meet: it is nothing annoying.3 Yours ever, | D.

2 Fremantle would reply to Child on this day (13th) that the matter had ‘now been brought before his [d’s] notice for the first time, and that such subjects cannot be decided without enquiry & consideration. I am to add that, as far as Mr Disraeli is aware, there is not at present any vacancy in the Irish Peerage at the disposal of the Crown.’ There had in fact been two Irish peers created since Baron Fermoy in 1856: Earls Ulster and Dartrey, both in 1866. Three would be created in 1868: Duke of Abercorn (10 Aug), Marquess of Hamilton (10 Aug) and Baron Rathdonnell (21 Dec). h c/i/a/80e; www.hereditarytitles. com/Page72.htm. 3 Child would reply to Fremantle on the 14th offering his apologies to d ‘for the intrusion’ and stating that he considered the matter ‘now at an end.’ h c/ii/a/80g. Child on 7 December would be created a baronet, described as ‘of Newfield, also of Stallington Hall, in the parish of Stone, both in the co. of Stafford, and of Glen Losset, co. Argyll.’ Peerage and Baronetage 1880. 1 Rose on 11 July had reminded d, ‘when you can find a spare five minutes to send me the promised letter to the Duke of C. He has promised my friend who has prepared him for the probability of some request being made by you on Captn Wake’s behalf that if what you ask is in anyway possible it shall be done.’ h b/xx/r/28. Royal Navy captain Baldwin Arden Wake had retired in 1866. 2 See 4992. 3 Rose (n1) had written that ‘I did not go to the Election Committee on Monday in consequence of a letter from Corry requesting me not to do so until I heard from you again. I believe Corry has since called to see me but I was absent and I have been confined at home for the last two days with sore throat and influenza ... I dare say I am objectionable to some members of the Committee and thought useless by all and you will believe me when I say that it would be anything but in accordance with my own wish or desire to join the Committee which would entail great sacrifices nor could anything induce me to do so except the desire of being useful to you. Please therefore to understand that I shall not be hurt but on the contrary shall be both glad and grateful if upon consideration it is thought better that I should render what little service I can independent of the Committee.’

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4998

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff37-8 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 13 July 1868

confidential July 13: 1868 The | Lord Chancellor My dear Lord Chancellor, It seems to me impossible, that the Irish Ch: shd. not be mentioned in the speech, altho’ we have introduced no measure on the subject, / & in noticing it as I do, we are addressing those, who practically will not have the opportunity of legislating on the matter. Think over the paragraph without haste; & / let us confer together when you are ripe.1 Yrs ever, | D.

4999

to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Monday] 13 July 1868

original: tas [7] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Buckingham: ‘Mr. Helps to be seen – that he may arrange trains &c. B&C 13/3 Mr. Harrison seen 13/7’.

July 13 1868 The Duke of Buckgm | & Chandos The Queen will hold a Council at Osborne on Wednesday next at one o’ck:. No Privy Councillor will be there then, & you must, / therefore, provide the whole Staff. I am not going.1 D.

1 Cairns would reply on the 15th: ‘My doubt is whether a Commission is worthy of notice in a Speech closing the existence of a Parliament, & whether it is worthy of the subject to assume that the conclusions of a Commission, not yet known, will or ought to have an effect on legislation; & in fact whether to a Parliament with a “Moriturum” [about to die] it is fitting to speak of legislation, or of anything but the great function wh is about to evolve on the People. I fear it might be said the Speech was too like one at the commencement of a Parliament, with this great difference that it cannot be answered. In order to try to convey the idea I have, I have sketched a few sentences leading up to your final words, in order that you may consider them, but I am far indeed from being satisfied with them.’ Cairns enclosed the following handwritten draft, perhaps revising d’s ‘paragraph’ (not found): ‘Her Majesty commands us to inform you that it is Her Majesty’s intention to dissolve the present Parliament at the earliest day that will enable Her People to reap the benefit of the extended system of Representation which the wisdom of Parliament has provided for them. The opinion of Her People will thus be expressed on those great questions of public policy which have occupied the attention of Parliament & remain undecided. And Her Majesty prays that under the blessing of Divine Providence the result of the Appeal which She is about to make to Her People may tend to be such as will strengthen the Constitution in Church & State & preserve unimpaired the Protestant Settlement of Her Realm.’ h b/xx/ca/43, 43a. See 5019&n8. 1 Attending the council at Osborne on Wednesday the 15th at 1 pm would be Buckingham, Colville, Northcote and Charles Adderley. Buckingham and Northcote would have audiences with the Queen; Arthur Helps would be clerk. The Times (16 Jul 1868).

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 13 July 1868

original: rac a37 42 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: disembarassed.

5000

July 13 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He would enquire, whether Yr Majesty would like a Minister to come down on Saturday next: & if so, whom Yr Majesty would / prefer. If Yr Majesty were disembarassed, he would suggest the Lord Chancellor.1 He mentioned to Yr Majesty a report, that the Duke of Portland, one of the most powerful subjects of Yr Majesty, had withdrawn his / adhesion from the Liberal party, & transferred it to Yr Majestys Governmt., in consequence of the Church Question.2 Mr Disraeli encloses a very characteristic letter from His Grace, wh: leaves no doubt on this head. It is addressed to a perfect stranger / to the Duke, Sir James Fergusson, whom His Grace always violently opposed in Ayrshire.3 The offer of a dwelling in Caithnesshire, & all the conditions, illustrate the character of one of the most singular species in Yr Majestys dominions: the Bentinck. to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff39-40 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 15 July 1868

5001

confidential July 15 1868 The | Lord Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor, I learn from head quarters, this morning,1 that you are to be invited to Osborne for Saturday, & I, therefore, let / you know at once, as probably convenient[.] The orders are, that “Ministers, who come down on business, are to make their own arrangements with the Admiral to be sent / across the water”. I apprehend this applies to Ministers invited also. Yr secretary, therefore, shd. telegraph to the Admiral at Portsmouth accordingly.2 As you can’t be at the Cabinet on Saturday,3 I / shd. be glad to have some conference with you about my last box, 8when you can.9 1 See 5001n6. 2 William John Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck (1800-1879), 5th Duke of Portland 1854, brother of d’s friend Lord George Bentinck, was mp (c) for King’s Lynn 1824-6 and dl for Nottinghamshire 1859-79. A zealous defender of the Established Church with very little interest in politics, the unmarried Portland in later years became an eccentric recluse, managing properties in Ayrshire and Caithness-shire (Scotland) and especially Welbeck Abbey (Nottinghamshire), renowned for its vast underground gas-lit tunnels and rooms (including a library, chapel and ballroom) whose excavation employed some 15,000 workmen for eighteen years. 3 See vii 2945n1. 1 Most likely in a communication from Osborne (not found) replying to d’s 13 July letter to the Queen; see 5000. 2 Admiral Sir Thomas Sabine Pasley was commander-in-chief at Portsmouth. 3 There would be a cabinet on Saturday the 18th. The Times (18 Jul 1868).

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The fish dinner is to be on Wednesday the 22nd.4 There must be a Cabinet on the Queen’s speech on that day, or before.5 Yrs ever | D.6

5002

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff54-5 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see nn1&2. Sic: 91.

[London] Friday [17 July 1868]

The Lord Chancellor 6 o’ck Friday My dear Ld Chancr. I think we must postpone our interview until your return from Osborne.1 My life here is the life of a Galley Slave, but I shall come into / House of Lords at 7 o’ck: They have thrown out the 500£ fee for the Judges, 123 to 91 Gladstone & Co & Henley agst us.2 Yrs ever | D.

5003

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 18 July 1868

original: rac a37 43 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

July 18 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He is sensible, that he has been somewhat remiss in his reports to Yr Majesty, but the Parliamentary work has been / so protracted, severe, & exhausting; amounting

4 The ministerial whitebait dinner, preliminary to the closing of the House, would be given at Trafalgar, Greenwich, on 22 July, with covers laid for 46. In a postscript to his letter to d on this day (15th), Cairns wrote: ‘We have been long engaged to Dinner to Lord & L[ad]y Cadogan for the 22d, & he asks me not to break it for the Fish Dinner. You will tell me if I can do as he wishes.’ Hardy would note on the 23rd that the dinner ‘was not very lively ... Disraeli was clever.’ The Times (23 Jul 1868); h b/xx/ca/43; Hardy Diary 80. 5 The Queen’s speech would be discussed in cabinet on the 28th; see 5019&n8. 6 Cairns would reply on the 17th: ‘I find I must go to Osborne by the one oClock train tomorrow. I could go to you at Grosvr. Gate at ½ to 12 if that will suit you: or if you have to be at Downing St. it is nearer to the train & I cd. see you there at 12 or ½ to 12.’ Cairns would arrive at Osborne on the 18th and dine with the Queen and the royal family; he would depart on the 20th. h b/xx/ca/44; The Times (20, 21 Jul 1868). See 5002. 1 See 5001n6. 2 In the House on this day (17 July 1868), in debate on the Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill (see 5003n4), d had introduced ‘a new clause providing for the payment of additional Judges and remuneration of Judges appointed under this Act.’ To the amendment by Charles Monk, mp (l) for Gloucester, to strike out the words ‘providing that the Judges selected for the trial of Election Petitions should receive £500 a year in addition to their ordinary salary’, d had countered that the judges’ new duties ‘involved considerable inconvenience’, such as separation from family and residence in comfortless inns. Gladstone believed that ‘when new duties were imposed’ it was not the rule to cap them ‘by new salaries’, and that if the judges’ salaries ‘were thought insufficient ... a uniform increase ought to be made.’ J.W. Henley, mp (c) for Oxfordshire, believed that ‘If the Judges would not be fit to try those cases unless they got another £500 a year, he doubted very much that they would be fit to do so at all.’ Monk’s amendment was passed 123-96 and d’s clause agreed to. Hansard cxciii cols 1369-87.

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frequently to upwards of twelve hours a day; that he has been almost incompetent to convey, in a proper manner, the result of the proceedings of the House of / Commons to Yr Majesty.1 The Committee of Supply is closed,2 & the Appropriation Bill has been brought in, & read a second time:3 all possible danger to Yr Majesty’s Government has, therefore, passed; &, / in a few days, the Parliament might be prorogued, but there are one or two bills of importance, which should be passed: such as the measures against Bribery & for the regulation / of the Telegraphs. The first is one in which the Country takes great interest, & when carried, will obtain for Yr Majesty’s ministers much credit in the country; & so strengthen them.4 / The bill for the Government assuming the entire management of the Telegraphs will be before the House of Commons for decision on Tuesday next, having passed / thro’ the ordeal of a Select Committee.5 The bill for the prevention of the Cattle plague, by establishing separate markets for foreign meat at the ports of embarcation, is occasioning / much excitement, but it is doubtful, whether time will permit its being carried.6 Mr Disraeli does not wish to hurry the prorogation now that danger is over, because, so / long as Parliament sits, it is easier to communicate with influential individuals concerning the coming Election. The fish dinner 8is Wednesday.9 The accounts from every part of the country, with / respect to this great event are encouraging.7 Lord Derby’s son, Frederick Stanley is to contend against Ld. Hartington for N. Lancashire. It is to be a struggle on the good old scale of / county rivalry. Lord Derby is sanguine of success.8

1 d had last reported to the Queen on 4 and 11 July; see 4985 and 4994. 2 In the House on the 16th in committee of supply, the question had been proposed (and agreed to) that ‘“£389,800 be granted to her Majesty (in addition to the sum of £81,000 already voted on account), towards defraying the Charge of Full Pay of Reduced and Retired officers, and Half Pay,”’ to be paid from 1 April 1868 to 31 March 1869. The resolution had been reported and agreed to on the 17th. Hansard cxciii cols 1278-80, 1367-8 (d 1368). 3 The Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill had been introduced in the House on 17 July and read a second time on this day (18th). It would be given royal assent on 31 July. 4 The Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill, introduced by d on 13 February (see 4723&n1), discussed in committee on the 17th and on this day (18th), would be given royal assent on 31 July. Hansard cxciii cols 1369-87, 1439-58 (d 1373-7, 1382-4, 1387, 1444-5, 1457-8). 5 The Electric Telegraphs Bill, to enable the postmaster-general ‘to acquire, work, and maintain’ electric telegraphs, had been introduced on 1 April by G.W. Hunt, who on Tuesday 21 July would move that the House go into committee. The bill would be given royal assent on 31 July. Hansard cxci cols 678-82; cxciii cols 1557-1604. 6 See 5005n5. 7 See 5001&n4. 8 Derby had written to d from St James’s Square on the 15th: ‘I have read a report in some of the papers, that Du Cane is about to accept a Cabinet appointment, which will vacate his Lay Lordship of the Admiralty. If there is no truth in this report, you need not trouble yourself to read further; but if it is well founded, I hope you will excuse me for saying that I should be much gratified if you found yourself in a position to offer the post to my younger son Frederick. I would not make this suggestion if I did not feel confident that he would do justice to the appointment, and make himself useful. He has some knowledge of Naval affairs, and takes a great interest in them ... I am of course aware that the duration of your Government is uncertain; and I think it right to add that he is about to engage in an arduous contest

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Mr Disraeli heard from General Grey, with a copy of Yr Majesty’s interesting letter about the young Abyssinian Prince.9 Mr Disraeli will / in this, as in all things in which Yr Majesty’s 8personal9 wishes & feelings are concerned, do everything in his power to fulfil, & meet them.

5004

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

original: qua 150 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Monday] 20 July 1868

Immediate July 20 1868 Lord Feversham is to be raised to an Earldom, by the style & title of Earl of Feversham & Viscount Helmsley. / I want it done with all despatch, &, if possible, kept quiet, till it appears in the Gazette. Let me know, when I / arrive at D.S., at ½ past 2 o’ck, how soon it can be gazetted.1 D.

5005

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Downing Street [Monday] 20 July [1868]

original: esu [7] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see n2.

Rt Honble | Gathorne Hardy July 20 My dear Hardy, I have sent my excuses, as my absence from the Ho: of Commons, on so critical a night, is clearly impossible.1 / I told Stanley & Northcote, at the Prince of Wales’ on Saturday,2 that they had,

from North Lancashire, in which I hope he may succeed in ousting Hartington. Should he fail in this, he would of course be bound to give up the office should you appoint him to it: but it would be very important, if you should look favourably on his pretensions, that the vacancy should be filled up shortly before the general Election, so as to avoid the risk of a second contest.’ See 5019&n4. 9 The Queen’s letter to d has not been found. On the 17th, Prince Alemayehu (1861-1879), son of the late Emperor Tewodros ii of Abyssinia, had arrived at Osborne with Captain Tristram Speedy, who had escorted him from Abyssinia and at whose home on the Isle of Wight he had been staying. Alemayehu would be educated by Thomas Jex-Blake, principal of Cheltenham College, and would attend Rugby in 1875 and Sandhurst in 1878. Following his death from pleurisy, the Queen would arrange his burial at Windsor Castle. 1 ‘From The London Gazette, Friday, July 24. Whitehall, July 23. The Queen has been pleased to direct letters patent to be passed under the Great Seal, granting the dignities of Viscount and Earl of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland unto William Ernest, Baron Feversham, and to the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, by the names, styles, and titles of Viscount Helmsley, of Helmsley, in the North Riding of the County of York, and Earl of Feversham, of Tyedale, in the North Riding of the county of York.’ The Times (25 Jul 1868). 1 See 5006&n3. 2 On the evening of Saturday 18th, d had attended the Prince of Wales’s dinner in honour of Napier at Marlborough House. The Times (20 Jul 1868).

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perhaps, better go, as it would hardly do, that the / Govt., on such an occasion, shd. leave the Trinity 8quite9 in the lurch.3 But whoever goes shd. be in the House, when it meets, as long as they can remain, so, / if possible, to aid in divisions on Ir: Registr[ati]on4 & get back from the dinner, as soon as they decently can, to assist in divisions on Cattle Plague.5 Yrs ever | D. to: CHARLES GREY

House of Commons [Monday] 20 July 1868

original: rac a37 44 editorial comment: House of Commons paper.

5006

Lt Genl | Hon: Chas Grey July 20 1868 My dear General I have received yr telegram, & write you a hurried reply; for I can scarcely leave my place for a moment, & until I came down here, I cd. not approach even / an answer.1 No chance of a Council this week, nor do I think it possible to fix the day in next week, until la Tuesday night.2 The wild Irish have now got up a howl about / the Irish Registration Bill, & are wasting precious hours.3 With my duty to Her Majesty, I would ask permission not to come down on Wednesday, as it is the Fish Dinner,4 & altho’ I h am nearly exhausted, / & literally shrink from that ceremony (& the Lord Mayor’s City dinner which is on the 29th:,)5 3 Although The Times on the 21st would list d among some 100 guests attending a grand banquet at Trinity House hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh for the Prince of Wales, other members of the royal family, Napier and a handful of mps, Stanley, speaking on behalf of d, would note that ‘Parliamentary duties had prevented the attendance of the First Minister.’ The Times (21 Jul 1868). 4 See 5006&n3. 5 In the House on this day (20th) the Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill would be discussed in committee, with divisions on amendments by Liberals Milner Gibson (defeated 134-52) and John Locke (defeated 113-26), the House adjourning at 3:15 am on the 21st. The bill, to allow construction of ‘a separate market for foreign animals’, had been introduced on 5 December 1867 by Lord Robert Montagu; it would be withdrawn on 25 July 1868. Hansard cxciii cols 1514-43 (d 1515-17, 1537); cxc col 635. 1 On this day (20th) there was protracted debate in committee on the Registration (Ireland) Bill (see n3) and the Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill (see 5005n5). Hansard cxciii cols 1486-1543 (d 1493-4, 1502, 1506-7, 1515-17, 1537). 2 On Thursday 30 July at 1 pm, d, Buckingham, Bradford and Northcote would attend a council at Osborne, after which d would have an audience with the Queen. The Times (31 Jul 1868). 3 Fourteen Irish members, all Liberals, had spoken during debate on various clauses of the Registration (Ireland) Bill (n1). Speaking on their behalf, Sir Colman O’Loghlen had objected that when the bill had been introduced on 7 July at 1 am, Mayo had not fully explained its provisions, and that at second reading on the 9th, O’Loghlen and several Irish members had been in Ireland and were obliged to return after learning that the bill ‘made a most material change in the law of Ireland regarding polling-places.’ The bill, Mayo had explained on the 7th, ‘proposed to shorten considerably the period for revision of the electoral lists’ to conclude the proceedings on or before 1 November instead of on the 30th, as at present. ‘There would also be a provision for increasing the number of polling-places’. The bill would be given royal assent on 31 July. cxciii cols 782-3. 4 See 5001&n4. 5 On Wednesday 29 July at 6 pm, the lord mayor would give a banquet for 200 guests in honour of d (the main speaker) and his ministers in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House. The Times (30 Jul 1868).

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I would humbly ask permission not to repair to Osborne on Wednesday 8to Osborne9, whose woods & waters I wd. gladly visit, because of / late years, & this especially, they have made the Fish Dinner peremptory, & several of the Ministers have broken up the parties they wd were about to entertain on that day, / in order to obey the “command.” Under these circumstances, they wd. murmur, if I were absent. I propose, when the day for the Council is fixed, to ask H. Majesty’s gracious permission / to come down the day previously. Pardon this scrawl & believe me ever D.

5007

to: GATHORNE HARDY

House of Commons [Tuesday] 21 July 1868

original: esu [8] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H of C.’ written in.

Right Hble | Gath: Hardy H of C. | July 21/68 My dear Hardy, I forgot to tell you just now, that I have received another let:, & must go to Osb: on Saty, / if possible – D.V., as they say.1 At any rate, you are free. Yrs | D.

5008

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street [Wednesday 22 July 1868]

original: h a/i/a/365 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed by ma: ‘1868 July 24th The Whitebait Dinner.’ Dating: for the 22 July 1868 dinner, see 5001&n4.

Dearest Love, I shan’t want the carriage: I go in 8& come home in9 the Admy yacht with ½ a doz: I delight in the hope / you will take a drive. In immense haste, but I would not write to you by a Secy. Your affe | D.

5009

to: PHILIP ROSE

[London] Wednesday [22 July 1868]

original: h r/i/a/211 editorial comment: Endorsed by Rose: ‘I will take my chance this afternoon from home. R.’; docketed in another hand: ‘July 21. 68 or 69’. Dating: d did not speak on Wednesday 21 July 1869 but did so on Wednesday 22 July 1868; see 5010&n5.

Wednesday My dear Rose, The uncertainty when I may be summoned to H of C. to consider the state of affairs

1 d had apparently received a second letter from General Grey, who had telegraphed on the 20th (see 5006) requesting d’s presence at Osborne. See 5015&n1.

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renders it difficult for me to make an appointment: otherwise I am at yr service & wish to see you. Read enclosed on wh: I will speak to you when we meet.1 Yrs sincerely | D. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Downing Street [Wednesday] 22 July 1868

original: h a/i/a/364 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5010

Dearest Love, July 22 1868 Lady Shrewsbury1 The Lawn   Putney:2 a pretty villa, which they have taken for their / retirement. We might dine there some Sunday.3 My room is 86!4 Thanks for the wine. We have had a good / morning of six unbroken hours, but won in every division, & there were many.5 I go at ¼ to 7 in Admy Yacht with / Ld Lieut. of Ireland.6 Yrs ever | D. to: LADY STANHOPE

original: kcr Stanhope mss 690(7)4 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.



Downing Street [Wednesday] 22 July 1868

5011

July 22 1868

1 d’s enclosure has not been found. 1 In February 1855 Viscount Ingestre (19th Earl of Shrewsbury 1868) had married Anna Theresa (18381912), eldest daughter of Richard Howe Cockerell, Com rn, and his wife Theresa (later Countess of Eglinton). Lady Shrewsbury was châtelaine at Ingestre Hall and Alton Towers, the latter appearing in d’s novel Lothair (1870) as Muriel Towers (after her daughter Muriel), and would become a noted philanthropist, devoting 34 years to assisting the Lambeth Workhouse and Infirmary. Peerages; The Times (30 Jul 1912). 2 The Lawn, 112 High Street, Putney. The ABC Court Directory and Fashionable Guide for 1871 (1871) 379. 3 Lord Shrewsbury would write to ma on 25 August: ‘We were so sorry that My Lady’s invitation [not found] to you to spend Saturday & Sunday at Putney was so indistinct. We thought Mr D’Israeli would like to have a quiet Sunday out of town & have a pretty garden to sit in, in that hot weather. Perhaps we shall catch you next summer as we have got the place again.’ h d/iii/c/2514. 4 The temperature in London at 2 pm on this day (22nd) was 69EF; on the 23rd at 8 am it would be 72EF. The Times (23 Jul 1868). 5 In the House on this day (22nd), debate on clauses in the Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill had produced seven divisions: 83-71, 124-82, 130-70, 116-86, 110-102, 146-49 and 100-75, the House adjourning at 6 pm. Midway into the debate d had stated his regret that the bill ‘should be hampered by a number of irrelevant propositions ... calculated to render its passage most hazardous’ and had enjoined the House to ‘vote against them simply as an expression of its determination to carry a Bill for the prevention of corrupt practices.’ Hansard cxciii cols 1615-51 (d 1615-17, 1634-6, 1647, 1649-51). 6 See 5001&n4. Admiralty yachts included the paddle-yacht Enchantress and steam-yacht Fire Queen. The Times (14, 25 Jul 1868).

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Dear Lady Stanhope, I am obliged to go to Osborne on Saturday!1 So ends the delightful dream of / Chevening – to our infinite disappointment.2 Yours ever | D.

5012

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE?]

[London, Thursday 23 July 1868]

original: h d/iii/d/231 editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on the fourth page of John K. Fowler’s 23 July 1868 letter to ma (see n1). Recipient: Fremantle has docketed the letter: ‘24 July 1868 Mr. Fowler (Aylesbury) Poultry Show – asks Mrs. D. to become Patroness. Ansd. as within Aug. 8.’

Yes, & she will give a cup.1 D.

5013

to: CHARLES GREY

original: durg [21] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Thursday] 23 July 1868

Lt Genl | Hon Charles Grey July 23 1868 My dear General, I am very sorry, indeed, we don’t meet on Saturday.1 The Balmoral arrangements shall be / as you suggest[.]2 Dr Robertson’s brother in law did not suffer by your application to the Ld. Chancellor, instead of myself, as it would have been quite / out of my power to have recommended him for the living of Croft – but I will put his name down on my list, &, / if I have the opportunity, will remember him.3 Yours sincerely, | D.

1 See 5015&n1. 2 Lady Stanhope had written to ma on the 20th offering the ds ‘a cooler residence for Saturday & Sunday next ... We are only ¾ of an hour Railway journey from London ... You would meet Beauchamp & very much a Family Party.’ She had enclosed a printed railway schedule for trains to ‘7 Oaks’. h d/ iii/c/2554, 2554a. Chevening House is in Sevenoaks, Kent. 1 John K. Fowler had written to ma on this day (23rd) from Willowbank, Aylesbury: ‘It is proposed to add a poultry show to the Meeting of the Royal Bucks Agric. Assocn. in Septr. next – and a Committee has been formed to carry out the objects of the Assocn. Mr. Du Prè – Mr. N. de Rothschild – Mr. Lambert – Mr. S. Smith – with many others including several ladies have promised support. The four first mentioned have given silver cups. We should feel highly honoured at receiving your name as one of the Lady Patronesses and also as a donor of a Cup. We do not like to trouble our talented Premier, although we hope to have his presence at the meeting.’ At the George Hotel in Aylesbury on 2 September, the committee of the Royal and Central Bucks Agricultural Association would decide to hold the poultry show in the butcher’s market on the 22nd and 23rd, with the annual dinner that evening at the George. There would be 200 entries in 162 pens, Fowler’s ducks taking second prize, ‘the cups and other prizes given by Lady Frankland Russell, Mrs. Disraeli, Mr. R.B. Harvey, Mr. S.G. Smith, and Mr. Du Pré.’ d would be at Balmoral on the 23rd. h d/iii/c/231; bh (5, 26 Sep 1868). 1 See 5015&n1. 2 d would be at Balmoral 18-29 September. h acc; The Times (19 Sep, 1 Oct 1868). 3 Neither Robertson nor his brother-in-law has been identified. See 5019&nn6-7.

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to: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON original: hdl [1]

[Osborne, Sunday] 26 July 1868

5014

His Grace | The Duke of Wellington K.G July 26 1868 My dear Duke of Wellington,1 I am quite aware of Mr Pownall’s services & high character,2 & it is only recently, that I advised Her Majesty to bestow on him the honor / of knighthood, having been assured by his friends, that this distinction would be agreeable to him. Unfortunately, they were under an erroneous impression, & the favor, wh: was graciously accorded / by the Queen, was refused! This places me on this subject, at least at present, in a rather awkward position, but I will not forget Yr Graces letter. / I hope, you have quite recovered, & that you will always believe me Votre ami, très devoué, | D. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

[Osborne] Sunday 26 July 1868

original: h a/i/a/366 editorial comment: Docketed by ma: ‘Osborne’. Sic: lossed; get till.

5015

½ pt 5 o’ck: Sunday | July 26. 1868 My dearest Wife, All very right. Yesterday at dinner1 the Prince & Princess of Hesse,2 the Christians, & Prince Arthur,3 & a Lady:4 quite a family circle. 1 Wellington had written to d on 20 July: ‘I have been requested to draw your attention toward the services of Mr Henry Pownall, Chairman of the Court of Quarter Sessions in Middlesex. Mr Pownall has been an active Magistrate for 35 years, and Chairman of Quarter Sessions 24 years and he was of late thanked by the Home Secretary for his conduct in the affairs of the Clerkenwell house of Detention when Barker was confined there. Besides his Magisterial position he contested, as a Conservative, Finsbury with Mr Duncombe in 1834: Was Chairman to Mr Henley, Sir C Forbes, Lord Blandford and Lord Chelsea at various Middlesex elections; and contested the County as Conservative in 1837. It is thought that, if Mr Pownall were honored with a Baronetcy, the magistracy would regard it as honorary to them, which a meritorious magistrate and conservative would receive as recognition of his services.’ h c/ii/a/75. 2 J.G. Henry Pownall (1792‑1880), a jp and dl, chairman of the Middlesex Quarter Sessions 1844-70, was a philanthropist who supported the construction of churches and schools. On 17 April 1871 about eighty Middlesex county magistrates would present Pownall with a testimonial (‘value 500 guineas’) of a silver dessert service and inscribed tea tray subscribed for by Wellington and some 209 magistrates. The Times (18 Apr 1871). 1 d had arrived at Osborne on the 25th and dined with the Queen and the royal family that evening. He would return to London on the 27th. The Times (27, 28 Jul 1868). 2 Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Karl (1837-1892), later Grand Duke Ludwig iv von Hessen und bei Rhine (reigned 1877-92), on 1 July 1862 had married Princess Alice, second daughter of Queen Victoria, who on that day had issued letters patent granting him the style of Royal Highness (in effect only in Great Britain). He had commanded the Hessian cavalry in support of Austria in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War and would lead the Hessian contingent of the North German Confederation in the 1870-1 FrancoPrussian War. 3 Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein had married Princess Helena, the Queen’s third daughter. Prince Arthur was the Queen’s third son. 4 Possibly the ‘Miss Bowater’ who had arrived at Osborne on this day (26th). The Times (27 Jul 1868). Louisa Mary Bowater (1842-1913), daughter of Sir Edward Bowater, long-time member of the royal household, in 1869 would marry Sir Rainald Knightley. She would be active in numerous women’s causes, among

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I played a rubber of whist in the evening & / lossed as usual. I had one of my bad nights, & have not left my rooms today, except for an audience with the Queen at four o’ck: It is just over, & was, therefore, a long one, but there was / a great deal to talk about. Nothing cd. be more satisfactory. The post goes at 6, & my bag at 8: but if my letter to you is in my bag you may not get till late in the morning, so, / I send this at once: & shall telegraph about the carriage. Adieu, | my dearest Wife, | D.

5016

to: LORD ABERCORN original: abc [1]

[Osborne, Sunday] 26 July 1868

His Excellency | The Marq: of Abercorn | K.G. July 26 1868 My dear Lord Abercorn, Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to elevate Yr Excellency to the dignity of a Dukedom in Her Kingdom of Ireland; in / testimony of Her Majesty’s entire satisfaction with the manner in which, in difficult and dangerous times, Your Excellency has represented Her Majesty in that part of Her dominions: and / of Her Majesty’s sense of the dignity, ability, and wisdom, with which you have on all, and trying, occasions, maintained the interests of Her Majestys Crown.1 If you could make it convenient to call / at Grosvenor Gate on Tuesday morning at twelve o’ck:, we cd. settle some details, wh: must be arranged, before I can give orders for the patent to be prepared.2 Ever my dear Lord, | sincerely yours, | B. Disraeli

them the Girls’ Friendly Society 1879-1904, the Working Ladies Guild, the National Union of Women Workers, the Conservative and Unionist Women’s Franchise Association and the British Women’s Emigration Association. 1 Among letters from Abercorn to Montagu Corry discussing his upcoming peerage is one dated ‘Wednesday’: ‘The Prince of Wales has told me this evening that he is much for “Ulster” being the title. I said that being a Royal title I felt I should not myself suggest it. He said that he should see the Queen on Monday and should himself propose it ... Perhaps, if you see Mr Disraeli, you should mention this to him, as it may somewhat affect our arrangements on Saturday, though it would only be considered as a contingent possibility. If “Ulster” was allowed, there would be no necessity for a 2nd title.’ In another, dated ‘Tuesday’, Abercorn tells Corry he had ‘received a telegram from Hamilton from the Isle of Wight, to say, in the form we agreed on – that the title of Ulster has been objected to; but that that of Marquis of Hamilton (of Strabane) has been agreed to by the Queen. Of course he got his information from the Prince of Wales’. h b/xxi/a/13-14. 2 According to an announcement in The Times on 6 August (reprinted from mp), Abercorn would be ‘elevated in the peerage of Ireland, under the titles of Duke of Abercorn and Marquis of Hamilton. The marquisate will be of Strabane, in Ireland, and will not therefore interfere with the Duke of Hamilton’s marquisate of Hamilton, county of Lanark, in Scotland. The notion of conferring the dukedom of Ulster upon the Lord-Lieutenant has been abandoned, in consequence of the earldom of Ulster being one of the titles of the Duke of Edinburgh. The possession by the noble marquis of the viscounty of Strabane in Ireland enables Her Majesty to raise him in that peerage.’

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to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Sunday] 26 July 1868

original: lcc lc.1 Item 13; Frame d8 editorial comment: d also wrote to Wellington on this day; see 5014.

5017

My dear Duke of Wellington July 26 1868 The letter to Mr Freake1 was brought back to me, while dining at Bellamys on Friday, by our messenger. This was very annoying: / I told him, that care must be taken, that it shd. be forwarded immediately to Mr Freake who was out of town, & whose address he had. Enquire about this. / Council on Thursday & Prorogation on Friday.2 Can anything be done for the Duke of Edinbro’?3 Take care of his letter. D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Tuesday 28 July 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/377 editorial comment: Docketed in another hand ‘July 28 1868’. Dating: by docket and context: see n1. Sic: DuCane.

5018

The copy of the Speech may be wanted by you. Correct the punctuation in the Scotch sentence, if in time.1 Lord Lonsdale most important. I feared it was to ask for DuCane’s place.2 This wish must be attended to immediately. I must write to him at once.3 D.

1 d’s letter has not been found. Architect and builder Charles James Freake (1814-1884), 1st Bt 1882, had partnered with d’s cousin George Basevi in some building projects in Chelsea. Freake, who favoured popular education for the working classes and the preservation of the established Church in Ireland, would be an unsuccessful Conservative candidate for Chelsea in the 17 November election. He would finance and build the National Training School for Music, now the Royal College of Organists, in 1874-5. The Times (7 Nov 1868); McCalmont. 2 There would be a council at Osborne on Thursday 30 July and Parliament would be prorogued on the 31st. The Times (31 Jul, 1 Aug 1868). 3 The Bishop of London would write to d on 2 August about the suggested marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh with the Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia: ‘I see nothing in the law of the Church ... to prevent the marriage of a Prince of England, with a Princess a member of the Greek Church, provided that the Prince take care that he does nothing which compromises his own allegiance to the Church of England, and that the children of the marriage are brought up as Members of the Church of England.’ The Duke, whose letter to d has not been found, would marry the Duchess Maria in 1874; they would have five children. h b/xix/a/75. 1 In the Lords on 31 July, Chelmsford would deliver the Queen’s prorogation speech, which would state that she had sanctioned ‘several important Measures having for their Object the Improvement of the Law, and of the Civil and Criminal Procedures in Scotland.’ The Times would call it ‘an echo of Mr. Disraeli’s speech at the Mansion-house. We find the same arrangement, the same thoughts, here and there the same phrases.’ Hansard cxciii cols 1937-40; The Times (1 Aug 1868). See 5019&n8. 2 See 5019&n3. 3 See 5023.

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5019

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 28 July 1868

original: rac a37 46 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: DuCane.

July 28 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He has directed Lord John Manners to make a survey, & prepare plans for the alterations, at / Marlborough House, founded on pulling down the pseudo-German chapel.1 He has conferred with Sir Stafford Northcote on the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to India, but, / so far as their conference hitherto has proceeded, on the assumption of His Royal Highness not accompanying the Prince of Wales.2 Mr DuCane having accepted, subject / to Yr Majesty’s approbation, the Government of Tasmania,3 Mr Disraeli will offer his post of civil Lord of the Admiralty to Hon: Fredk. Stanley, as submitted to Yr Majesty. Mr Disraeli hears that / Mr Stanley’s prospects in N. Lancashire, in his great contest with Lord Hartington, 8are most favorable.9 Indeed, Lord Derby says, that he is confident of victory, & complete.4

1 Marlborough House, used by the royal family from 1853 to 1861, had been substantially enlarged in 1861 for the Prince of Wales, who resided there from 1863 until he became King Edward vii in 1901. The socalled German Chapel, now known as the Queen’s Chapel, designed by Inigo Jones and built 1623-5 as an adjunct to St James’s Palace (and connected with it by a wing that burned down in 1809), had been built as a private Roman Catholic chapel for Queen Henrietta Maria, consort of Charles I. The Hanoverian kings held German Protestant services there and it would be known as the German Chapel until 1901. The Prince of Wales would take steps to have it pulled down in 1869. First commissioner of works Lord John Manners would write to d on 9 October from St Marys Tower, Birnam, Dunkeld, N.B.: ‘The P. of Wales spoke to me yesterday at Glasgow about Marlborough House: and, after I had explained shortly to him the state of the case, said he would mention it to you in London. It may be as well therefore that you should know it. In 1850 an Act was passed handing over M. House from the Land Revenue to the Prince for his and the Queen’s joint lives. Having been used as a Picture Gallery it was put into a proper state of repair before he went into it; but is not now under charge of my department, nor so far as I know, of any other. The German Chapel belongs to St. James’s Palace, and cannot, I am advised, be pulled down and its site be transferred to the Prince without an Act of Parliament. In the present temper of men’s minds about the Queen it appears to me that great caution ought to be exercised in asking Parliament for money and an Act to enlarge a Palace, especially one so recently put in order and given over as M. House, with the understanding that it was to be maintained at the Prince’s charge. If the German Chapel is destroyed I suppose the Minister &c would have to be compensated, as I believe he is paid chiefly by Pew rents; but that part of the business would rest with the Lord Chamberlain. If the thing is to be done I think it must be treated as an exceptional case, and a special note inserted in the Estimates for it.’ h b/ xx/m/154. 2 See 5148&n1. The Duke of Edinburgh would arrive at Calcutta on 22 December 1869. The Times (29 Dec 1869). 3 Charles Du Cane, gazetted governor of Tasmania on 1 January 1869, would serve until 1874. In reporting the appointment on 30 July 1868, The Times would underline Du Cane’s assiduous attendance both in Parliament and at the admiralty and ‘an acquaintance with public affairs and a readiness in the discharge of official business’ that would serve him well in Tasmania. 4 Frederick Stanley would write to d from Red Scar House, Preston, Lancashire on 1 August: ‘I need hardly say how much I am obliged to you for your most kind letter [not found], nor how grateful I am for the very flattering offer which it contains.’ Although accepting the office ‘very thankfully’, it was ‘with some mistrust in my own knowledge that I find myself under an impression contrary to that conveyed in your kind letter, namely that I should by accepting office, ipso facto vacate my seat. Under the Act of 1858, into which I have looked, I see that when Parliament stands prorogued, if a seat becomes vacant under

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No language can describe / the happiness of the new Duke, whom Mr Disraeli received to day on the details of his elevation. His Grace really looked six inches taller, & he was really moved to enthusiasm, wh: / seems foreign to his character. He told Mr Disraeli, that, besides all his other sons & him in Parliament, he meant to start his youngest one for the City of Westminster with Mr Smith the bookseller, & thought the / co-alition, where each party would bring the qualities & attributes which the other wanted, might likely be successful.5 Mr Disraeli assured His Grace that altho’ Mr Disraeli was personally gratified by the great distinction / he had achieved, he wished His Grace to understand the truth, that the act was not only the cheerful, but, it might almost be said, the spontaneous act of Yr Majesty. And this he greatly / appreciated. Mr Disraeli recommends to Yr Majesty, for the living of Croft, the Revd. H. Frederick Law, Vicar of Lullington. Mr Law is brother by marriage of Lord Vane.6 Lord Vane is very / powerful, has asked for everything, & never got anything. And now he has set his heart on this living, wh: is in Durham, & near his sisters early home.7 Mr Disraeli would not have yielded to / this request, for he confesses he had

certain circumstance, on receiving notice from any two Members, the Speaker may direct the issue of a new writ; and I should hardly be in a position to contest an Election at Preston, after having already commenced my canvass for North Lancashire. Practically I believe that the fact of my leaving Preston would not be of much importance as I think I can now be almost sure of a victory over Ld. Hartington in the new N. Division of this county, and the present Parliament would probably not meet subsequently to the vacation of my present seat. It is with diffidence that I have ventured to advert to the expression in your letter; but I feel it my duty to do so, and then to leave the matter in your hands, only saying in conclusion, that if you do not consider that the position in which I am placed, is an obstacle to my acceptance of your very flattering proposal, I shall most gratefully avail myself of your kindness. If, on the other hand, you should object to my being out of the House of Commons between the present time, and the meeting of the New Parliament, I should only lament my own bad fortune in being thus situated, and should equally continue to entertain the deepest sense of your goodness in having made me the offer of Office.’ At the 17 November election, Stanley (6832 votes) and Wilson Patten (6681) would defeat Hartington (5296), Stanley retaining his seat until created Lord Stanley of Preston in 1886. h b/ix/f/61. 5 Of the thirteen children born to the Abercorns (Lady Louisa Jane Russell), five of seven sons were presently living: James, Marquess of Hamilton; Lord Claud John Hamilton; Lord George Francis Hamilton (1845-1927), mp (c) for Middlesex Dec 1868-85 and for Ealing division of Middlesex 1885-1906, undersecretary of state for India 1874-8, first lord of the admiralty 1885-92 and secretary of state for India 18951903; Lord Frederick Spencer Hamilton (1856-1928), mp (c) for Manchester sw 1885-6 and for n Tyrone 1892-5, editor of the Pall Mall Magazine 1896-1900; and Lord Ernest William Hamilton (1858-1939), mp (c) for n Tyrone 1885-92. Bookseller William H. Smith, Jr would be elected mp (c) for Westminster (Middlesex) on 18 November. 6 Frederick Henry Law (dates unknown), son of the Rev James Thomas Law and Lady Henrietta Charlotte Grey (daughter of 6th Earl of Stamford), ba 1849 and ma 1854 Cambridge, deacon 1849, priest 1850, perpetual curate of Berrow, Worcestershire, 1854-9, vicar of Lullington, Burton-on-Trent, 1859-65, perpetual curate of Coton-in-the-Elms, Derbyshire, 1865-9, rector of Croft, near Darlington, Yorkshire 186873 and of Lee, Kent, from 1873. Law had eloped with and married Lady Adelaide Emelina Caroline Vane, daughter of 3rd Marquess of Londonderry and sister of Earl Vane, in 1852. Clergy List (1868, 1870); The Upper Ten Thousand, for 1876 (1876). Law would write to d on 6 August from Wynyard Park: ‘I have heard from Lord Vane that you have been kind enough to present me to the Living of Croft; & I am anxious to express my thanks to you ... As Rector of that parish it shall be my earnest endeavour ... to maintain that union of Church & State which I believe to be one of Englands greatest safeguards.’ h b/xxi/v/31a. 7 Part of Croft village (now Croft-on-Tees), three miles south of Darlington, is on the Durham side of the Tees. The Londonderry seat was Wynyard Park, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham.

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wished to have recommended another individual to Yr Majesty, had he not ascertained, that as a Parish Priest, Mr Law is irreproachable, & has, indeed, many merits: being / a man of learning, energy, & devotion to his calling. Mr Disraeli, therefore, trusts, that Yr Majesty will sanction his selection. He encloses a copy of the speech after the revision / of the Cabinet. The last sentence is modified, but Mr Disraeli hopes may yet convey something, if not all, of his meaning.8

5020

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Friday] 31 July 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/64 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed in Stanley’s hand on the fourth page: ‘Mr. Disraeli July 31. 1868 Queen To prevent the Press from publishing too much of her movements’.

July 31. :68 Dear S. Remember to exercise your large influence with the Press, to say as little about our friend as possible. She / expressed herself to me yesterday,1 when I told her you had promised to help me in this respect, as very sensible of yr kindness, wh: you / had shown much in the details of this affair.2 Yrs | D.

5021

to: SIR HENRY EDWARDS

original: dbp Box 146/3 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Sir Henry Edwards | Bart: M.P.

Downing Street [Friday] 31 July 1868

July 31 1868

8 The Queen on the 27th had returned d’s rough draft of the speech, which she thought ‘extremely good’, but in the last sentence ‘it might be prudent to say something implying that with the strongest determination of maintaining the Protestant Religion, there is no intention to pursue an ultra and illiberal policy as regards Church matters.’ Stanley on this day (28th) would record: ‘Cabinet 2.30: chief business the settling of Queen’s speech, which was read: it is short, and harmless: the only sentence which raised discussion was the last, relating to the Irish church. In the draft, Disraeli had framed it as a strong manifesto on the Protestant side: I took the lead in opposing this, and others (Duke of Marlborough for one) joined, not objecting to the substance of what was to be said, but thinking the Queen ought not to be made to say it. In the end we agreed to substitute other words drafted by Cairns [see 4998n1], which if somewhat unmeaning are at least free from objection.’ The speech closes with, ‘and I trust that, under the Blessing of Divine Providence, the Expression of their [the people’s] Opinion on those great Questions of public Policy which have occupied the Attention of Parliament and remain undecided, may tend to maintain unimpaired that Civil and Religious Freedom which has been secured to all My Subjects by the Institutions and Settlement of My Realm.’ rac a37 45; Disraeli, Derby 335; Hansard cxciii cols 1939-40. See 5024. 1 d had attended a council at Osborne at 1 pm on the 30th and had had an audience with the Queen. Stanley would leave England on 6 August to be in attendance on the Queen at her villa near Lucerne, returning on 6 September. The Times (1 Aug 1868); Disraeli, Derby 336. 2 Stanley would write to d from Knowsley on 1 August: ‘I hope it was not for any serious matter that you sent for me yesterday afternoon. You had said there would be nothing important at the Cabinet, and I did not receive your messenger until at the point of starting. My father is much pleased with your offer to F. I return on Monday afternoon.’ h b/xx/s/801.

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My dear Sir Henry, We shall be at Hughenden, I am happy to say, on the 12th Augt:, indeed I hope to leave town this week.1 Yrs ever | D. to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 74 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 31 July 1868

5022

Private July 31 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, Parliament being prorogued, I have had the pleasure of offering the Civil Lordship of the Admiralty to Frederick, & / I shall be gratified, if he accept it. At any rate, it is an introduction to official life, & his tenure of office may last longer, than some imagine.1 We work at the elections with ceaseless energy. / I have got the matter out of the hands of Spofforth, & placed in those of a limited, but influential, Committee of gentlemen, & it seems to work very well.2 Ld Abercorn is to be an Irish Duke, & Mayo our / Indian Viceroy:3 so, the Irish government may be satisfied. What the Irish title is to be I can’t tell you. The Prince of Wales wants it to be Ulster, of wh: he is Earl, but as I wd. not countenance this, H.R.H is to go to the Queen tomorrow anent. I / should think the regal brow would be clouded; & that our friend must be content with being Duke of Abercorn. He is very happy, & six inches taller.4 I had thought of offering the Irish Sec[retaryshi]p / to Elcho,5 a friend of Lord Abercorn, but His Excellency seems to think, that the political connection might disturb the fervor of the friendship. If so, I think it must be John Manners, who is 1 The ds would leave for Hughenden on 5 August and spend the 11th to the 13th at Latimer (Lord and Lady Chesham). The Times (3 Aug 1868); h acc. 1 See 5019&n4. Stanley on 1 August would note: ‘F. has had the offer of Du Cane’s place (civil lord of the admiralty) vacant by Du Cane’s going to Tasmania. He is obliged, but hesitates, as he thinks attendance in London may interfere with his canvass ... He is, I think, a little nettled at the place having been asked for him by Ld D. as in fact it was, without his knowledge or consent.’ Disraeli, Derby 335. 2 For d’s earlier dissatisfaction with election agent Markham Spofforth, see 4966&nn2&3. 3 Mayo had written to d on 29 February that, ‘as my resources are very limited ... I am very anxious to go to India if it were possible. There are Irish questions in prospect which will render my position even more difficult than it has been, and I own 2 years of Irish administration which I have borne absolutely alone is beginning to tell on me.’ The Times on 12 and 13 August would criticize Mayo’s promotion as an instance of ‘failing in the character of our Premier ... It baffles understanding.’ The Viceroy of India, ‘the greatest potentate of our time’, must possess a ‘plastic intellect’ and be capable of swift action, ‘the very converse of Lord Mayo’s character’. h b/ix/f/37. 4 See 5016&nn1&2. 5 Elcho had written to d on 29 July, thanking him for his note (not found) but making no mention of the Irish secretaryship, which would be assumed by Wilson Patten from September to December 1868. h b/ xxi/e/132.

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sensible, conciliatory, & / very painstaking, & certainly will not “override” Abercorn, or quarrel with any body. Then Elcho might have J. M’s place. But wd. he take it without the Cabinet, & Henry Lennox will resign if he / be not promoted? Nothing seems to satisfy him – & if he had Henry Corry’s place, he wd. soon want mine.6 The Cabinet today was very tranquil, a great contrast to three or four months ago. Cairns is a great success at the Council Board.7 I hope Lady Derby is well, & I am ever yours, | D.8

5023

to: LORD LONSDALE

original: cro d/lons/l [4] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Saturday] 1 August 1868

Right Honorable | The Earl of Lonsdale August one 1868 My dear Lord, I have pressed the Admiralty, but things must take a certain course. The delay is occasioned by the necessity of making / a batch. You may rely upon it, that it will all be right – & if by any chance, which I really

6 Lennox would write to d from the admiralty on 6 August: ‘Would you most kindly read the enclosed [not found] from my kind friend Ducane [sic]. I shall be really glad to serve him, were it possible. During the two years, I have been at the Admty, I have had a difficult task in trying to counteract the Naval or professional view of things & on every occasion, poor Ducane has been most thoroughly Loyal & of great assistance to me.’ h b/xx/lx/308. 7 There had been a cabinet on this day (31st). The Times (1 Aug 1868). 8 Derby would reply from Knowsley on 2 August: ‘I am greatly obliged by your prompt attention to my wish respecting the Lay Lordship of the Admiralty. Freddy was here for a few hours on Friday, and had then heard from Ducane [sic]. Your letter [not found] however only reached him on Saturday morning, and I have not seen him since, as he set out before I was up that day upon a fortnight’s canvassing Tour, with a prospect of having to make two speeches a day on an average, which, in this hot weather, is no joke. I hope (and have told him so) that he will accept your kind offer; but he seemed, when I saw him, to be under some apprehension that acceptance of Office would prejudice him in his Canvass ... I think your Speech on the Prorogation reads well; and I am glad that you modified, as I hear in Cabinet, my suggestion as to the concluding passage. On reflection, I thought myself that it committed the Queen personally too strongly, and I was half inclined to write and tell you so – but as mine were only suggestions, I felt sure that they could undergo mature consideration. We are to have two sure contests in this County, North & South; but I think we shall win both ... I am glad you have got the Dukedom for Abercorn, even though it be not Ulster. The Earldom of Ulster however is not held by the Prince of Wales, but by the Duke of Edinburgh. I regret the relegation of Mayo to India, both for his sake and yours. I doubt if you will find as good an Irish Secretary and I have no idea that his health will stand the climate. It will be singular if John Manners accepts the Secretaryship after declining the Lieutenancy; but if he does, I think he will do as well as any one you have at command. Elcho, if he accepts, will do well enough at the Board of Works; but, unless he abjures his anti-Kensington heresies, you will have some opposition to encounter in high places. H. Lennox is insatiable – but he has done his work well, and I hear he is popular in his Office. I do not see however what you have to offer him. You will have done good service in ousting Spofforth from the management of the Elections, if you have continued to do so without offending him to the extent of converting him into an Enemy. I believe he was honest, though with a leaning towards Railway Directors et id genus omne; but he was anything but judicious in the choice of Candidates, and disposed to meddle when he had better have left things alone. I hope at least that you are going to get some real holidays in the Country ... Stanley’s language as to the result of the Elections is absolute despondency – he hardly seems to think the battle worth fighting.’ h b/xx/s/498.

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don’t anticipate, anything happens to the Government, Mr Corry has personally pledged / himself to me, that he will, before he leaves office, however unusual the course, make a single promotion of Marcus Lowther.1 Rest assured it shall go right. I hope you are well. / I am as well as a man can be, who has before him four months of the most anxious excitement & ceaseless energy, wh: can fall to the lot of a mortal who is, however, Always yours, | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 1 [August] 1868

original: rac a37 47 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see nn1&4.

5024

August Septr. 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He is distressed at having to trouble Yr Majesty at this moment, & on little matters. It seems, that our 8his9 predecessors promised / to recommend Yr Majesty to confer the honor of knighthood on a Liberal Member of Parliament, Mr Watkin, for certain services, rather secret, with reference to Canadian politics: the / InterColonial Railway & the transference to Canada of the dominion of the Hudson Bay Company; all of which matters were deeply connected with the successful union of Yr Majestys American / Provinces. All other honors, that were distrib promised, have been distributed, but the engagement to Mr. Watkin, made by the Duke of Newcastle, has not been fulfilled. Mr Disraeli thinks it / wise, 8that is, for the interest of the public service,9 that this distinction should be conferred on Mr Watkin (a knighthood by patent) & the more so, as he is not a supporter of the present Government.1 He would also advise Yr Majesty to confer the honor / of knighthood on Mr Alderman Bennett of Manchester, who was the V. Chairman of the Lancashire Relief Fund under Lord Derby, & is otherwise a leading citizen of the great community / of industry.2 The Speech from the Throne was a success, & especially the last paragraph.3 The paragraph in all the papers today respecting Yr Majesty’s approaching / departure is approved.4 All is well, & Mr Disraeli is hopeful, that the Swiss expedition will bring health & happiness to Yr Majesty. 1 See 4946&n1, 4981&n1 and 5171. 1 Edward William Watkin would be knighted by letters patent on 29 August. See ix 4172&nn1&2, 4313&nn3&4, 4432&n1, 4488&nn1-3. 2 There is no evidence that John Marshland Bennett, mayor of Manchester 1863-5, was knighted. Local relief funds had been set up during the 1861-5 Lancashire cotton famine; see viii 3743&n4. See 5033&n3. 3 See 5019&n8. 4 ‘The Queen will leave Osborne on Wednesday for a short residence in Switzerland, under the advice of Sir William Jenner, who will accompany Her Majesty. Lord Stanley will leave London a few days afterwards, and be at Her Majesty’s commands. Her Majesty will maintain a strict incognita during her residence, so that Her Majesty may be enabled to command a few weeks of comparative repose, which, with change of air, are deemed highly necessary for Her Majesty’s health.’ The Times (1 Aug 1868).

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5025

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 3 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/78 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Grosr Gate | Aug 3. 1868 The business of the D. of Edinbro’ must be settled immediately.1 He is to be with me on Wednesday morning.2 D.

5026

to: LORD MAYO

[London, Tuesday] 4 August 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out.

confidential Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo Augt. 4/ 1868 My dear Mayo, I think it intolerable that I should be subjected to such letters as the enclosed, & entirely as I feel, from your want of frankness & precision in / dealing with Mr Moore as you promised me. He ought to have been told, long ere this, that we could do nothing for him.1 In his conversation with me he only touched upon the Lucan point, / & my remarks were solely confined to my willing exertions to assist him in that particular. Ld Lucan having refused, as you inform me, to act with him, the matter ends;2 but you engaged to let him know this, and not a moment / ought to have been lost in doing so.

1 See 5019&n2. 2 d would leave for Hughenden on Wednesday the 5th. The Duke of Edinburgh would meet the Queen upon arriving at Paris on the morning of the 6th. h acc; The Times (8 Aug 1868). 1 One of the enclosures is a letter to d of 31 July 1864 from Irish nationalist G.H. Moore, mp (l) for Mayo 1847-57, stating that d had offered him assistance in seeking a ‘county contest’. In h are two undated letters to d from Moore. The first concerns d’s suggestion that ‘if I were not successful in the quarter I then alluded to, you would see whether you could not put me in the way of obtaining my object elsewhere. The matter is, to me, one of social life or death; the object I seek is not unreasonable and ... the service you will render me is not to be expressed in words. I will call upon you tomorrow at any hour before 12 or after half past one that would be convenient to you; but not a day is to be lost; if anything effectual is to be done.’ In the second, Moore is ‘very anxious for an answer to my letter of today – because if your party will not support me in what appears to me so reasonable a proposition, – I must take another course to carry it out. I should like to see you for a few minutes – that we may not misunderstand one another. But of course an answer would do as well.’ h b/xxi/m/514. 2 George Bingham, Lord Lucan, former mp for co Mayo 1826-30, was the father of Lord Bingham, who had won a seat (as l-c) for co Mayo with Lord John T. Browne (l) in the July 1865 elections; at the 23 November 1868 elections Bingham (as c) and G.H. Moore (l) would be elected for co Mayo.

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I must particularly request, that this matter should at once be put on a right footing.3 Yours sincerely | D. to: PHILIP ROSE

original: qua 145 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 4 August 1868

5027

Philip Rose | Esqre August 4 1868 My dear Mr Rose, The Queen has been graciously pleased to order, that letters patent should be prepared, to confer the honor / of knighthood on Mr Watkin, the member for Stockport.1 As I know you take a great interest in the welfare of that gentleman, I have sent you this line, / that you may be the first to know the distinction that awaits him. Sincerely yours, | B. Disraeli to: MONTAGU CORRY

original: lcc lc.1 Item 14; Frame d10 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 5 August 1868

5028

Aug 5 1868 Montagu Corry Esq I shan’t go out of town till 5 o’ck: train, but it is too hot to come to the office.1 I think it a little premature to enter on / the re-adjustment of offices at present. Delay, I think, more expedient. What about Mr. Rivers Wilson’s honorarium?2 / What Mr Lumley wanted was, if I remember right, [illeg] to Tel Telegraphs – & Lord Lonsdale wrote more than once about it, Lumley being one of his old chums, & creature, when manager of / the Opera House.3 The patronage of the Telegraph

3 Mayo would reply on the 5th: ‘The moment I left you on Saty. I wrote to Taylor telling him to write immediately to G. Moore informing him that he found that it was impossible for him to interfere in the County of Mayo Election as Lord Lucan and his friends would play their own game and receive no advice from him. I fear that he has not done as I requested. I have now written to Taylor telling him to write tomorrow to him – to that effect. Moore will be furious but in the present state of feeling among our principal friends on the Church and Land Questions we really cannot without the greatest risk press for the support of such men as Moore ... I am going to have a consultation about the Elections on Friday with Taylor and the Chancellor who is very astute. I shall send round the Hat to all the Off[icia]ls and the Lawyers whose fortunes we have made. I expect to get 3000 out of them.’ h b/xx/bo/69. 1 See 5024&n1. 1 On this day (5th) the ds would leave for Hughenden; the temperature in London was 87EF. The Times (3, 6 Aug 1868). 2 Rivers Wilson, d’s private secretary from August 1867 until February 1868, had been a delegate at the International Monetary Conference held in Paris in June 1867, publishing his report in 1868. 3 After a stint (plagued by financial worries) in the 1840s as manager and then proprietor of Her Majesty’s Theatre, home of Italian opera since its establishment in England, Benjamin Lumley (iv 1422n1) had returned to the practice of law. He wrote the standard book on Parliamentary Practice on Passing Private

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arrangement is to be with the P.O. I understand: but Ld Lonsdale ought to have a letter on the subject.4 D.

5029

to: HENRY PADWICK

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 5 August 1868

original: lcc lc.1 Item 15; Frame d13 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

H. Padwick | Esqr Grosvenor Gate | Aug: 5 1868 My dear Sir, I called, but was very sorry not to find you at home, tho’ I hope you were on successful enterprises. I wish to close the / transaction wh: you were so kind as to attend to for me. It can wait till we meet (I shall be soon, & frequently, in town) or I will attend / to any intimation you may send me.1 Always yours sincerely, | D.

5030

to: EDMUND HAMMOND

Hughenden [5-10 August 1868]

original: qua 45 editorial comment: Hughenden monument paper. Dating: by context; see nn1-3. Sic: Wycomb.

Right Honorable | E. Hammond Dear Hammond, In case Lord Stanley did not receive my box in time to give you my / message, I write to say, I shall always be at your service, if anything occur on wh: you wish to confer / with me.1 Your room is ordered here, & always ready8; not even a telegram of your approach necessary;9: train from Paddington; station High Wycomb; not two miles from my gates. 8From D.S. to this place only two hours.9 From Tuesday till Thursday, we shall / be on a visit to a neighbour, Lord Chesham, at Latimer – with that exception, I think, & hope, we shall remain here till I go to Balmoral.2

Bills (1838). Lonsdale had paid large subsidies for the maintenance of the Italian opera in London and acknowledged three children whose mothers were believed to be opera singers. 4 The Electric Telegraphs Bill, given Royal Assent on 31 July, would become the Telegraph Act 1868: An Act to enable Her Majesty’s Postmaster General to acquire, work and maintain Electric Telegraphs. 1 Padwick’s transaction, discussed in 5042&n3, has not been identified. 1 d is offering to assist Edmund Hammond, permanent under-secretary at the foreign office, while Stanley is in Switzerland with the Queen; see n3. 2 The ds would arrive at Hughenden on 5 August. They would be at Latimer 11-13 August, returning to London on 12 September. d would leave for Balmoral on the 17th, arriving on the 18th. The Times (3 Aug, 21 Sep 1868); h acc.

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I shall be delighted to see you.3 Yrs sincerely | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY?]

[Hughenden, about 6 August 1868]

original: h b/xi/m/32b editorial comment: A note by d on the verso of a memorial. Dating: by context; see n1.

5031

answer this in the sense of Mr Lambert’s mem:1 D. to: LORD STANLEY

original: dbp Box 12/3/65 editorial comment: Hughenden monument paper.

Hughenden [Thursday] 6 August 1868

5032

August six 1868 Dear Stanley, Hammond may use me as yourself, so far as I can represent / you.1 I have ordered a room here always to be ready for him, so that / he can come

3 Hammond would reply from the foreign office on 10 August: ‘I am very much obliged to you for your kind note. I trust I shall not have occasion to trouble you, as the world seems very quiet, and the Ambassadors are all amusing themselves. But in case of emergency, it is a great comfort to me to feel that I may have recourse to you for direction. We send a messenger to Lord Stanley every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. He can take any Boxes or letters from you to him, or to the Queen: but to prevent mistakes in this office, you will perhaps be so good as to address them “Lucerne”.’ h b/xxi/h/114. 1 William Torrens, mp (l) for Finsbury, on 4 August 1868 had sent d a ‘Memorial from a very respectable body of persons in Finsbury asking for the facility which an evening sitting of the Revision Court would afford for the registration of Voters under the Lodger Franchise. There are some who wish the new franchise to fail, and who to that end foretell its failure. I have done what I could to prevent the difficulties connected with registration being exaggerated and the people being thereby disheartened. But I cannot disguise from myself that attendance at the Revision Court during working hours either by the claimant or his witness when either or both are working men is an impediment which nothing can remove except an evening sitting.’ The memorial, addressed to d and prepared at a public meeting on 29 July 1868 at All Saints School Room, Islington, reads: ‘Herewith, that your Memorialists are lodgers residing within the said Borough, entitled in virtue of the Reform Act of last session to be placed on its list of voters. That the usual hours appointed by Revising Barristers will prevent your Memorialists from attending the said courts to support their claims. Your Memorialists therefore respectfully pray that you will direct the holding of evening sitting from 7 to 9 oclock p.m.’ John Lambert, writing on ‘Augt 6/68’, suggested that ‘the answer to this memorial should be, to the effect, that it rests entirely with the revising Barrister to find the time and place within the Borough for holding his courts for the Revision of the Lists of Voters, and that Mr. Disraeli has no power to give any direction in the matter. At the same time, Mr. Disraeli is very desirous that every facility should be given to that respectable portion of the community, who are entitled to the lodger franchise to substantiate their claims, and he can have no doubt that, if a communication is addressed by the Memorialists to the Revising Barrister he will endeavour to make such arrangements as will interfere as little as possible with their convenience. J.L.’ h b/xi/m/32b. 1 Stanley had written to d on the 5th from the foreign office: ‘I suppose if any foreign affair requiring instant decision should turn up during my absence, you would allow Hammond to refer it to you? There is no one else who knows what is doing. Reverdy Johnson, the new American, is to be here about the 15th. I believe him to be as respectable as a transatlantic politician well can be. Any mark of attention that it might be possible to show him would be of use. I shall do what I can on my return, but till then it is impossible.’ h b/xx/s/811. See 5030.

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down at any time or hour, if I be not otherwise accessible. Tell him this – and let me hear from you after / you have seen Moustier, & when you can. What are we to do about our boxes? Are they, when they go with the messenger, to be addressed to “the Countess of Kent”. Answer, as you are the responsible Min[iste]r.2 Ever | D

5033

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Hughenden [Thursday] 6 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/384 editorial comment: Sic: Kaye.

Hughenden | Aug. 6 1868 I have not been able to write to Ald: Bennett; I must have more accurate details. Are you sure he was Vice Chairman of the Relief Comm[itt]ee at Manchester during the / cotton famine? My memory is not that way.1 I thought Sir Kaye Shuttleworth was.2

2 Stanley would reply from Paris on 7 August: ‘I will tell Hammond of your very kind arrangement about him. The Queen’s visit here went off well: a Fenian tried to raise a disturbance, but was taken into custody: the only contre-temps was the great lady’s absolute refusal to return the Empress’s call, which as a matter of ceremony she ought. I am to see [French foreign minister] Moustier this morning, and dine at Fontainebleau with the Empress. If anything passes of interest, I will let you know. As to addressing boxes, I will find out, when once at Lucerne, what is desired, and let you know. In the meanwhile the “Countess of Kent” is the safest address. If we are wrong, I am responsible. The heat is less than in England, and the country much greener.’ He would write again on the 8th: ‘I am sorry to say H.M.’s tour has begun badly. The Empress called on her, and she refused to return the visit, though the other had come from Fontainebleau on purpose to pay her a compliment! Our embassy are disgusted, and the French court sore. Lyons did what he could, but without a chance of success. I have seen Moustier, a shrewd pleasant man of the world, who talks much and well. I can’t say he told me anything new, but he discoursed for an hour on the general state of things, with immense fluency and some point ... Ld L. and I dined at Fontainebleau yesterday: the Empress seemed in good spirits, but rather nervous and uneasy about the future. She abused the French press, saying it dealt in nothing except personal scandal: and expressed a good deal of anxiety as to the result of universal suffrage. There is an idea prevalent here that the elections will be held this year, in order to take the Liberals by surprise, and disconcert their plans. Col. Claremont, whom I saw, says there is no fear of war: the Emperor has not health to command, will not let any one else do so, and the country does not wish for a change. He believes the warlike feeling is confined to a part of the army. I am to see Plon-plon [Prince Napoleon] this morning, and leave for Lucerne tonight. You will be amused with the enclosed from “Figaro”.’ Stanley had enclosed a clipping from Le Figaro of that day (8 August 1868): an article signed ‘Baron R. de R...’ entitled ‘La Reine d’Angleterre à Paris’ detailing the contretemps and specifying that the Empress Eugénie, her entourage and a large crowd had waited over an hour in the sun and rain at the Élysée Palace. h b/xix/a/91, 91a, 92. See 5038&n6 and 5073n4. 1 See 5024&n2 and n3 below. 2 Sir James Phillips Kay-Shuttleworth had assisted in relieving victims of the Lancashire cotton famine in 1862-3. At a meeting in 1862 of the Manchester Central Relief Committee, of which Bennett was a member, Kay-Shuttleworth had been appointed secretary, and the Earl of Ellesmere chairman, of an executive committee. The Times (23 Aug 1862).

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I have obtained the Queen’s pleasure, but we must not act at / random. Who wants him to be Knighted?3 What is his name? And was he V. Chairman? D. to: GATHORNE HARDY

original: esu [9] editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Saturday] 8 August 1868

5034

Right Honorable | Mr Secy. Hardy Aug 8 1868 My dear Hardy, I quite agree with you, that the Report of the Comm[issio]ners should be published in a perfect form: but I would get it out as soon as you could, / consistently with its complete state.1 Paull has also written to me, &, I believe, to Northcote: probably to the whole Cabinet.2 I retain the opinion, that Beach should be Fergusson’s successor: but / I

3 Lytton had written to d from Manchester on 28 July: ‘It has been announced by the press within the last few days that you are about to distribute some Baronetcies and Knighthoods, and I think if you were to confer one or two in this district amongst our Conservative Merchants it would not be without its effect. No less than four Mayors of Manchester, all active Liberals, have been Knighted by the Liberal Govts during the last 25 years, whilst not a single honor has been conferred upon a Conservative. The present Mayor is a most determined Liberal, so that it could not be expected that the Govt. would recommend him for any honor, but it would be a graceful Compliment to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce if their President who is a Conservative were selected. Mr. Alderman Bennett, the president of the Chamber of Commerce was Mayor for two years at the time of the Cotton famine and was Chairman of the general relief Committee ... Last year he contested Manchester as the Conservative Candidate against Mr. Jacob Bright and though unsuccessful he polled 6,420 Votes, being more than a Conservative ever polled here before.’ h b/xi/37. 1 Hardy had written to d from Hemsted Park, Staplehurst, on 4 August: ‘Lord Stanhope encloses me a note from Lord Russell to him urging the immediate publication of the Irish Ch. Report. I have replied that we shall publish at once when the facts & figures upon wh the recommendations are based are complete. As he wished me to mention Ld. R’s note to you I do so but no doubt you remain of the opinion that we cannot give the Report to the world in its present state. Mr Paull writes to me to ask for Fergusson’s place – I have told him that it is not vacant but that if it were arrangements have been made. I suppose that Fergusson has quite made up his mind though he has not formally accepted S. Australia. It is almost a pity as he is very useful at home. If he goes he has a great desire to be a Privy Councillor but I do not know whether such promotion is usual in such a case.’ Hardy would write again on the 7th: ‘As I understand that Fergusson has definitely accepted the S. Australian Governorship I suppose that Hicks Beach may receive official notification of his appointment to the Under Secretaryship. It is desirable that he should have the benefit of Fergussons guidance for a short time & be informed of the special subjects wh. will come under his care. Of course I take no final step without your sanction.’ h b/xx/ha/36-7. For the Irish Church Commissioners Report, see 4983. 2 Henry Paull (1824-1898), a barrister (Middle Temple 1845), dl of Middlesex 1859 and mp (l-c) for St Ives 1857-68, had written to d from 33 Devonshire Place on 1 August that he ‘should be highly gratified to be allowed to have office under you. Sir Jas: Fergusson’s appointment as a Colonial Governor will leave vacant an Office the duties of which I hope I could discharge satisfactorily. I practised at the Bar for twelve years and since I entered Parliament in 1857 I have taken part in almost every kind of business that comes before the House of Commons. I have great confidence that I shall again obtain my seat for St. Ives and I should be sincerely happy if your arrangements should admit of my appointment as Under Secretary at the Home Office.’ h c/ii/a/82. As of 16 November, St Ives would be represented by Charles Magniac (l) until 1874.

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have not yet written to him, because, altho the office is not held under the Crown, the Queen expects, that the name of every contemplated official should be submitted to her for Her Majestys pleasure.3 / I hope Mrs Hardy, & all at Hemsted, are well. Yours sincerely, | D.

5035

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[Hughenden, about 9 August 1868]

original: h b/xix/a/99 publication history: m&b v 50-1, omitting the first paragraph editorial comment: A heavily corrected draft in d’s hand on 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

Something that has reached him from Paris1 induces prevails upon him to send this line. There is no doubt that Yr My. acted quite rightly in declining to return the visit of the Empress at Paris. Such an act on Yr Majesty’s part wd. have been 8quite9 inconsistent with the incognito agreement 8by Yr My,9 for a return visit to a sovereign is an act of high etiquette: which incognito is invented to guard agst. / Nevertheless there is, Mr D. wd. presume 8ask permi[ssio]n9 to observe, equally 8presently9 no doubt that Yr My. was not 8scarcely9 well advised in receiving the visit, as such a reception was equally inconsistent with incognito. Certain person[age]s, M de Fleury,1 notably among them, made a great grievance of the visit not being returned but Mr D. hoped the matter wd 8have9 blown over & been forgotten. The Empress / was who is far from irrational, was not at first by any means disposed to take that 8Mr de F’s9 view, but 8wh9 everybody tells 8persists in impressing9 on her how she has been treated with incivility; & there is no doubt that it has ended by the French C[our]t being sore. Mr D. thought it his duty to lay this matter before Yr Majy.; as Yr My. perhaps on yr return, with Yr Majtys happy judgment, might by some slight act, gracefully dissipate this malaise.

5036

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

original: rac a37 48 editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Monday] 10 August 1868

Augt 10 1868 Mr Disraeli, with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Sir James Fergusson, now Under Secy. of State, having accepted the post of Gov-

3 See 5046n3. 1 Evidently the clipping from Le Figaro Stanley had sent to d on 8 August; see 5032&n2. 2 Émile Félix Fleury (1815-1884), legion of honour 1849 and grand officer 1859, grand cross of the Russian Order of Saint Anne 1864, had squandered a family fortune and entered the Corps of Spahis in 1837, taking part in eleven campaigns in Algeria as lieut 1840 and capt 1844. A former aide-de-camp to Napoleon iii, Fleury had been grand equerry to the crown 1862, general of division 1863 and senator 1865. He would be French ambassador to St Petersburg 1869-70.

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ernor of South Australia, departmental interests / press for the immediate appointment of his successor. Mr Disraeli recommends to Yr Majesty to sanction that of Sir Michael Hicks Beach, the present Secy. to the Poor Law Board, / wh: he has represented in the house of Commons with great ability.1 In the case of Yr Majesty’s approval, he would suggest, that the new Secretary to the Poor Law Board in the / House of Commons should be Mr James Lowther, M.P. for the city of York: a very young man, but of great promise.2 to: SIR WILLIAM BRETT

original: brn [42] editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Tuesday] 11 August 1868

5037

Sir W.B. Brett | M.P. Augt 11 1868 Dear Sir William, I congratulate you on your appointment, made with my full concurrence, to one of the most eminent & honorable of posts. I lose, / indeed, by this event, an esteemed & efficient supporter, but one of my greatest pleasures is to establish those, who have followed me with fidelity in public life[.] Will you give my / kindest regards to your host, my old colleague, & most valuable friend.1 Yours very faithfully | B. Disraeli to: LORD CAIRNS

Hughenden [Tuesday] 11 August 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff41-4 publication history: m&b v 50, omitting the first two sentences and the last paragraph; Bradford 283, the sixth paragraph.

Private

5038

Hughenden | Aug: 11. 1868

1 See 5044&n1. 2 Biddulph would write to d from Lucerne on 13 August expressing the Queen’s ‘approval of the appointments of Sir M. Hicks Beach & Mr. J. Lowther to be Under Sec. of State & Sec. to the Poor Law Board. You will be glad to hear all goes on well here, though the weather has been oppressive. There is no inconvenience from Tourists or Inhabitants, who behave very well.’ Lowther would write to d from Bawtry Hall on the 18th: ‘I am deeply sensible of the very high compliment paid me by the offer conveyed in such kind terms in your letter [not found] just received. I have much pleasure in placing my service in the Department of the Poor Law Board at your disposal’. h b/xix/d/83; xxi/l/368. 1 Brett, solicitor-general since February 1868, would be appointed a justice of the court of common pleas on 24 August. He had written on this day (11th) from Lowther Castle (Lord Lonsdale) to inform d that he had received a letter from Cairns recommending him ‘as one of the New Judges for the approval of the Queen’, expressing ‘my regret at feeling thus obliged to leave the House in the midst of the contest you are maintaining against exasperating difficulties’ and thanking d for his ‘personal kindness to and patience with me.’ h b/xxi/b/923.

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Right Honorable | The Ld Chancellor My dear Ld Chancellor,1 I am grieved about Mellish.2 I think it ought to be Cleasby.3 I heard from Lucerne to day. / Our peeress is very happy, &, as yet, quite delighted. Her house is on a high hill, above the town, with a splendid view over the lake: the air fine, the rooms large, lofty, / cool. There has been rain, & there is a green world. The gentlemen of the suite don’t like the hill: facilis descensus, but the getting back will be awful.4 Stanley has not yet arrived, / but he likes hills: 8a member of the ‘Alpine’ club.9 There was a sort of Fenian outrage at Paris: one O’Brien, a teacher of languages, shook his stick at Princess Louise & shouted à bas les Anglais – & some other stuff. The Queen / was not there.5

1 Cairns had written to d on 5 August from Belmont, East Barnet: ‘I think no time shd. be lost in appointing the Three new Judges; both because the Courts should before November choose their Rota, & make their rules under the act, & also because such (if any) Parliamentary changes as may result from the choice ought to be known as soon as possible. I should like to lay before you the appointments I wd propose to make, not in order to avoid any responsibility wh may attach to making them, but in order to have the advantage of any suggestion you may think it right to offer before I take any step in the matter. The Gentlemen to whom I wd. wish to offer the places are 1. Mr. Mellish Q.C. 2. The Solr. Genl. 3. Mr. Secty. Hayes 4. Mr. Grove Q.C. I name four because Mellish refused a Judgeship on the last vacancy & may do so again. I consider however that it wd. be of very Great importance to secure him for the Bench. He wd. be such an ornament & aid to it, that I know the existing Judges wd. do all in their power to make his work light. And I think I might properly overcome his Scruples if you wd. authorize me to say that you wd. Submit his name for the rank of a Privy Councillor, wh wd. further add most materially to the Strength of the Judicial Committee. So great is his Eminence that I don’t think the other Judges wd. grudge him this distinction.’ Cairns had written on 10 August: ‘Mellish again declines the Judgeship. The Solicitor General & Serjeant Hayes accept. I enclose the letters of Mellish & the Solicitor, & will ask you to return them. We have thus two out of the three Judgeships provided for; but nothing will be made known till after the Queen’s pleasure is taken. This will make it necessary to consider the Solicitor’s vacancy. If you were inclined to take Baggallay, I suppose it cd. be made contingent on his getting his seat.’ h b/xx/ ca/47-8. 2 George Mellish (1814-1877), ba 1837 and ma 1839 Oxford, a barrister (Inner Temple 1848), qc 1861, pc 1870 and Kt 1870, suffered from severe gout and was frequently unable to work. On the death of Sir George Giffard in 1870, he would be appointed a lord justice of appeal in Chancery. 3 Anthony Cleasby (1804-1879), ba 1827 and ma 1830 Cambridge, a barrister (Inner Temple 1831), qc 1861, Kt (9 Dec 1868), had stood unsuccessfully as a Conservative candidate for e Surrey (1852 and 1859) and for Cambridge University in February 1868. He would become a baron of the court of exchequer on 25 August. A cautious and diffident judge who wrote exhaustive judgments, Cleasby would retire in 1878. On 5 August, Cairns (n1) had told d that he had not included Cleasby in his list ‘merely because I think those I have named are better’, and, on the 10th, that although Grove was a ‘better & abler lawyer ... Cleasby is a man of learning, standing & ability & out of three private lists given me some time ago by Cockburn, Bovill & Kelly, he is placed third by Cockburn, (Hayes & Brown being 1st & 2nd, & Grove not on the list,) and first by Bovill (after the A.G. & S.G.). Then his contests for Surrey & Cambridge ought not to be disregarded. I will think of it for a few days longer before writing to the Queen.’ 4 Jane, Marchioness of Ely, had written to d on ‘Friday’ (7 August) from Pension Wallis, Gutsch (near Lucerne): ‘We arrived here this morning, at ¼ before 11 o’clock, having made a very successful journey.’ She went on to provide d with the information he relates to Cairns. h b/xix/a/82. 5 Lady Ely (n4) had written: ‘You will perhaps learn of a well dressed man, who shook his stick at Princess Louise, as we were entering the Embassy after taking a drive, & called out, “Vive l’Irlande à bas les Anglais”. He turned out unfortunately, to be an Irishman called O’Brien, living in Paris & giving lessons in English and German.’

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I fear, between ourselves, the greater outrage was, that our dear Peeress did not return the visit of the Empress. This is to / be deplored, particularly, as they had named a Boulevard after her, & she went to see it!6 We are going to Latimer to day; for / 8 & 40 hours. It is almost in your County: my late colleague’s, now Ld Chesham – but I find it a painful effort. It is, however, a long engagement, &, / like such arrangements, painful when to be fulfilled.7 Kind remembrances to Lady Cairns. Yours ever | D.8 to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Hughenden [Thursday] 13 August [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/79 editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand on the fourth page: ‘? as to Church Patronage.’ Dating: by context; see n2.

5039

Hughenden | Aug 13 You might get thro’ young Jeune1 whether there is anything genuine in the alleged rally:2 & if not, you must continue your enquiries. / I fancy we had a letter from Champneys3 once – or was it one to Pam?4 6 According to Lady Ely (n4), ‘The Empress called upon the Queen at ½ past 3 o’clock, but the Queen felt too tired to return Her Imperial Majesty’s visit, which was rather a disappointment I believe ... The Queen took a short drive before going to the Station, by the Louvre, & along the Boulevard Victoria, named after the Queen.’ See 5032n2. 7 Lady Chesham had written to ma from Latimer on 25 July inviting the ds ‘to pay us a visit this summer, and if so, would Tuesday 11th be likely to suit you? I should like to show you our garden which is still in beauty and I am afraid the great heat will make it short lived this year.’ h c/iii/c/335. 8 Cairns would reply on the 12th that he was ‘writing to submit to HM the names of the Sol. Genl., Mr. Serjeant Hayes, & Mr Cleasby as the Judges. I have seen nothing in the Papers as to the Fenian affair in Paris, & I hope it may keep out of them. The “Times” seems to have commenced a campaign of unscrupulous misrepresentation as to the Govt., just as it did in the election recess of 1859. I send you a letter from the Bp. of Carlisle, merely because you ought to see it, & not that it needs to be answered or returned. I did not know that a vacancy at Peterboro’ was imminent. I am sure the appointment of a trustworthy Evangelical Bishop wd. do us a world of good.’ Samuel Waldegrave, Bishop of Carlisle, had written at length to Cairns on 10 August about the Peterborough vacancy. h c/iii/a/49b,c. 1 Francis Henry Jeune (1843-1905), son of Francis Jeune, Bishop of Peterborough (see 5040&n2), Kt 1881, qc 1888, kcb 1897, gcb 1902, ba 1865 and ma 1874 Oxford, as a barrister (Inner Temple, Nov 1868), had worked for Baxter, Rose and Norton, who in 1869 would send him to Australia to gather evidence for the celebrated Tichborne v. Lushington case. In 1880 Jeune would stand as a Conservative candidate for Colchester and be defeated by two votes. 2 There would be a gathering on the 17th at the Crystal Palace ‘“in defence of the Throne, Church, and Constitution,” according to the advertisements, while it was described as a “demonstration in support of the Established Church in Ireland and our other National Protestant Institutions” in the demonstration tickets.’ Although some 30,000 had been expected to attend the open-air meeting, rainfall would force the 1,000 or so present to gather in the ‘Handel orchestra’, where they would be addressed by, among others, Sir Brooke Bridges (chairman), Hardinge Giffard, the Bishop of Perth and Charles Newdegate. The Times (18 Aug 1868). 3 William Weldon Champneys (1807-1875), ba 1828, ma 1831 and fellow 1832 Brasenose College, Oxford, deacon and priest 1831, assistant curate of St Ebbe’s, Oxford 1831-7, was rector of St Mary’s, Whitechapel 1838 (where he introduced the first evening holy communion services in London), canon of St Paul’s 1851 and vicar of St Pancras 1860 (where he developed ragged and Sunday schools). The author of over seventy sermons, pamphlets and tracts, Champneys would be appointed dean of Lichfield in November 1868. 4 d may be recalling one of Champneys’s letters cited in Parliament on church-related matters without

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I want only one buck now, & as soon as may be: but I dont want to waive my right to the others.5 D

5040

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Hughenden [Friday] 14 August 1868

original: rac d1 79 publication history: lqv B i 533n1, extract from the third paragraph editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Aug: 14 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Dean of Ripon, the most learned member of the Low Church party, died suddenly last night.1 Had the Bishop of Peterborough deceased, as / has been daily expected,2 the Dean was the person, whom Mr. Disraeli had intended to have placed before Yr Majesty’s judgment for the vacant see. It is highly important, at the present moment, that / sympathy should 8be shown9 with the Evangelical party in the Church. For this reason, among others, Mr Disraeli strongly advises Yr Majesty to confer the vacant Deanery on Dr. McNeile of Liverpool. He has been, for many years, a shining light of / the Protestant party, but, at this critical conjuncture, he is gaining golden opinions all over England by his eloquent, learned, & commanding, advocacy of the Royal Supremacy. He is a great orator, & one of those, whose words, at periods of national / excitement, influence opinion.3 remembering whether it had been addressed to him or to Palmerston. In 1859, eg, the House had discussed Champneys’s opinion in support of legalizing marriage to a deceased wife’s sister. Hansard cliii cols 514-15. 5 See 5063. 1 Robert Bickersteth, Bishop of Ripon, had written to d on the 13th announcing ‘the sudden death of the Dean of Ripon’ and advising d to appoint as his successor ‘a man of Evangelical sentiments and of active Parochial habits’. William Goode (1801-1868), dean of Ripon since 1860, had died suddenly at Leeds on 13 August from apparent heart failure. Goode, ba 1825 and ma 1828 Trinity College, Cambridge, and priest 1825, had been curate of Christ Church Greyfriars 1825-35 and rector at St Antholin’s 1835-49, Allhallows 1849-56 and St Margaret’s 1856-60. A prominent Church of England evangelical, Goode was often referred to as ‘the modern Luther’; his extensive knowledge of historical theology and ecclesiastical law is evident in his numerous pamphlets, tracts, treatises and sermons, his most important work being The Divine Rule of Faith and Practice (2 vols, 1842; 2nd ed 3 vols, 1853), a massive critique of Tractarian doctrine. He would be succeeded by Hugh McNeile (see n3). h c/iii/a/48a; odnb; The Times (14, 15 Aug 1868). 2 It would be reported on 20 August that Francis Jeune (1806-1868), Bishop of Peterborough since 1864, had ‘rallied wonderfully’ the previous week but was ‘now sinking slowly to rest.’ He would die on the 21st after suffering ‘from heart disease, induced by gout, but the actual cause of death was the rupture of a blood-vessel in his lungs.’ Jeune, ba 1827 and ma 1830 Oxford, priest 1833, blc and dcl 1834, had been master of Pembroke College, Oxford 1844-64, canon at Gloucester Cathedral 1844, rector of Taynton, Gloucestershire 1844-64 and vice-chancellor of Oxford University 1858-62 (much occupied by the residence of the Prince of Wales 1859-60). An evangelical and a long‑standing opponent of the Oxford Movement, Jeune on doctrinal grounds had refused to attend the first Lambeth conference of 1867. He would be succeeded by William Connor Magee on 14 October. The Times (20, 22 Aug, 17 Oct 1868). See 5089n3. 3 Hugh Boyd McNeile (1795-1879), ba 1815 and ma 1821 Trinity College, Dublin, bd and dd 1847, had been ordained in 1820 by William Magee (see n2) and in 1822 married his daughter. McNeile had been

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Much depends, in every way, upon the judgment evinced in ecclesiastical appointments at this moment. The present Government has been accused, tho’ unjustly, of favoring the High Ch: party; / & an attempt has been made to prejudice them on this score. Lord Derby writes to Mr Disraeli, that Frederick Stanley will certainly beat Ld. Hartington in North Lancashire, & that it [is] his opinion, that Mr Gladstone will / be defeated in S. Lancashire.4 Mr Disraeli encloses a brochure wh:, he thinks, will interest, & even amuse, Yr Majesty. Mr Konow, a Scandinavian, having shown some civilities to the late Duke of Rutland many years ago, when his Grace was yachting, paid a / visit subsequently to England, & in his travels, subsequently 8afterwards9 published, has given an account of his visit to Belvoir. 8The Manners family have privately printed this record.95 Its naiveté is quite bewitching, & as Yr Majesty knows all the places & all the persons, Mr Disraeli ventures to believe Yr Majesty will not regret looking at this narrative, when Yr Majesty wants ½ an hour of distraction. / Should Yr Majesty graciously please to sanction Mr Disraeli’s suggestion about the Deanery, Yr Majesty’s assent by telegraph might, at this moment, be of great importance.6

rector of Albury, Surrey, 1822-34, perpetual curate of St Jude’s, Liverpool, 1834, and canon 1845 and residentiary canon 1860 of Chester. A prominent Anglican evangelical and one of the most compelling orators of his generation, McNeile was intensely anti-Catholic, strenuously opposed Tractarianism and had played a leading part in the opposition to the Maynooth grant in 1845. He would succeed Goode (see n1) as Dean of Ripon, resigning in 1875 due to failing health. 4 See 5022&n8 and 5249n1. 5 There is in Hughenden Library a copy of A Visit to England (1868, 39 pp), originally published in Norwegian in 1863, by prominent Bergen merchant Carl Konow (1806-1876), mp (c) for Bergen 1848-51 and 1857-8, member of the Stock Exchange Committee 1855-61 and founder and director of the Bergen Private Bank 1856‑70. After attending trade school in Brixton in 1821-3, he had joined his father’s and uncle’s export-import company, Konow & Co., starting his own company in 1832 and retiring in 1863 to let his son Francis take over. In the winter of 1836-7 Konow had been the guest of the Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle and of Lord Salisbury at Hatfield House. Rutland had also visited him several times at Laksevåg, where Konow had built a residence he called Belvoir Castle (demolished 1962). Konow’s booklet was published by W.H. & L. Collingridge (London) and also in an edition marked ‘For private circulation’. 6 Sir Thomas Biddulph would write to d from Lucerne on 16 August: ‘I am desired by the Queen to reply to your letter of the 14th instant, respecting the appointment of a successor to the late Dr. Goode, Dean of Ripon. You must be aware how desirous the Queen is generally to sanction the recommendations you make for the disposal of the patronage of the Crown, and that it is most unwillingly her Majesty demurs on the present occasion. But before sanctioning the appointment of Dr. McNeile to the vacant Deanery, the Queen would wish you to consider well what that effect may be of appointing so strong a partisan to a high dignity in the English Church. However great Dr. McNeile’s attainments may be, and however distinguished he may be as a speaker, the Queen believes he has chiefly rendered himself conspicuous by his hostility to the Roman Catholic Church. The Queen would ask whether his appointment is not likely to stir up a considerable amount of ill-feeling among the Roman Catholics, and in the minds of those who sympathise with them, which will more than counterbalance the advantage to be gained by the promotion of an able advocate of the Royal supremacy.’ lqv B i 533.

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5041

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

[Hughenden, Friday] 14 August [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/80 publication history: m&b v 58, the third paragraph; Shannon 53, the third paragraph editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1. Sic: McNiel.

Aug. 14. The Death of the Dean of Ripon, whom we were just going to make a Bishop, is very strange. I have written to the Queen & recommended Her Majesty to appoint McNiel. I think it not / improbable Her Majesty will telegraph Her reply.1 Send me down tomorrow the Clergy List. I don’t know the names & descriptions of the persons I am recommending for deaneries / & mitres!2 In case Ld Mayo’s letter does not go by his own bag, but by post, be careful to seal it.3 D. Be careful, that my box goes to the Queen this / afternoon – & ask them at F.O. to put the letter to Lady Ely4 in Ld. Stanley’s bag or box.

5042

to: HENRY PADWICK

Hughenden [Friday] 14 August 1868

original: brn [43] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden Manor’ written in.

Private Hughenden Manor | Augt. 14 1868 Henry Padwick | Esqr My dear Sir, I have written today to the Lord Advocate, now at Braemar, to communicate with you, if necessary, about the Scotch Elections, & / that you possess my entire confidence.1 Tell me what you hear about Lord Henry Lennox’s contest at Chichester: I am rather anxious about it. 8But be very close about this.92 I was much obliged to you for your letter. / It is perfectly convenient for me to send you an order for the business you were so kind as to attend to for me; but I rather

1 See 5040&nn1,3&6. 2 For d’s similar appeal to Corry in September, see 5107. 3 Although this letter has not been found, Edward Levy of the Daily Telegraph wrote to Corry on this day (14th) requesting information about the rumoured appointment of Mayo, who would be sworn in as governor-general of India at Calcutta on 12 January 1869. h b/xx/a/37. 4 d’s letter to Lady Ely has not been found. 1 d’s letter to Edward Strathearn Gordon has not been found. 2 Prior to the 1867 electoral reforms, Chichester had elected two members; since July 1865, they were Lennox and John Abel Smith (l). At the 17 November 1868 election Lennox would defeat Smith 603-433 for the one seat. McCalmont. See 5074&n4.

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wished to avoid the order, & to have concluded it personally. But / this is a small object – & if you think it better to finish offhand, I will do so. Yrs sincerely, | D. I hope the gout is better.3 to: MONTAGU CORRY

[Hughenden, Saturday] 15 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/81 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out.

5043

M. Corry Esq Augt 15 1868 My dear Montagu, We were rather in hopes of seeing you today, & do not yet quite despair of it. Will you have the kindness to ask Lambert to / give us the pleasure of his company here on Saturday next, – 8the 22nd Inst9 & I count on your being here too. I mention 8suggest9 Saturday, because he mentioned / the “end of the week” as most convenient to him. Yrs ever | D. When you come, bring your rod, as I hear the trout are returning & / some large fish have been seen.1 D

3 Henry Padwick, Sr, would write on 20 August to (perhaps) Corry, from Royal Station Hotel, York: ‘I am extremely sorry that my absence from Town will have prevented my seeing you ... Scotch politics somewhat obliged me to make a hasty departure, and I am afraid I cannot return before Tuesday or Wednesday, but I shall be very glad to receive a friendly hint on the subject, or letter you refer to, if you would kindly address it to me at: The Palace, Hamilton, N.B. I have just received Mr Disraeli’s letter and will endeavour to give effect to all that he points out. The Duke of Hamilton having given his directions to afford Mr Dalrymple all the support we can in Buteshire, I am anxious to carry out his wishes without a moments delay.’ h b/xxi/p/15. 1 Corry would reply from Downing Street on the 17th: ‘Wednesday is the day upon which I have been looking forward to seeing you; and I ought to have made myself clearer on the point when we parted at Latimer ... I should probably have to return here on Friday for business, and, in that case, I might as well sleep in London & return to you on Saturday with Lambert, who gratefully accepts your invitation. I am bent on “accounting for” some of the large fish. I am put out beyond measure today at finding that the messengers have neglected you. I only discovered this just now – 6.45 – on enquiring which of them had gone to Hughenden. It is too late now to remedy this default, which may, I know, have caused you the greatest inconvenience, but it certainly shall not happen again, as I have given each of them a severe reprimand for this breach of my general order that a messenger should go to you by the 10.30 train daily, and I think they at last understand what I mean. I have heard today from F. Stanley, who ... speaks with perfect confidence of his [Preston] election prospects. Your letters are tonight forwarded to Beach and Lowther. Though I caused careful enquiries to be made, the information given me on Saturday, that they both be in London today, has proved false. I have seen Sclater-Booth today, and learn that he and Hunt are preparing a reply to a letter, wh: Mr Cross, (one of Gladstone’s opponents), has addressed to the C. of E. asking for a refutation of Gladstone’s statements. It is to be submitted to you, and then forwarded to Mr Cross for publication. Perhaps the matter is best dealt with thus, and requires to be “shown up” on authority. “Billy Russell” writes in high spirits about their prospects at Chelsea; and the Worcester agent says [William] Laslett is certain to win. Our other reports today are decidedly satisfactory.’ h b/xx/ co/40. See 5046 and 5049.

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5044

to: SIR MICHAEL HICKS BEACH [Hughenden, Saturday] 15 August 1868 original: gls d2455 pcc 75 [11] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper (although d is at Hughenden on this date; see 5043).

Sir M. Hicks Beach | Bart: M.P. Augt 15 1868 Dear Sir Michael, The post of Under Secretary of State being now vacant, I shall have great pleasure, if agreeable to yourself, to / prefer you to it. You will serve under Mr. Secy. Hardy with whom you are well acquainted, & it will be difficult for you to find yourself in relation / with a more satisfactory chief. Your previous official experience will be of advantage to you in this new office.1 Yours very faithfully, | B. Disraeli

5045

to: LORD STANLEY

Hughenden [Sunday] 16 August 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/66 publication history: m&b v 60, omitting the first three paragraphs, part of the penultimate one and the last one; m&b v 81, the second and third paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden Manor’ written in. Sic: Magdalla; Fontainbleau.

Hughenden Manor | Augt. 16 1868 Right Honble | Secy. Lord Stanley Dear S. Thanks, many, for yr. letters. Write when you can.1 Reverdy J. has not arrived. I will send a Secy the moment he does, & ask him down here.2 The hero of Magdalla is coming / on the 24th. I shd. like to kill them with the same stone.3 I have given orders for the new Admy Patent to be prepared, as I hear there is no danger 8,now,9 of any election being precipitated at Preston, so Fred: will be soon at work:4 Sir M. Beach to be U. Secy. Home,5 & Jem Lowther to have his / place in 1 See 5046n3. 1 Stanley had written to d on 7 and 8 August from Paris (see 5032n2) and on the 12th from Lucerne enclosing a letter from Edward Thornton, British minister at Washington, ‘the only one I have yet received worth sending on to you. It might be worth while to let your secretary forward an extract of so much as relates to Fenianism to Hardy and Mayo. My neighbour [the Queen] is fairly installed in her villa: I hear she complains a good deal of the heat – and no wonder, for it is such as I have never before known in Switzerland – but is otherwise satisfied. She sticks to her purpose of declining all visits, and I have had to refuse one already on her behalf. Her house is small, but good: with a noble view, and pretty well secluded from tourists, though a “pension” close by quite overlooks it. Tell me how the elections are thought to be going on.’ h b/xix/a/92. 2 Reverdy Johnson (1796-1876), graduated 1812 St John’s College, Annapolis, admitted to the state bar 1815, deputy attorney-general of Maryland 1816-17, had served in the Maryland state senate 1821-9 and US senate 1845-9, attorney-general 1849-50, US Senate 1863-8 and American minister to Great Britain 1868-9. Johnson had played a key role in keeping Maryland from seceding during the Civil War. See 5049&n1. 3 See 5070&n4. 4 Conservatives Edward Hermon and Sir T.G.F. Hesketh (mp for Preston since 1862) would be elected for Preston at the 18 November election. For Frederick Stanley, mp for Preston since July 1865, see 5046n3. 5 See 5046n3.

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the Poor Law Board, wh: he will represent in the Commons.6 Thus, we get the young ones, who promise, into the firm, & they will join 8sit9 on the front bench, wherever that may be. No human being can give anything like a precise estimate of the elections until the Registration is over. All that is / certain at present is, that we have our men better planted than our opponents; more numerous candidates, & stronger ones. The enemy also have no electioneering fund. It is a fact that both the Duke of Devon[shir]e & D. of Bedford7 refused to subscribe. We, on the contrary, have a fund, tho’ not ½ large enough: but sufficient to stimulate & secure contests, where there is / a good chance, & wh:, otherwise, cd. not have been engaged in. What we want at this moment is a strong Protestant appointment in the church. I have been expecting a Bishop to die every day, but there is hardly a “good Protestant” strong / enough to make a Bishop. I thought, however, of recommending Dean Goode, an Evangelical, but really an ecclesiastical scholar, & equal in Patristic lore to any Puseyite father. Strange to say, instead of being made a Bishop, he / has suddenly died:8 & I have recommended the Queen to make McNeile of Liverpool, Dean of Ripon, wh: is a Protestant diocese. I believe the effect of this will be very advantageous to us: but I have not yet received the / Queen’s approval, & the affair must be, therefore, kept close. I am very anxious for it – & I have asked H.M. to telegraph.9 You don’t tell me about your dinner at Fontainbleau. It is something in this life to have dined at Fontbleau.10 Adieu! dear comrade, | D.

  6 See 5036&n2.   7 William Russell (1809-1872), 8th Duke of Bedford 1861, educated at Christ Church, Oxford, a jp for Bedfordshire, had been Whig mp for Tavistock 1832-41 and since 1861 had taken little part in public life due mostly to ill health.   8 See 5040&n1.   9 See 5067&n3. 10 Stanley would reply from Lucerne on the 20th: ‘Your letter was a great pleasure to me: it contained the only political news I have heard since coming here ... The great lady keeps herself very close: I saw her last Sunday in excellent looks and high good humour: she said little of public affairs, but what she did say was to blame the opposition, and express decided sympathy with her ministers ... She seems to pass her time chiefly sitting in her garden, and driving out in the evening at a tremendous pace. She has a steamer at her disposal, but does not use it much. We have had great heat for some days, which she suffered from (and indeed it was such as I have never felt in Europe) but the weather has changed, and is perfect cool and bright. I enjoy myself thoroughly here, making long walking expeditions daily, through a pleasant country, and laying in a stock of health and strength. As to foreign affairs, there is nothing in the despatches, and you see all my semi-official letters that have anything in them ... I hear that the review of the National guard in Paris went off unexpectedly well: the Emperor found himself more popular than he had ever hoped, and is elated accordingly. I suspect that his susceptibility (of late become very marked) to slight fluctuations of opinion shows that disease has done its work on the nerves. He may live for years, but will never be a healthy man again. – if I said nothing about Fontainebleau, it was because nothing passed of any significance. Eugenie was as civil and friendly as possible, but at a dinner of 40 people, and on a first meeting, not much can be said. I was rather taken with her: nothing could be more natural or simple than her manners: perfect dignity without stiffness ... Thanks for what you propose about R. Johnson. I am told he comes over with very conciliatory instructions to settle the American dispute before Dec. though to my mind it has ceased to be dangerous or even serious. I am very glad that my brother should have his innings. My father had this much to heart, and you will have made him happy.’ h b/ xix/a/93.

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5046

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Hughenden [Sunday] 16 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/82 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H. M.’ written in.

Aug: 16 | H. M. 1868 As there is now, I believe, little or no, danger about Preston, I think no time shd. be lost in preparing, & publishing, the New Admy. Patent.1 The / replies of Beach & Lowther2 will be sent to D.S. as I have written from thence: you will know, therefore, their contents before me, / & can give the information to such papers as you please: only not the “Times”.3 D.

5047

to: LORD HOLMESDALE

Hughenden [Monday] 17 August 1868

original: h c/ii/a/88 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden Manor’ written in.

The | Viscount Holmesdale | M.P. Hughenden Manor | Augt 17 1868 My dear Holmesdale, I ought, before this, to have acknowledged your letter, & enclosures,1 respecting the wish of Colonel Lennard to obtain an hereditary distinction, / for which, I doubt not, he is, in every sense, qualified.2 All that I can say, at present, on this subject is, that I will make a careful note of the circumstances, & give them, in due season, / a kind consideration. Your Kentish prospects seem most animating, & the accounts generally throughout the country encouraging.3

1 Corry would inform d on the 17th that on that day he had written to Frederick Stanley to tell him that ‘the new Patent is to be published forthwith.’ h b/xx/co/40. See 5045n4. 2 See 5044&n1 and 5036&n2. 3 The Times on 20 August would report: ‘The Herald announces that Sir Michael Hicks Beach, M.P. for East Glocestershire [sic], will succeed Sir James Fergusson as Under Secretary for the Home-office, and that the Hon. F. Stanley will be appointed to the Civil Lordship of the Admiralty vacated by Mr. Ducane [sic].’ 1 Holmesdale had written to d on 24 July from Linton Park, Staplehurst: ‘I have been asked to lay before you the wishes of Col. Lennard of Wickham Court in this county who is anxious to be created a baronet: and as he has always been a strong and influential supporter of the Conservative cause, I take the liberty of doing so. I enclose a statement, by which you will see he is the representative of two extinct baronetcies; and some letters from Col. Taylor, which show that Lord Derby thought favourably of him. If you felt disposed to think well of him and my request, I am sure it would give great satisfaction in the county, as he is personally very popular, and has taken a very active part in county business, for many years past.’ h c/ii/a/78a. 2 John Farnaby Lennard (1816-1899), Bt 1880, eldest son of lieut-gen Sir William Cator and Diana Bertie, educated at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, had entered the Royal Academy in 1835 and retired in 1852. He was fsa, jp and dl, chairman of quarter sessions and Kent county council and lieut-col commandant of the Kent Militia Artillery. He had taken the surname of Lennard in 1861 (in lieu of Cator) under the will of Sir Charles Farnaby, 5th Bt of Kippington, who had succeeded to the Lennard estates in Kent through his mother. Peerage (1930); The Times (31 Aug 1859; 23 Dec 1899. 3 Holmesdale (n1) had written, ‘We launched our two candidates for West Kent successfully yesterday. As yet I hear of no one to oppose Dyke and myself in Mid Kent.’ Holmesdale and William Hart Dyke, mps for w Kent, would represent Mid-Kent as of 23 November.

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Pray, make my Complmts acceptable to Lady Holmesdale,4 & believe me, always yours, B. Disraeli to: SIR EDMUND LECHMERE

Hughenden [Monday] 17 August 1868

original: h c/i/b/137c editorial comment: A copy in another hand.

5048

Confidential Hughenden | Aug 17. 1868. Copy Sir Edmund Lechmere | Bart. MP Dear Sir Edmund,1 Your letter of the 24th ulto should have been acknowledged before.2 All I can, at present, say, is, that I respect the claim you urge, both on your own account, and that of your family, and that if I remain in power, I will, if the occasion offers, give it a just, and even kind, consideration.3 Believe me | very faithfully yours, | B Disraeli to: MONTAGU CORRY

[Hughenden, Monday] 17 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/83 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper (although d was at Hughenden on this date).

Montagu Corry Esq

5049

Augt 17 1868

4 Holmesdale on 27 August 1862 had married Lady Julia Mann-Cornwallis (1844-1883), of Linton Park, only surviving daughter and heir of James, 5th and last Earl Cornwallis, and Julia (née Bacon). Peerage (1869). 1 Sir Edmund Anthony Harley Lechmere (1826-1894), 3rd Bt 1852, only son of Sir Edmund Hungerford Lechmere, 2nd Bt, and Maria Clara (née Murray), ma Christ Church, Oxford, was jp and dl 1852 and high sheriff 1862 of Worcester, mp (c) for Tewkesbury 1866-8, w Worcestershire 1876-85, Bewdley 1885-92 and Evesham 1892-4. 2 Lechmere had written to d on 24 July that, ‘In consequence of Mr [John Reginald] Yorke’s decision to retire from the representation of Tewkesbury, I am about, for the second time, to contest that Borough in behalf of the Conservative party, & the present Government ... It is the opinion of many of my friends that should I succeed in once more winning Tewkesbury, & in consideration of my past services, out of Parliament for the Conservative party, I may fairly be allowed to ask a favour of the Premier. It is, that the Peerage which formerly existed in my family, in the person of Nicholas Lechmere, Baron Lechmere of Evesham, who died without issue in 1721, & from whose brother I am lineally descended, may be revived in my favour.’ He asked d to ‘kindly bear in mind my request for the revival, not the creation, of the family Peerage whenever you may think it desirable at any future time to add to the number of the House of Lords. I think that both Sir John Pakington & Lord Beauchamp would be willing to testify to my past labours for the party in Worcester, Worcestershire, & Tewkesbury. I beg to enclose with this a few brief memoranda relating to my family & myself.’ h c/ii/a/66a. William Edwin Price (l) would defeat Lechmere 355-323 on 17 November 1868 and 350-323 in January 1874 in two elections for Tewkesbury. 3 Writing to Lord Rowton (Montagu Corry) on 2 May 1880, Lechmere would draw his attention to ‘the most kind terms of Lord Beaconsfields letter to me in 1868, wherein he said my wishes shd have his “just, and even kind consideration.” After 30 years faithful service to the cause, in and out of the House, & from Contested Elections ... I feel certain that under these circumstances Lord Beaconsfield wd. not hesitate to reconsider my claim, & my earnest wish, when as we may hope the time will come, he may be once more in power.’ h c/i/a/66c.

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My dear Montagu, Very disappointed at no messenger this morning – by wh: I lose a day’s post for many letters, & some pressing. Has Mr Reverdy Johnson arrived / in London? And if so, where? In the absence of Lord Stanley, some attention shd be paid to him by some one.1 I have written to Lambert, suggesting Friday / the 28th., for his visit, & st[ayin]g till following Monday.2 See that there is no mistake about this. My woodman3 reported today, in the pool near the Aylesbury / lodge, a fish, at least a foot & ½ long. Mind, therefore, you bring your rod, & capture him. Yrs ever | D.

5050

to: WILLIAM FERRAND

Hughenden [Monday] 17 August [1868?]

original: ps 427 publication history: J.T. Ward, ‘Correspondence between Disraeli and W.B. Ferrand’, Disraeli Newsletter 2:1 (Spring 1977) 18 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in. Dating: conjectural; d was at Hughenden 12 August to 12 September 1868.

Hughenden, | Augt. 17 My dear Ferrand, Many thanks. I hope you are getting on well. I have spoken very seriously about the matters you mentioned.1 Yours sincerely, | D.

5051

to: LADY CHESHAM

Hughenden [Monday] 17 August 1868

original: qua 408 editorial comment: Hughenden paper. Sic: Magdalla.

Augt. 17 1868 Dear Lady! Are we so happy as to find you disengaged on Monday the 24th:, & could we induce you, & Lord Chesham, to come & stay with us / till the following Thursday?1 You will

1 The Times on 5 August had announced Johnson’s arrival for ‘the 15th inst., in the North German Lloyd steamship Baltimore. Mrs. Lincoln, the widow of the late President of the United States, and her son, are also expected in the same steamer.’ On this day (17th) it reported that Johnson, ‘with his wife and family, arrived at Southampton on Saturday morning ... It is understood they will leave for London in the course of to-day or to-morrow.’ See 5056. 2 See 5052&n2. 3 Mr Lovett; see ix 3981n1. 1 Ferrand, mp (c) for Devonport, would be defeated at the 18 November 1868 election. See 5060n3. 1 Lady Chesham would reply on the 18th from Latimer: ‘I very much wish we could have accepted all your invitation but we have people staying with us who we could not leave for more than one night. Would you therefore send us word on which of the three days you so kindly ask us to be at Hughenden you would prefer our going there to dine & sleep? We are very reluctant to give up the thought of a visit which would be such a pleasure to us but I cannot desert our guests for a longer time.’ h b/xxi/c/187.

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meet Lord & Lady Napier of Magdalla,2 & perhaps some other agreeable people, who, I am sure, will come, / if they know, that you are to be our guest. At least, I am sure, I should.3 Ever | your devoted | Servant, | B. Disraeli to: JOHN LAMBERT

Hughenden [Monday] 17 August 1868

original: ps 1511 publication history: Unidentified catalogue (2002) item 40, described as ‘Autograph Letter Signed, “B. Disraeli”, as Prime Minister, on imprinted 10, Downing Street, Whitehall stationery. Four pages, octavo. “Hughenden Manor”, August 17, 1868 ... To “John Lambert, Esq.”’ editorial comment: Sic: Long [twice], an incorrect transcription of ‘Corry’; see 5043.

5052

Dear Lambert, I hope you have not forgotten your promise to pay Hughenden a visit. Knowing that the end, or the decline, of the week is not convenient to you, I had written, to Montagu Long, to suggest to you next Saturday, the 22nd, but if you please, I would prefer Saturday the 29th; or if business will permit you, the previous Friday the 28th. I have not heard from Long, as I had expected today,1 and so send you this line, which I trust may be successful.2 Yours sincerely, B. Disraeli to: [HENRY PADWICK]

[Hughenden, about 18 August 1868]

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a manuscript copy docketed in another hand: ‘(Autumn of 1868)’. h b/ ix/a/17a is a draft in d’s hand. Recipient and Dating: by context; see n1 and 5054.

5053

Confidential I have read Sir N.L’s letter with dismay.1 There is as much chance of the Tory party proposing to disestablish the Protestant Church in Ireland as there is of their proposing to abrogate the Monarchy. There is only one issue in politics now and on that Sir N seems to be against us. In fact he wants to stand as a Gladstonite.

2 In 1861 Lord Napier (as Sir Robert Napier) had married secondly Mary Cecilia (ca 1840-1930), ci 1879, daughter of Major‑General Edward W. Smythe Scott, ra, inspector‑general of ordnance in India. They had nine children. 3 See 5070&n4. 1 See 5049. 2 Lambert would reply on the 18th: ‘Nothing could give me greater pleasure than a visit to you at Hughenden; and as it will be quite convenient to me to leave Town on Friday the 28th, I most gladly avail myself of your alternative invitation for that day. I hope that I shall be able, in the meantime, to forgive you for depriving me of the services of Sir Michael Hicks Beach who has discharged the duties of Parliamentary Secretary, with far more zeal and ability, than any of his predecessors of my acquaintance.’ h b/ xxi/l/9. 1 Sir Norman MacDonald Lockhart (1844-1870), 4th Bt 1849, of Lee and Carnwarth, Lanarkshire, would be defeated at the 26 November 1868 election in Lanarkshire s by J.G.C. Hamilton (l). McCalmont; The Times (6 Apr 1870). Lockhart’s letter to Padwick has not been found. See 5054.

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When the House meets, Mr. G or some of his followers will move an amendment to the Address in favor of the dis-establishment of the Irish Church, and if it be carried there will be a change of Government. I do not think it will be carried, and that the Protestant feeling of the Country is every day more developing itself, and comprehending that the struggle is really between Protestantism and Popery, and that no Protestant Church can eventually stand if this attack succeeds. But, when I read letters like Sir N L’s I confess I begin to get alarmed. The best thing he can do is to keep himself clear of any pledge; not even pledge himself against disestablishment, but say when the question is brought forward he will give it a fair consideration, but that he will not join in a mere party vote of want of confidence in the Government upon the subject.

5054

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Hughenden [Tuesday] 18 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/84

Hughenden | Augt. 18. 1868 I enclose you [a] letter from Ld Shrewsbury, as it is about elections. Return it.1 I am anxious to have authentic information respecting the Northampton S: esclandre, & what will come of it.2 Padwick, who wants to know what he can do for us in Scotland, / & where, according to himself, he has already done a great deal, enclosed me a letter to him from Sir Norman Lockhart; very disagreeable.3 Sir Norman suggests, that he shd. declare for disestablishment, as McLagan4 & our Dunbartonshire candidate5 are doing, & assumes, of course, that / the Govermt. will disestablish the Irish Ch:, & therefore, they ought to not to lose their seats for a shadow.

1 Shrewsbury’s letter has not been found. 2 Lord Frederic FitzRoy (l) had been narrowly defeated by Conservatives Sir Rainald Knightley and Col Henry Cartwright at the 20 July election for Northamptonshire s (two seats). The Times on 21 September would report that Cartwright, having withdrawn from the contest prior to prorogation (31 July), had later announced he would seek re-election. Knightley then had stated that ‘in consequence of a “dictatorial” letter’ from Cartwright’s friends, he would withdraw. In a surprising volte-face, Cartwright had recently announced that he was again withdrawing, and as a consequence Knightley had stated he would now stand. In his election address, published in The Times on 26 September, FitzRoy would note that ‘The Conservatives have made public the dissensions which exist among themselves ... It is not my duty to discuss the affairs of our opponents, for we, happily, are in no way mixed up with them.’ On 25 November FitzRoy would be defeated by Knightley and Fairfax Cartwright, who would retain their seats until 1892 and 1881, respectively. 3 See 5053&n1. 4 Peter McLagan (l) would retain his seat for Linlithgowshire (Scotland) at the 23 November election. 5 Archibald Orr Ewing (1818-1893), Bt 1886, educated at the University of Glasgow, a partner (with his brother John) in 1845 in Archibald Orr Ewing & Co (turkey-red dyeing), founder of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Newspaper Company (which published Conservative-minded newspapers), would become a millionaire thanks to large shareholdings in railway and shipping companies. He was dl for Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire, jp for Inverness-shire and Stirlingshire, and mp (c) for Dunbartonshire 1868-92, winning his seat uncontested at the 19 November election.

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I have written very strongly to Padwick,6 & made him understand, I think, the position, & that Sir Norman might just as well stand as an avowed / Gladstonite as take such a course: that those who do so will fall into the trap of an amendment on the address, & vote out their friends the first night. As Padwick, I find, is in communication with Sir Jas Fergusson on the Bute election (the / Duke of Hamilton having great influence in Arran)7 I have recommended him to consult Sir Jas, if the Bart: be in town, & show him my letter as well as Sir Normans. He cannot have a better advice. This affair requires great management & / attention. 8If F. is not in town, you had better ask P. to call on you with the two letters.9 I can’t make out our West Riding arrangements.8 I see Holden 8stands for a division.9 This ought to give us a renewed chance at Knaresboro’.9 I enclose a page of Pall-Mall Gazette of yesterday, marked. Who is / the Divine alluded to? It must be McNeile. Surely there is nothing against his character? Pray, look sharp about it.10 I have heard nothing from Lucerne.11 Perhaps there is no telegraph 8from that place.9 But ascertain / this at F.O. Perowne, who spoke at the Ch Crystal palace meeting,12 is, I think (with his

  6 See 5053.   7 Charles Dalrymple (c) would be elected for Buteshire (Scotland) 527-362 over J.W. Burns (l) at the 25 November election. One of the Duke of Hamilton’s seats was Brodick Castle, on the Isle of Arran, part of Buteshire (until 1974).   8 No Conservative would stand for the northern division of the West Riding of Yorkshire at the 30 November election. At the 21 November election for the southern division, Conservatives Walter Spencer-Stanhope and Lewis Starkey would be defeated, while Conservatives C.B. Denison and Joshua Fielden would win seats at the 25 November election for the eastern division (and be re-elected in 1874). McCalmont.   9 Isaac Holden (1807-1897), 1st Bt 1893, jp and dl for the West Riding of Yorkshire, mp (l) for Knaresborough 1865-8, would unsuccessfully contest the eastern division of the West Riding of Yorkshire on 25 November 1868 and its northern division in 1872, winning the latter seat in 1882 (defeating Gathorne Hardy) and retaining it until 1893. In the 17 November 1868 election at Knaresborough, Alfred Illingworth (l) would narrowly defeat A.S. Lawson (c) 362-347. Stenton ii; McCalmont. 10 d may refer to a passage, in the Pall Mall Gazette of 17 August, from a review of Memoirs of the Life and Labours of the Rev. Hugh Stowell by J.B. Marsden: ‘Nor was his ministerial reputation in any way compromised by any such unlucky contretemps as that which befel the “great and good man,” his brother Evangelical preacher in the other great Lancashire focus of Protestantism, pure and undefiled.’ For the evangelical, anti-Catholic Hugh McNeile, see 5040n3. 11 Lady Ely had written to d from Lucerne on 17 August thanking him for his letter (not found) ‘received yesterday. We have had a continuation of very hot weather lately ... [and] a good many thunderstorms, but they do not clear the air.’ The Queen had ‘suffered a good deal from the heat’ and, although eating and sleeping well, was ‘languid & tired’. Thus she had given up going to Interlaken and instead would go to Furka, in the mountains. h b/xix/a/83. See 5067&n9. 12 Edward Henry Perowne (1826-1906), ba 1850, ma 1853, bd 1860, dd 1873 Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, deacon 1850 and priest 1851, fellow and tutor 1858 and master 1879 of Corpus, examining chaplain to the Bishop of St Asaph 1874-88, prebendary of St Asaph 1877-90, vice-chancellor of Cambridge University 1879-81, examining chaplain to his brother the Bishop of Worcester 1891-1901, honorary chaplain to the Queen 1898-1900 and chaplain in ordinary 1900-1. A strong evangelical and rigid Conservative, Perowne was author of The Godhead of Jesus (1867) and Savonarola (1900), among other works. Perowne, one of the speakers at a ‘“demonstration in support of the Established Church of Ireland and our other National Protestant Institutions”’ at the Crystal Palace on 17 August (see 5039n2), had stated that the question to be considered at the next election was ‘whether England should maintain her position ... as pre-eminently honouring God and upholding his pure Gospel’, the task at hand being ‘to prevent the enemies of God’s truth and God’s Church from robbing the Church and so robbing God Himself.’ The Times (18 Aug 1868).

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brothers) in Walpole’s control.13 Cambridge list for Bishops or Deaneries. Yrs D.

5055

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

[Hughenden, after 18 August 1868]

original: h c/ii/c/39b editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on a cover from the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

an answer to be Mr Verner1 very courteous must be sent, drawn 8directly9 from the Duke’s letter.2 D3

13 John James Stewart Perowne (1823-1904), ba 1845, ma 1848, bd 1856, dd 1873 Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, deacon 1847 and priest 1848. Moving to Wales following his marriage to Anna Maria Woolryche in 1862, Perowne was vice-principal of St David’s College, Lampeter 1862-72, cursal prebendary of St David’s 1867-72 and canon of Llandaff 1869-78. An evangelical with broad church leanings and a renowned Old Testament scholar, Perowne would be honorary chaplain to Queen Victoria 1875-8, dean of Peterborough 1878 and Bishop of Worcester 1891 (resigning 1901). Thomas Thomason Perowne (1824-1913), ba 1847, ma 1850 and bd 1858 Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, deacon and priest 1848, curate of St Michael’s 1848-53 and of Holy Sepulchre 1862-7, Cambridge, rector of Stalbridge, Dorset 1867 and archdeacon of Norwich 1874-1910. Spencer Walpole and A.J. Beresford Hope would win the two Cambridge University seats in an uncontested election on 16 November.   1 Edward Wingfield Verner (1830-1899), 4th Bt 1886, mp (c) for Lisburn 1863-73 and for co Armagh 187380, high sheriff of co Dublin 1866, had written to d from Bray, Ireland, on 12 August 1868: ‘On the 20th. April I addressed the Secretary for the Colonies, asking for the Governorship of South Australia or Tasmania, and informing him that ... I was generally acquainted with the Australian Colonies from extensive travel in them, & the possession of Pastoral property. On the same date I did myself the honor of writing to you, requesting your influential good word.’ In a subsequent interview, Buckingham had told Verner that ‘it was a very generally-acted upon rule ... that the Governorships at the Antipodes should be given to gentlemen who had served in such places as the West Indies & who would then pass thro’ a “Cooling Chamber” before returning to England.’ Verner had then been much surprised to learn ‘that the posts, one of which I desired to obtain, had been bestowed ... on two subordinate members of the Administration, Gentlemen who had enjoyed the “sweets of office” for 2 years, & who, to the best of my knowledge, never had any experience of Colonial life & politics ... For two years a Conservative Government has been in power. During that time I have had to make several applications to the Irish Branch for friends or tried supporters of the Party. My advocacy has invariably proved fatal to the success of these persons. It has in every case, been sufficient for me to ask to be refused, and the result of my attempt on my own behalf with the Colonial Minister puts a climax on a course of treatment very undeserved, & alienating in its effect. As your reply [not found] to my former letter was so kind, I think it right to let you know the above circumstance.’ h c/ii/c/39a. Sir James Fergusson would be governor of South Australia and Charles Du Cane governor of Tasmania.   2 Buckingham had written to d from Stowe on 18 August that he had told Verner ‘that for the larger Australian colonies I desired to combine if possible both Parliamentary & Official experience – & could not therefore hold out any hopes to him – that for the lesser Australian Colonies it was desirable that they shd be open to those already in that service, as he states, & he will find they have been so treated – Queensland having been given to [Samuel] Blackall after service at S. Leone, and Western Australia to [Benjamin] Pine after service in Africa and West Indies ... there is not at present any opening ... [as] one who has not had an official experience in England by which his power of work can be known & proved, he must be content with very small things abroad in which to try his hand. In power I understood to look to larger involvements than those which fall to the lot of beginners.’ h c/ii/c/39d.   3 In an undated draft reply to Verner, Corry would write that d, having received his letter, had written to Buckingham, who had replied that he was ‘really desirous of forwd. yr interests in any way which may lie in his power but that your case was unfortly one of a class included in a stringent rule applying to such

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to: REVERDY JOHNSON

Hughenden [Wednesday] 19 August 1868

original: lc [1] editorial comment: Hughenden paper. Sic: Magdalla.

5056

Augt 19 1868 His Excellency | The Minister of the United States My dear Sir, We are, all of us, delighted to hear of your arrival in England,1 & regret, that we are, all of us, absent at such a moment. Lord / Stanley, as you know, is in attendance on Her Majesty in Switzerland, & the rest of my colleagues are scattered. Would you do me the great honor of coming & passing a few / days, here on Tuesday, the 25th. Inst:, & meeting Lord Napier of Magdalla, who will then be my guest?2 It will gratify me much to receive you in Buckinghamshire. If / I be fortunate in this proposition, one of my secretaries shall call on you, & give you all necessary information as to your movements.3 Believe me, | my dear Sir, | sincerely yours, | B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Hughenden [Wednesday] 19 August 1868

original: rac d1 82 publication history: lqv B i 533-4, omitting the last sentence editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

5057

Hughenden | Augt. 19 1868 Mr Disraeli with his most humble duty to Yr Majesty, begs leave to assure Yr Majesty, that he has most anxiously, & deeply, considered / the step, that he has advised Yr Majesty to take with respect to the Deanery of Ripon.1

appts that the Govern of the larger col should be given to persons who combined both Parly & Offic exp. while those of the lesser Col should be best. on persons who were already in the service, a course which it cannot be concl as reason & justice demand them. It app. to Mr. D. that a misapp has prev. in your mind with regard to the former of these clauses, and ... he feels it incumbent on him to draw yr attention to the object of The Duke in making the rule with reg. to the Govship of larger Colonies, which is to bring to bear on the difficulties attending such a post all the knowledge which attends Exp. of Both Parly & Official Duties. This Mr. D feel to be both wise and necessary, 8Men who have devotd a number of years of their life to for service should have fair and reasonable hopes of prom and rew[ar]d for app[ointment]s well administered and duties & offices performed thoroly9 and happy as he would be, in conf. with the D of B to further yr wishes in the matter he feels compelled to express to you his approval of the rule, but at the same time his regret that it should be a cause of disapp. to one whose int[erest]s he wd be glad to promote in any way which lay in his power.’ h c/ii/c/39c. 1 See 5049&n1. 2 See 5070&n4. 3 Replying from Fenton’s Hotel on the 20th, Johnson would accept d’s invitation with ‘great pleasure ... To make your personal acquaintance will be most gratifying, as it will also be to make that of Lord Napier. His speedy and complete triumph in Abyssinia, in spite of obstacles, which were by many deemed insuperable, has won for him a name of which he and his country may well be proud.’ h b/xxi/s/104. 1 See 5040&nn1,3,6.

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From the vast number of letters he daily / receives on the subject, he believes the step is already anticipated in public opinion, & that it would be favorably received by the High Church / party, who feel that the claims of Canon McNeile cannot be overlooked at this crisis, & that, if now passed over, a higher preferment might fall to / him. Mr Disraeli has consulted the Lord Chancellor on this matter, who is very strongly in favor of the appointment of Canon McNeile. There / is no hope of conciliating the Roman Catholics: even Ld. Denbigh, Mr Disraeli’s intimate & attached supporter, has left him now: the influence of ArchB[isho]p Manning being omnipotent.2 The / Protestant party in the Church consider they have been neglected, & more than neglected, by the present Government. The preferment of Canon McNeile would remedy all this at / a most critical moment. It is a party very powerful, very energetic, & only want encouragement to be triumphant. Mr Disraeli quite enters into Yr Majesty’s general / views on this proposition, distinguished, he unaffectedly admits, by all Your Majesty’s wise & just appreciation of affairs – but affairs are very peculiar now: the situation has much changed / during the last fortnight; the Protestant feeling of the country is very generally stirred; but the danger is, that it may not be enlisted on the side of / the Ch: of England. In great haste, as there is no messenger tomorrow, & Yr Majestys communication has only this instant arrived.3

5058

to: PHILIP ROSE

Hughenden [Thursday] 20 August 1868

original: h r/i/a/213a cover: Private | Philip Rose | Aboyne Castle | N B | B. Disraeli [in another hand] 59 Rutland Gate | London postmark: On recto: (1) In a circle: london official | n | paid | c | 20 au 68 (2) In a circle: d | aberdeen | au 22 | 68; On verso: (1) In a circle: e | aberdeen | au 21 | 68 (2) In a circle: aboyne | b | au 21 | 1868 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

Confidential Hughenden Aug: 20 :68 Phil: Rose Esq My dear Rose, Your letter duly, & safely, reached me, & when I was quite alone. It would gratify me to effect your purpose: I doubt, however, whether I / am strong enough for it at this moment: but we can talk over that.1

2 Manning (as Archdeacon of Chichester) had been confessor and spiritual director to Denbigh and his wife (as Lord and Lady Feilding). Former Anglicans Manning and Denbigh were Catholic converts. The Roman Catholic Directory (1869) would list as Roman Catholics ‘30 Peers of the three kingdoms and 50 Baronets ... and also 33 members of the House of Commons’ as well as 1,489 priests in England and Wales. Edmund Sheridan Purcell Life of Cardinal Manning, Archbishop of Westminster: Manning as an Anglican vol 1 (1895) 287; The Times (22 Jan 1869). 3 Evidently Sir Thomas Biddulph’s letter to d of 16 August; see 5040n6. See 5067&n3. 1 Rose’s letter to d has not been found. There is in h a letter to Rose from Edmund Denison Sr (see n2) dated 17 August 1868: ‘I have written to Mr. Disraeli – & have made as short a statement of the facts of my case ... Many thanks for what you have done in this private matter.’ h r/i/a/213b.

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I have received a letter from Denison on the subject you mentioned, but I don’t much like it. He is 81: &, therefore, it is really / a peerage to his son.2 Who is that son? According to his own statement, only a barrister practicing before Parly. committees: according to other accounts, not a man of unblemished character.3 Then, / he 8D.9 says, as is usual, nothing as to his own property. I have heard, tho’ only in casual conversation, that he was not very wealthy, that he had no considerable landed estate, & no seat, such as becomes a nobleman.4 We must be cautious about these things. The matter does not press. Remember me to your host.5 Yrs ever, | D.

2 Edmund Beckett, known as Edmund Denison (1787-1874), had assumed the surname Denison upon his marriage in 1814 (see n4) and would become 4th Bt Beckett in 1872, re-assuming the surname Beckett. He had been mp (l) for the West Riding of Yorkshire 1841-7, 1848-59 and chairman of the Great Northern Railway 1847-64. Denison had written to d from Doncaster on 17 August: ‘It is understood that some additions to The House of Lords are to be made shortly – and I am informed that it is unusual (except for eminent public services) for Her Majesty to grant a Peerage to any one, who does not submit his own case to the Prime Minister. I therefore venture to trouble you with a statement of what has been done by me & my family in Yorkshire for many years ... My oldest son [see n3] prefers remaining for the present one of the leaders of the Parliamentary Bar – as he has a peculiar aversion to electioneering – but his opinions have always been strongly conservative ... I am now 81 and a Peerage can be of no value to me, except as a recognition of past public services – but ... such a recognition wd. greatly gratify me and the various members of my family’. h c/i/a/74. 3 Edmund Denison (1816-1905), son of Edmund Denison Sr (see n2), 5th Bt Beckett 1874 (dropping Denison and resuming the family name Beckett), 1st Baron Grimthorpe 1886, ba 1838, ma 1841 and lld 1863 Trinity College, Cambridge, a barrister (Lincoln’s Inn 1841), qc 1854 and chancellor and vicar-general of the province of York 1877-1900. Devoted to the study of astronomy, horology and Gothic ecclesiastical architecture, Denison designed over forty clocks in churches, cathedrals, town halls and railway stations, including in 1851 the escapement of the great clock in the Palace of Westminster and the specifications for its bell (Big Ben), which had involved him in over a decade of fierce controversies. In 1868 the arrogant and spiteful Denison was elected president of the British Horological Institute on condition that he not attend dinners. 4 Denison (n2) on 14 December 1814 had married Maria, daughter of William Beverley of Beverley, through whom he had inherited the estate of Sir Thomas Denison (grandfather of House Speaker John Evelyn Denison) on condition he assume the surname Denison. In 1818 Denison had settled in Doncaster, becoming its richest citizen thanks to his inheritance or perhaps from shares in the Beckett family bank (although he was never active in it), the Becketts of Leeds having been prominent north-country bankers for over a century. 5 Rose was at Aboyne Castle (see postmark), the seat of Charles Gordon (1847-1937), 11th Marquess of Huntly 1863, pc 1881, dl and jp for Aberdeenshire, lord rector of Aberdeen University 1890-9 and editor of Records of Aboyne (Aberdeen 1894). Gordon would become a lord in waiting to the Queen 1870-3.

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5059

to: [MONTAGU CORRY?]

[Hughenden, Thursday 20 August 1868]

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a manuscript note headed ‘D. and the Church’ numbered ‘XIX.5.’ and docketed ‘Rev E. Higgins writes Aug. 20, 1868. “For God’s sake shake off Rev Sam, and don’t appoint High Churchmen.” Letter endorsed by D.:’ A note in d’s hand on a letter from the Rev E. Higgins; see n1.

This is important in every way.1 Who moves Gresley?2 Is our friend at work?3

5060

to: [LORD WATERFORD]

[Hughenden, after 20 August 1868]

original: h b/xiii/55 editorial comment: A draft with numerous illegible corrections. Endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘To Marquis of Waterford Augt. 1868’.

Confidl

1 The Rev Edward Higgins, an old Disraeli family friend, had written to d on 20 August a letter marked ‘Private & Confidential’ enclosing a letter ‘from my friend Sir T. Gresley. For Gods Sake shake off old Sam [Wilberforce] & dont appoint High Churchmen who have already alienated the Wesleyans: Such appointments will lose you your Majority. Gregory is mentioned for Ripon. He may have served Hardy but his appointment will [do] a thousandfold damage [to] the party. Gresley is the most popular fellow in Derbyshire & will certainly oust one & if another Conservative starts with him he will oust both. Gresley speaks the opinion of the majority of Church of England men – of those who have influence & carry Elections. High Churchmen have no influence whatever with voters. The farmers are dead against them all over England. If the Church of Ireland is swept away we owe it entirely to the High Churchmen. I know you will excuse me speaking plainly, as the point of my letter is of vital importance ... PS. I send you Gresley address [not found] which is straightforward, honest & of the right sort.’ Gresley on 19 August had sent Higgins ‘a Derby paper by which you will see how we stand. The opposition having issued a preliminary address we had nothing for it but to go in at once and I think we have stole a ward. I hope a great part of the canvassing will be done this week. I mean the private for we shall do it all at present thru the Registration committee and so not put the lawyers at work till the last minute ... I think we are pretty sure of getting another conservative candidate by the end of the week. What do you think of my address? It was to the knife and no beating about for stray votes. Dizzy is playing the devil by appointing such a man as Law to the living of Croft. If he appoints an ultra man to Ripon deanery it will certainly lose us one seat here if not two. Write to his secretary and tell him this. How one warms to the work!!’ h b/xiii/65a,b. See 5064. 2 Sir Thomas Gresley (1832-1868), 10th Bt 1847, educated at Rugby, capt and lieut-col 1st Dragoon Guards, would be elected mp (c) for Derbyshire s on 21 November, narrowly defeating Liberals Thomas Evans and Charles Colville. Gresley would die on 18 December before taking his seat. 3 Higgins would write to James Disraeli on 24 August: ‘I believe the Premier is at his wits ends, about his “Church Patronage” & particularly who to appoint Dean of Ripon & well he may be – considering there are so many Ritualistic & Broad Church Parsons. It has occurred to me that the “Revd James Garbett” late fellow & Tutor of Brasenose College Oxford would make a most unobjectionable Dean, & be a most excellent appointment. He is brother in law of King member for this County. He took a splendid first Class in Classics, is a distinguished Greek & Latin scholar, he was Professor of Poetry in the University of Oxford & Bampton Lecturer, he is now Rector of Clayton Sussex & Archdeacon. He is neither Ritualist nor Broad Church, but a sound moderate Churchman. Just now it is of the greatest importance in reference to the Elections that the appointments should not be high Church parsons who are so distasteful to our party, I mean to those who will run for us the Elections. I wrote to Dizzy last week on this matter, he having just appointed Mr Law a Ritualistic snob at the request I suppose of Lord Vane to a living in Derbyshire. My friend Sir Thos Gresley has come out boldly to fight South Derbyshire & he will win out Evans or Colville or both – he is so popular. He consults me throughout & acts upon my advice ... Send this to Dizzy.’ h a/i/d/29a.

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I was pleased with yr lre of the 20th. because it was marked by that ingeniousness wh: I think is yr distinguishes you, 8charac[teristi]c9 & wh: attracts me to you.1 When I prophesied 8intimated in my9 last that ano[the]r ribbon wd 8probably9 soon be at my disposal I had [illegible deletion] little 8confidence9 that its 8the9 fulfilment cd 8of my profy.9 wd be instantaneous. I have never written to Ld E. 8or the o[th]er9 as I promised &, therefore, when I 8have to9 consider the / wh: after this late catastrophe I will not precipitate, 8what ? ? they shd be appropriated9 it wd. be in my own power to confer on you the 8iden[tica]l9 ribbon you wished 8desired9 & wh. had been worn by a previous member of the yr house.2 I will not howr consider 8illegible deletion9 this question till the Queen’s return; 8when the shock of the late catas[trophe]: may be a little lessened.9 With regard to yr complaint that 8on asking9 yr party that you had been / displaced from yr pos[iti]on 8in Ireland by a late claim9 as 2nd Peer I cd nev can hardly think that you cd wish that Ireland shd be for ever limited to one instance of supreme rank in her peerage, & that she is always to be satisfied with one Duke when Scotland has at least five I think seven. For my part when there are instances of The great houses of Ireland have / a right to look to their elev[ati]ons when distinguished public service & unquestioned political power justify them. And there is, & 8or9 there ought to be no greater house in Ireland than yr own; & it rests with & yr pos[iti]on in that country rests with yourself & depends entirely on yr own character, yr energy & purpose. / And here I may say, that I am glad you have returned home at this juncture for far from all that reaches me from your part of the world. I can hardly bring myself to believe that yr interests at this critical moment are suffic[ientl]y attended to or adequately brought before yr own 8serious9 consider[ati]on / Altho’, as I understand from yourself that the reason of yr not subscribing 8contribg.9 to our contractual fund was the necessy. of carrying Capt Pall in his arduous combat for the repres[entati]on of the county, I regret to hear that Cap: Palliser has already retired from that contest because he was not to be supported illegible deletion

1 John Henry de la Poer Beresford (1844-1895), 5th Marquess of Waterford 1866, kp 1868, mp (c) for co Waterford 1865-6 (as Earl of Tyrone), afterwards sat in the Lords as Baron Tyrone, capt 1st Life Guards 1868, ll for Waterford 1874-95, hon col Waterford Artillery, master of the buckhounds 1885-6. Waterford had written to d on 12 August with ‘strong claims ... for the ribbon of St Patrick which has become vacant by the death of my kind old friend Lord Downshire’, and on the 20th to thank d for his letter (not found) ‘and for the very kind remarks in it about myself. I have no doubt that Lord Erne has done as you say a great deal for the Party and I should not have written to ask for the vacant ribbon, had I not felt that my own Party had displaced me from the position I held of Second Peer in Ireland a position my family have had for generations. However, as Lord Erne seems to have prior claims I suppose I must have patience for the present. I am sorry to say I cannot accept your kind invitation as I am off to Ireland this evening and shall not be back for some time.’ Peerages (1869, 1930); The Times (24 Oct 1895); h c/vii/2a,b. 2 Henry de la Poer Beresford (1811-1859), 3rd Marquess of Waterford 1826, had been invested into the Order of the Knights of St Patrick (kp) in 1845. On 17 November 1868 at the viceregal lodge in Dublin, Lords Waterford and Erne would be invested into the order in the place of Lords Downshire and Farnham. Haydn 751; The Times (16 Nov 1868). John Crichton (1802-1885), 3rd Earl Erne 1842, a representative peer in the Lords 1845-85 and ll of co Fermanagh 1845-85, in 1876 would be created Baron Fermanagh of Lisnaskea in the co of Fermanagh (uk).

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8he found9 / illegible deletion that he cd. not count on money illegible deletion 8count [illeg]9 on support from yr Lordship & he is now standing for Devonport.3 What I shd like to see & what I think wd. be a course calculated to m maintain yr power & due pos[iti]on wd be for you to bring forward your / own bro[ther]4 for the Cy of Waterford, & [illeg] prove yr electoral power 8influence9 by every means. I am sure that in the present the best mode of maintaining power is to assert it. Excuse the frankness with wh: I address you. I knew you at the outset of yr public life & I take an interest in yr future.5

5061

to: LORD CARRINGTON

Hughenden [before 21 August 1868]

original: carr [37] editorial comment: Hughenden monument paper. Dating: by context; see n1. Sic: Magdalla.

The | Lord Carrington My dear Carrington, We should be delighted, if you were disengaged, & could give / us the pleasure of your company at dinner on Tuesday next, the 25th. Inst, & / meet Lord & Lady Napier of Magdalla.1 Yours sincerely, | D.

5062

to: [THE PRESS]

[Hughenden, Friday 21 August 1868]

original: mopsik [115] editorial comment: Endorsed by Sir John A. Kempe, kcb: ‘This was written by Mr Disraeli himself and handed to me by him for communication to the Press when I was helping Montagu Corry his Secretary in 1868’. ‘Magdala’ has been corrected from ‘Magdalla’. Dating: by context; see n1.

Lord & Lady Napier of Magdala will pay a visit on Monday next to the Prime Minister & Mrs Disraeli at their seat Hughenden Manor.1

3 Neither William Ferrand nor Major William Palliser, the two Conservative candidates at the 18 November election for Devonport, would win a seat. William Palliser (1830-1882), cb (civil) 1868, Kt 1873, a barrister (Inner Temple 1854), had attended Sandhurst, becoming lieut 1855, capt 1859 and brigade major of cavalry at Dublin 1860-4, retiring in 1871. He patented 21 ordnance-related inventions, including the Palliser shell and, in 1867, the Palliser shot, an armour-piercing projectile used in combat only in 1879. He would be mp (c) for Taunton 1880-2. 4 Waterford had four brothers: Lords Charles William (1846-1919), William Leslie (1847-1900), Marcus Talbot (1848-1922) and Delaval James (1862-1906). 5 In an undated note written from Cavalry Barracks, Windsor, Waterford would thank d for his letter (not found) ‘received yesterday. And have to thank you for the honor [Knight of the Order of St Patrick] Her Majesty has conferred upon me. An Honor which has the greatest possible value in my eyes.’ h c/vii/c. 1 Carrington would reply on 21 August, ‘very sorry not to be able to accept, as I am going abroad this evening.’ h b/xxi/c/87. See 5070&n4. 1 This announcement would appear in mp on 22 August 1868. For the Napiers’ visit to Hughenden from 24 to 28 August, see 5070&n4.

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to: MONTAGU CORRY

Hughenden [Friday] 21 August [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/85 publication history: m&b v 82, extracts from the third and fourth paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘H:’ written in. Docketed on the first page: ‘’68?’ Dating: by context; see n1.

5063

Dearest Montagu, H: Aug. 21 It grieves me to over tax an overworked horse. You must get some assistance for yr correspondence. I have at once destroyed a great many lres recd. today, but still I have to trouble / you. Understand the Minister of the Un: States (Fenton’s) comes on Tuesday,1 & in my original letter of invitation,2 I said, if accepted, we my principal secretary, Mr 8M.9 Corry, wd. call on his Excellency, or rather place himself / in communic[ati] on with H.E., & indicate how he was [to] get down here. He must go at 5 o’ck Padd to Wyc: & there will be a carriage frm. for him from H: perhaps you will receive him. Remember, if you can / the venison – & oh! don’t forget some work of an illustrious & noble author – bound, & let me have it in time to put book plate in – otherwise, enemy for life.3 See there is no mistake about my box going to the Queen &c. Yrs D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[Hughenden, Friday] 21 August 1868

original: rac a37 49 publication history: m&b v 61-2, omitting the last two paragraphs; Blake 508; Shannon 52-3 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Despite the paper, d was at Hughenden on this date. Sic: embarassments.

5064

Secret August 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Affairs at this moment, ripen so rapidly in England, that he must lay before Yr Majesty the result of his reflexions on a mass of data, that, for / amount & authenticity, has rarely been in the possession of a Minister. He receives, every day, regular reports, & casual communications, from every part of the United Kingdom: the reports from trusty agents; the / casual communications from unknown friends, but from men of all ranks & degrees, &, in most instances, of obvious truth & intelligence. Omitting, on this occasion, any reference to Ireland & Scotland, further than to say, that nothing / likely to take place in those parts of Yr Majesty’s dominions will

1 Reverdy Johnson would stay at Fenton’s Hotel, London. Corry wrote to d on this day (21st): ‘I shall call at Fenton’s tomorrow morning; and, if I fail to see his Excy, I will write him a letter proper to the occasion.’ h b/xx/co/41. See 5073. 2 See 5056. 3 Corry (n1) assured d that ‘The “Life of Pitt” is in the hands of the messenger who will go to you tomorrow, & who has orders to bear it to you with all speed.’ The book may be Stanhope’s Life of the Right Honourable William Pitt (4 vols, 1861-2, 3rd ed 1867).

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disturb the present distribution of power, he confines himself to England. And, here, there is no sort of doubt, that the great feature of national opinion, at this moment, is an utter repudiation, / by all classes, of the High Church Party. It is not only general; it is universal. It is not only the inhabitants of towns, but every farmer is against them, & a very large proportion of the gentry, & all the professional classes. If the Irish Church fall, / it will be owing entirely to the High Ch: party, & to the prejudice, wh: they have raised against ecclesiastical institutions. One of the most remarkable circumstances, at this moment, is the almost universal report by the agents, that the new / County Constituency of £12 qualification, turns out highly conservative, tho’ universally opposed to the High Church. Mr Disraeli speaks on this subject entirely without prejudice, the bias of his mind from Education, being brought up / in a fear of fanaticism, being certainly towards the High Church, but he has no sort of doubt as to the justness of his present conclusions, & it is his highest duty to tell Yr Majesty this. Nevertheless, the Church, as an Institution is so rooted, & the doctrine of the Royal / Supremacy so wonderfully popular, that, if the feeling of the Country be guided with wisdom, Mr Disraeli believes, that the result of the impending struggle, may be very advantageous, & even triumphant, to the existing / constitution of the country. Speaking under ordinary circumstances, it would be, in this rapid age, almost impossible to foretell the result of a general Election, that will, even now, not take place for nearly a quarter of a year. But Mr / Disraeli has no doubt, from all that he observes, & all that reaches him, that it will be a great Protestant struggle – & that if the Government of the country temperately, but firmly & unequivocally, enlist that 8Protestant9 feeling on the side of existing authority the / institutions of the country will be greatly strengthened, & the means of governing proportionately facilitated. But if not thus guided & even unconsciously controlled, the Protestant feeling will take a destructive, instead of / a conservative, form; & those, who may have the honor & happiness of being Yr Majesty’s servants, must prepare themselves to meet embarassments & difficulties of no ordinary character.1

5065

to: LORD STANLEY

Hughenden [Friday] 21 August 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/67 publication history: m&b v 60, omitting the first two and last two paragraphs editorial comment: Sic: Magdallas.

Right Honble | Secy Lord Stanley

Hughenden – | Aug: 21. 1868

1 Replying on the 26th from Pension Wallis, Lucerne, the Queen would thank d ‘for his long & interesting Letter, as well as for several others. The state of Affairs is one to cause anxiety tho’ the Queen believes & hopes not alarm. It is sad to think that this unfortunate Irish Church business may cause the return of illiberal, uncharitable feelings towards the R. Catholics. But this is the fault of those who brought on this question & in a bitter party spirit. The Queen is in the greatest admiration of the Scenery in this Country ... the climate here is very relaxing & The Queen misses the fresh bracing Highland air ... The air up in the mountains after Furca where The Queen spent 3 nights in a very humble little Inn – is splendid – & she was able to see & even to walk on the celebrated Glacier on Rhône! ... This is a dear & sad day – The beloved Prince’s birthday!’ h b/xix/a/85. For d’s reply, see 5075.

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Dear S. I almost fear you have been, unconsciously, countermining me with our Gracious Mistress about the Deanery of Ripon: some of the expressions / H.M. used being so like some I recollect in your “table talk”[.]1 But you should remember that I am on the spot, at a most critical moment, with a thousand strings in my hands, & information reaching / me daily from every [illegible deletion] part of the Un: Kingdom. Things are rapidly maturing here: the country, I am convinced, is, almost to a man, against the High Ch: party. It is not the townspeople / merely, but the farmers universally, the greater portion of the gentry – all the professional classes – [illegible deletion] nay! I don’t know who is for them, except some University dons, some youthful / priests & some women – a great many, perhaps, of the latter. But they have not votes yet. Its still a quarter of a year to the dissolution, & that’s an age from this a long time for this rapid / age – but I have little doubt it will end in a great Protestant struggle. The feeling in England is getting higher & higher every day: but it is Protestant, not Church, feeling at / present. The problem to solve is, how this Protestant feeling shd. be enlisted on the side of existing Inst[ituti]ons. I think it can be done – but it will require the / greatest adroitness & courage. Not a Cath: will be with us: not even Gerard.2 They can’t. Rev: Johnson comes here on Tuesday & meets the Magdallas, Stanhopes, Cheshams & Curzons &c.3 I wish you were here. I have written so much to day that I am almost blind & can’t guide my pen any more. D to: MONTAGU CORRY

[Hughenden, Saturday] 22 August [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/86 publication history: Shannon 53, extract from the first paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed in another hand: ‘’68’. Despite the paper, d was at Hughenden on this date. Dating: by context; see n2.

5066

M Corry Esq Augt. 22 There is a vast number of letters by this messenger, but I have not time to read them – tho’ they require consideration – all clerical, or anent: chiefly moans & lamentations / over High Ch: appointments.1

1 Stanley would reply from Lucerne on 23 August: ‘Make your mind easy. I should be very sorry to have worked against your interests or wishes, however unconsciously: but the lady has not said one word to me, or heard one from me, on home politics, except that she expressed a hope that the elections would go well. Of church appointments, not a syllable. I have only seen her once, for short ten minutes, and now she is gone to the Furka, where having taken the whole of the only inn, she has practically closed the pass against travellers for three days. I write in haste, as one always does when there is nothing to do.’ h b/xix/a/94. 2 Sir Robert Tolver Gerard, scion of an old Lancashire Roman Catholic family. 3 See 5070&n4. 1 See, for example, 5059n1.

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Enclosed is the letter to McNeile, dated from Downing St. If his reply arrive on Monday morning, & he accepts, send the news to the Globe.2 But mind you come here / by an early train on Monday.3 There is a letter for Lady Ely, by this nights messenger. And a box to the Ld Chancellor – wh: must be sent to him to night.4 I / put in a letter about Vaughan as it comes from the Chaplain of the Bishop of Carlisle. Do you think there is anything in it?5

5067

to: LORD DERBY

Hughenden [Sunday] 23 August 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 86, the fourth and fifth paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in. Sic: The Earl of Stanley; clicque; Higgins’; Pall-Mall Journal.

Private Hughenden Aug 23 | :68 Right Honorable | The Earl of Stanley | K. G. My dear Lord, I have given directions for the new Adm[iralt]y Patent to be prepared, & I hope it will be ready now immediately: so that our friend will be / soon serving, & saving, the State.1 I have preferred Sir Michael Beach, who did extremely well, to Fergusson’s Und: Secship, & made Jem Lowther Secy. to the Poor Law Board. He is young, but very sharp, & the fragments / of the disaffected Rump, below the gangway, were pushing him into the place of Cranborne. He has no sort of pretensions to that range, but he was a very able leader for them.2 /

2 The letter to McNeile and his reply (if there was one) have not been found. McNeile would be appointed Dean of Ripon on 9 September and installed on 29 October. Haydn 482. 3 Corry would arrive at Hughenden on Monday 24th; see 5070. 4 d’s letters to Lady Ely and Cairns have not been found. 5 Edward Harman (1827-1897), ba 1850, ma 1853 Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, deacon 1853, priest 1854, rector of Scaleby, Cumberland 1866-8, vicar of Edenhall 1876-80, rector of Pickwell, Oakham 1880-97 and proctor for the archdeaconry of Carlisle 1880-5, signing himself ‘Rector of Scaleby & Chaplain to Bp of Carlisle’, had written to d on the 21st: ‘As a vacancy in the See of Peterborough is, no doubt, imminent; permit me (although a stranger) to set before you ... the fitness of Dr. Vaughan, prior of Doncaster, for the Post. His ministry commenced in that Diocese, as Vicar of St. Martins, Leicester. His true piety, clear judgment, eminent ability, influence over young men, & general experience, make him (I will venture to say) one of the best men in England for Episcopal office. By birth and early training ... he was attached to the Evangelical party ... [and] associated with the liberal school ... he has shown himself not averse to the better part of the High Church system ... In promoting Dr. Vaughan, you would, I am sure, largely benefit our Church.’ h b/xx/d/86a. David James Vaughan (1825-1905), ba 1848 and ma 1851 Trinity College, Cambridge, deacon 1853, priest 1854 and vicar of St Martin’s, Leicester 1860-93, would refuse all subsequent offers of preferment, including a residentiary canonry at Peterborough and the lucrative living of Battersea (offered by Earl Spencer in 1872). Vaughan would accept an honorary canonry of Peterborough in 1872 and would be rural dean of Leicester 1875-84 and 1888-91. 1 See 5046&n1. 2 See 5046n3 and 5036&n2. Cranborne had been secretary of state for India until March 1867.

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The Queen has consented to make McNeile Dean of Ripon, wh: I hope will put an end to the Low Ch: discontent & murmurs.3 I heard from Stanley to day, who seems rather jolly – & wonderfully well.4 He makes excursions in / the mountains & takes very long walks. He confesses he is “enjoying himself.” He has not seen much of his Royal Mistress, but he says, 8that is on Sunday last,95 she was looking very well, & in high good humor – does not talk much politics, but highly disapproves of the opposition, praises her ministers, & is very ax anxious, that the Elections shd. go right. According to your last,6 she did not get hold of the right man to encourage her on that subject: but the fact is, Stanley does not / know anything about it: he reads newspapers & believes in them; & as they are all written by the same clicque, or coteries almost identical in thought[,] feeling, life, & manners; they harp on the same string. It is very difficult to say, in this rapid age, what / may occur in a General Election, wh: will not now happen for nearly a quarter of a year, but I myself shd not be surprised, if the result might astonish, yet, the Bob Lowes, Higgins’, Delanes & all that class of Pall-Mall Journal / intellect.7 Lady Ely tells me, & she is a tropical traveller, that the heat of Lucerne has equalled the tropics, & Stanley says, that he never experienced anything like it in Europe.8 For a few / days, the expedition seemed about to be a failure, for the Queen suffered terribly; but there has been a happy change, & all now is cool & bright. In the meantime, our Gracious Mistress has gone / for an excursion of three days into the mountainous interior.9 I hope Lady Derby is quite 8well,9 & yourself not suffering, & I am ever Your obliged & faithful | D.

3 On the 21st Biddulph had sent d (at Downing Street) a telegram from Lucerne – ‘The Queen approves of the appointment suggested in your letter of the nineteenth’ – which Corry on the 22nd had forwarded to Hughenden. h b/xx/co/42, 42a. 4 See 5045n10. 5 This insertion is in another hand. 6 See 5022&n8. 7 The daily Pall Mall Gazette, the one-penny evening newspaper founded on 7 February 1865 by George Murray Smith and whose first editor was Frederick Greenwood, would remain a Conservative organ until 1880, when new owner Henry Yates Thompson turned it into a Liberal publication. 8 See 5054n11 and 5045n10. 9 Lady Ely wrote to d on this day (23rd) from the Furka Hotel, Switzerland, that the Queen ‘says she feels all the better for the bracing air in this beautiful mountain scenery.’ She had walked awhile on ‘the Rhone glacier, which is so splendid & fine ... she says herself, she feels so well & refreshed ... [yet] her heart clings to the Highlands ... We return to Lucerne to-day & I think & hope the weather will be cooler & finer as The Queen intends making some excursions ... We had some snow last night, but the day is clear & fine ... I will close this at Lucerne.’ h b/xix/a/84.

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5068

to: WILLIAM JOHNSTON

Hughenden [Sunday] 23 August 1868

original: ps 682 publication history: Sotheby’s catalogue (13 December 1994). The first of five autograph letters listed as item 231, ‘the first incomplete and lacking signature), relating to Ulster, to William Johnston, M.P. for Belfast, all marked “Private” or “Confidential” ... together with Johnston’s 3-page copy of his letter to Disraeli on 30 August 1868 soliciting his support at the General Election, 14½ pages, 8vo ... Hughenden Manor, 23 August 1868 to 5 March 1872.’

[discussing the question of the party leader] “...Lord Derby never appointed me to the party leadership, but the party chose to follow me...”1

5069

to: LORD ABERGAVENNY

Hughenden [Sunday] 23 August 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a ms copy headed: ‘To Lord Abergavenny ?1868’. h b/xiii/105 is a heavily revised draft. Sic: embarassing.

Private Hughenden Manor | Aug 23 1868 My dear Nevill That which has just occurred in your family tho’ in the course of nature is necessarily a shock and a considerable event in any man’s life, even of those in less conspicuous and responsible positions than yourself.1 You have my sympathy and you have my best sympathies wishes for your future happiness. Of that I have little doubt, so far as human conduct can influence our conduct fate, for I have met no one in my life more distinguished than yourself by a natural nobleness of disposition, and an attractive integrity of heart and intellect which must endear you to all who really know you. At least I can truly say that there is none of my friends in whom I more confide, and whose dispositions towards myself I wish more to cultivate & cherish. I trust that Lady Nevill2 is well. These are trying moments for women, but her excellent sense instead of embarassing, will aid you.

1 William Johnston, Protestant mp (c) for Belfast 1868-78, had written to d on 20 August from Ballykilbeg House, co Down, explaining ‘that those who profess to be the leaders of the Conservative party [in Belfast] have been trying, for some time, to find a candidate who will come forward and oppose me, at the General Election. The Orange & Protestant democracy have adopted me as their candidate, & I believe my return is not doubtful. But, if those who desire to dictate to the electors of Belfast choose to bring forward a nominal Conservative, in opposition to me, the Liberals will start a candidate, & (a leading Liberal has told me) return me, & a Liberal ... I write this, honestly, after some hesitation, as I do not desire to sacrifice my independent candidature, nor to be forced into antagonism to you.’ h b/xiii/244b. At the 21 November election, Johnston (5975 votes) and Liberal Thomas McClure (4202) would be elected, pushing out Conservatives Sir Charles Lanyon (3540) and John Mulholland (1580). 1 The 4th Earl Abergavenny had died on 17 August; d is addressing his son, Viscount Nevill, now 5th Earl. 2 Lord Abergavenny, as Viscount Nevill, in 1848 had married Caroline (1826-1892), eldest daughter of Sir John Vanden Bempde-Johnstone, 2nd Bt, of Harkness Hall, Yorkshire, and Louisa Augusta VenablesVernon-Harcourt, daughter of Edward Harcourt, Archbishop of York.

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My wife joins with me in kind remembrances to her and yourself; and I am ever Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli 3 to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Hughenden [Sunday] 23 August 1868

original: h b/xx/d/87 publication history: m&b v 82, extract from the fourth paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

5070

My dear – Hughenden Aug: | 23. 1868 I send you a good many letters: eleven. Those to Sir Stafford Northcote & Alfred de Rothschild must be sent instantly.1 I sent a letter to Henry Lennox / by you, requesting him to come here on Tuesday – No answer: this is very vexatious. Is he in town?2 Do you remember a letter I showed you from Lady Ely?3 I can’t find it. Could I for any reason / have given it to you? Can you throw any light on it? I count on yr punctuality 8tomorrow9: as I hear today, there is to be a triumphal arch at the entrance of the Park, & Mr Coates & the tenantry on horseback – to / escort the hero! I entirely rely on yr being the Master of the Ceremonies.4 I send a mem: on pens for Stationery Office.5 Yrs ever | D. / [enclosure in d’s hand] His Excellency, Reverdy Johnson, the Minister of the United States, has left Fenton’s Hotel on a visit to the Prime Minister in Buckinghamshire.6

3 Abergavenny (signing himself ‘Nevill’) would reply on the 27th from Eridge Castle thanking d for his ‘kind letter of sympathy & condolence. I trust I need not say how much I appreciate this mark of yr respect & esteem & I am sure you will believe that tho’ I am debarred from taking so active a part in political motions as I have hitherto done, my heart is in the right place & I shall always take the warmest interest in ... the Party with which I have so long had the honor to act. My wife joins with me in kind remembrances to Mrs Disraeli & yr self.’ h b/xxi/a/45. 1 d’s letters to Northcote and Rothschild have not been found. 2 Lennox would reply to d’s letter (not found) on this day (23rd) from Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch, accepting d’s invitation. ‘I was going to Chichester tomorrow, but I will go early, on Wed, instead & attend the Market that day. I only returned from Devonport yesterday & next Thursday, have the Inspection at Chatham.’ h b/xx/lx/309. 3 Perhaps 5054n11. 4 Corry would meet the Napiers on the 24th at 6:20 pm at Wycombe station (where over 4,000 spectators had gathered) and accompany them to d’s carriage; they would proceed through the town to Hughenden, escorted by about forty townspeople on horseback. Across the road from Hughenden a triumphal arch, surmounted with flags, bearing the inscription ‘Welcome to Hughenden’, had been erected. The Napiers would be met by the Rev Clubbe and churchwardens Coates (of the Manor Farm) and Hussey. On the 25th, the ds would host a grand reception and dinner party in honour of Napier; guests would include Reverdy Johnson and his wife, Buckingham and Lords Chesham, Lennox and Cecil. The Napiers would leave Wycombe on the 28th by the 9:40 am train. bh (29 Aug 1868). 5 For d’s earlier problems with his pens, see ix 4510. 6 Evidently an announcement for publication in the newspapers. Although not found in The Times, a similar announcement (of Johnson’s return to Fenton’s from Hughenden) would appear there on 29 August.

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5071

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Hughenden [Tuesday] 25 August 1868

original: esu [10] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden Manor’ written in. The signature block has apparently been cut from the letter.

Right Honorable | Mr Secy Hardy Hughenden Manor | Augt. 25 1868 My dear Hardy, By some stupid inadvertence on my part, I have neglected to inform you, that the Queen approved of / my recommendation of Sir Mich: Hicks Beach as Under Secy. of State[.]1 I duly apprised Sir Michael,2 & of his good fortune in having the satisfaction of serving 8under9 a / chief like yourself.3

5072

to: PHILIP ROSE

Hughenden [Wednesday] 26 August [1868?]

original: h r/i/a/214 cover: Philip Rose Esqr | Rayners, | Penn. | B. Disraeli. editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: docketed in another hand: ‘1868?’.

Philip Rose Esq Hughenden Aug. 26 My dear Rose, Your letter1 quite surprised me, as I thought you were in Scotland “chasing the deer”. Should we be so fortunate / as to find Mrs Rose, & yourself, disengaged on Friday next, & wd. you, in that case, give us the great pleasure of your company / at dinner, at ¼ to 8 o’ck.? Yrs ever | D.

5073

to: LORD STANLEY

original: dbp Box 12/3/68 publication history: m&b v 82 editorial comment: Sic: Magdalla.

Hughenden [Wednesday] 26 August 1868

Right Honorable | Secy Lord Stanley Hughenden | Aug: 26. 1868 Dear S. You sent me a most amusing letter. Do you know, I think you an excellent letter writer; terse & picturesque; seizing the chief points, & a sense of humor.1

1 See 5036&n2. 2 See 5044. 3 Hardy would record on the 30th: ‘On Friday I got a note from Disraeli asking me to Hughenden for as long as I cd stay. I went down in the evening ... Lambert & Helps were my companions with M. Corry ... The Cairns’ were there & came to town with me ... yesterday. I called on Reverdy Johnson ... He was friendly & pleasant & clearly has warm feelings towards English excluding Irish. His remarks were moderate & fair.’ Hardy Diary 81. 1 Rose’s letter has not been found. 1 For Stanley’s letter of the 20th, see 5045&n10.

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Reverdy / Johnson is here, & gets on very well. The ladies like him. He has eleven children, & 33 grand-children – so they call him Grandpapa. He has only one eye, & that a very ugly one;2 &, yet, at a distance, looks something like old Lord Lansdowne, after a / somewhat serious illness. His manners, tho’, at first, somewhat 8rather9 abrupt & harsh, are good; he is selfpossessed, & turns out genial. Stanhope, who is here, seems to delight in him, & thinks it a coup de maitre to have asked / him here, & that the Alabama & all other claims will be settled forthwith.3 His visit to Hughenden is to our joint credit. They all like Napier of Magdalla very much – he is interesting & graceful, & tells ever a story – but not too long: Chinese or Abyssinian. Yrs ever | D.4 to: LORD HENRY LENNOX

Hughenden [Monday] 31 August 1868

original: ps 1534 publication history: Maggs catalogue 1427 (2008) item 52, described as ‘Autograph Letter Signed (“D”) as Prime Minister during his first brief Administration, to Lord Henry Lennox, Secretary to the Admiralty. 4 pages 8vo marked “Confid[entia]l[”], written from Hughenden with the 10 Downing Street address crossed out, 31 August 1868.’ editorial comment: Matter in brackets has been added by Maggs.

5074

Confidl1 I have just got a telegram from Stanley [most probably Edward Henry Stanley, the Foreign Secretary], proposing immediate return with my sanction, & that he wishes to see me immediately. I conclude, on receiving my reply by telegraph, that he will

2 In the 1830s, a shot Johnson had fired while practising with a pistol to be used in a duel (for which he was to act as second) had hit a sapling and ricocheted, striking him in the eye. 3 For the Alabama claims, see 4653&n4. 4 Stanley would reply from Lucerne on the 29th: ‘Thanks for your note of 26th. It is a great thing to have had R. Johnson at Hughenden. I never knew an American, even the best, who till he came to know England well did not suspect in everybody a latent intention to neglect or ridicule him. You have driven that nonsense out of his head. I think too that the publication of the last papers on naturalisation will have deprived Seward of that cry. He can’t take credit for enforcing a claim which nobody resists. My last account represents the young D. of Brabant as better, and his ultimate recovery as possible. The excitement of reporting weekly on his state will – if it lasts – be too much for poor old Howard de Walden. I have a good many despatches, but nothing of interest. I am sorry to see that the French court is more sore than ever at the Queen’s supposed incivility: the Empress, who is a rational being, thought nothing of it at first, though Fleury did: but every body tells her she has been insulted, and I am afraid she is beginning to believe it. The great lady lives on the top of her hill and makes no sign. I have not seen her since I wrote. She came back from the Furca delighted with the air, the scenery, and especially the absence of population. I have made a two days scrambling expedition into the mountains, besides exploring every hole and corner within reach of Lucerne, and certainly prefer it to Balmoral.’ h b/xix/a/95. 1 Lennox had written to d from Chichester on 29 August: ‘Here I am till Monday. Matters look pretty well: I cannot say more. As Hunt has chosen to write a partial defence of the Naval Estimates increase, I propose to hold a meeting here & give an elaborate Defence of our Admiralty expenditure & point out, how much, we inherited from our Predecessors, that is, if you approve; for I am not sure, whether you wish subordinates like myself, to speak or be silent. Indeed I should be puzzled to know, what to say about the Irish Church just now. Pending your fiat, I have decided to go off, about the 7th or as soon after, as I can manage it, to Como, and therefore, I propose if you like to run down on Thursday morning next, to say Good Bye & take your final orders, in the Study I hope.’ h b/xx/lx/311.

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be in England on Thursday.2 I shall ask him here, but it is doubtful from what he says, whether he will be able to leave town: in wh[ich] case, I must go up to him. I will write again when I see things clearer3 ... I am in favor of your speaking fully on Adm[iralt]y Finance – The Irish Ch:[urch] is no difficulty to you. You need not allude to the comparatively small subject, but confine yourself to the greater one: the principle of establishment generally ag[ain]st dis:[establishment].4

5075

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Hughenden [Monday] 31 August 1868

original: rac a37 50 publication history: lqv B i 534-6; m&b v 61-2, the third through the eighth paragraph editorial comment: Hughenden paper. Two phrases have been underlined, most likely in another hand. Sic: Furca; lossed.

Augt 31 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s most gracious letter.1 He is sincerely gratified, that the expedition to the Furca was successful. It is a great thing to have seen / the glacier of the Rhone; greater to have walked upon it. This visit alone would repay Yr Majesty for much exertion & some suffering. When these are passed & forgotten, the recollection of beautiful / & striking scenery remains; & adds to the aggregate of those pleasing memories, that make life interesting. The appointment of the new Dean of Ripon has quite realised Mr Disraeli’s expectations: & has done great good; has / rallied the Protestant party; & has been received by the Church sections with no disfavor, or cavil[.]2 Since Mr Disraeli wrote last to Yr Majesty, a long impending vacancy in the Episcopal Bench has occurred. There is no necessity to precipitate the / appointment, & the final decision can await Yr Majesty’s return. Perhaps, Mr Disraeli may be permitted to wait on Yr Majesty at Windsor on Yr Majesty’s return, before he attends Yr Majesty in Scotland, to which he looks forward with much / interest.3

2 Stanley’s and d’s telegrams have not been found. Stanley, who would return from Switzerland on Sunday 6 September, would record on the 5th: ‘H. Lennox wants to be made Irish secretary in Mayo’s place, and writes to me to help him. He is fit for it in some respects, but I doubt his temper, which dealings with Irish members would be likely to try rather severely.’ Disraeli, Derby 336. 3 There is no extant letter from d to Lennox during this period. 4 Addressing his constituents at Chichester on 24 September, Lennox would underline that the Irish clergy ‘of the Established Church are chiefly paid, not by tithe, but by the rents of lands ... left by Protestants for the support of that Church ... I do not see why we should step forward to rob our Protestant brethren in Ireland of the benefit of those endowments bequeathed to them by Protestants for Protestant uses.’ Citing numerous figures, he would then defend Navy spending at length against Liberal charges of extravagance, noting that during his two years as admiralty secretary, the government had ‘reduced the amount asked from Parliament for naval stores alone by over 300,000l’ and had this year proposed to reduce the dockyard vote by £150,000. The Times (26 Sep 1868). 1 See 5064&n1. 2 See 5040&n3. 3 d would go to Windsor on 13 September (see 5096) and to Scotland on 17 September (see 5103).

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On the nomination to the see of Peterboro’, in the present temper of the country, much depends. The new Prelate shd. be one of unquestionably Protestant principles, but must combine with these learning, personal piety, / administrative ability, & what is not much heeded by the world, but which is vital to the Church, a genial pastoral experience. This last quality Dr. Atlay possessed, in addition to the other ones.4 Mr Disraeli, after the most careful enquiry, & / the most anxious thought, is strongly inclined to recommend to Yr Majesty Canon Champneys of St. Pauls, & Vicar of Pancras.5 The new Minister of the United States has arrived here in Yr Majesty’s absence, & as there was no one to welcome him in London, & first impressions[,] especially / in diplomacy, are important, Mr Disraeli asked him down here at once, where he had the opportunity of meeting many persons, & made a very favorable impression on all.6 Mr Reverdy Johnson is simple, well-bred & genial: very English in feeling, being sprung /from one of the original families, & of Baltimore. Tho’ advanced in life, 71 or 72, hale & vigorous, & climbing hills like a sportsman. In manner, size, & color, he somewhat resembles Lord Lansdowne, & would be very good-looking, had he / not lossed an eye in a duel! But, it is believed, he was only a second, & a peacemaker; wh: makes his fate more distressing.7 He is most anxious to settle all the differences between the two countries, & seems to have ample powers / for that purpose.8

4 Francis Jeune, Bishop of Peterborough, had died on 20 August; he would be succeeded by William Connor Magee on 14 October. For Atlay, Bishop of Hereford, see 4905n2. 5 See 5039n3. 6 See 5070&n4. 7 See 5073&n2. 8 The Queen would reply from the Pension Wallis, Lucerne, on 7 September, thanking d ‘for his 2 Letters. She has charged Lady Ely to tell him of what passed & has been done relative to the visit to the Empress – to whom the Queen has this day written. She is glad that Mr Disraeli has not pressed for an answer relative to the new Bishop – as these appointments are of such importance, not only for the present but for the future good of the Church in general, that it will not do merely to encourage the ultra-Evangelical Party – than wh. there is none more narrow minded & thereby destructive to the well being & permanence of the Church of England. Dr. McNeile’s Appt. was not liked by moderate men, but still this having been done, it is not necessary or advisable to make more of a similar nature, & the Queen, with the greatest wish to support the Govt. & the Protestant feeling in the Country – feels bound to ask for moderate, sensible clever men, neither Evangelical or Ritualistic in their views to be appointed to the high Offices in the Church. The Church of England has suffered from its great exclusiveness, & narrow-mindedness – & in these days of danger to her, all the liberal minded men shd. be rallied round her & pressed into her Service to support her & not to make her more & more a mere Party Church – wh. will alienate all the others from her. This is the more important as we are threatened with the loss of several more Bishops & of one most Eminent man – the Dean of St. Paul’s. The Queen wld: see Mr. Disraeli either on Sunday at ½ p. 3 – or on Monday after the Council – wh. might be at 3. – Perhaps the former day wd. be the best as the Queen wd. wish to rest as much as she can on Monday – on acct. of the night Journey.’ h b/xix/a/187. For d’s reply, see 5089.

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5076

to: [UNKNOWN]

[Hughenden, August 1868]

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a manuscript note headed ‘W. Jordan’ and numbered ‘XIX.5’. Sic: Jordan.

[In August 1868 when Jordan was in his 87th year D. endorsed a letter,] £100 Royal Bounty might be sent if there be any.1 [J. had already received a pension of £100 per annum from Ld. Aberdeen.]

5077

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

[Hughenden, before 1 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/101 cover: Secret | Montagu Corry Esq | D editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1. Sic: mull.

Secret Its clear to me, that you must have made a mull of Nevill’s wish & business. What he wants must be a step in the Peerage: Marquess of Nevill? This is a serious business; & may be done, & ought to be done, someday: but it shd. have 8been9 brought before me, if at all, in a more forcible & intelligible manner. It is a very / great favor – & to be personally requested by the recipient. However, it is as well, that the matter shd. now rest.1 D.

5078

to: LORD MALMESBURY

Hughenden [Tuesday] 1 September 1868

original: hcc 9m73/461/28 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

Private

Hughenden | Septr 1 1868

1 One ‘Fred Pollock’ – most likely the future Sir Frederick Pollock, 3rd Bt 1888 – had written to d on 20 August from Hatton, Hounslow, about William Jerdan, ‘now in great distress and in his 87th year – once enjoying affluence and a considerate reputation ... who commenced the Literary Gazette & conducted it for many years – about 15 years ago in consequence of his misfortunes & his poverty Lord Aberdeen procured him a pension of £100 pr annum, a very inadequate provision for himself & a very large family ... I make this appeal to you – hoping that you will feel justified in recommending the Queen to increase this pension to £200 pr ann as he now requires from his age & infirmities nourishing & stimulating food & is sometimes without any & several children are still dependent on him for everything – his labours are over & his life cannot last long.’ h b/xiii/64. Jerdan (i 60n1), editor of the successful Literary Gazette 181850, would die in July 1869. 1 In a letter to d dated 1 September and docketed in another hand ‘1868’, Corry writes: ‘Not a thing to send you, except the enclosed, and a total absence of election news. I have opened Spofforth’s letters today, & judge that his correspondents knew that he has what he calls “a manor”. I am quite clear that Nevill never meant a Marquisate: I will say more when I hear from you in answer to a letter I have written him today, in wh: I expound to him the law of second titles. He was not aware that he is obliged to designate himself by his superior title.’ h b/xx/co/43. Nevill, 5th Earl of Abergavenny (see 5069n1), would be created Earl of Lewes and Marquess of Abergavenny on 14 January 1876.

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Right Honorable | The Lord Privy Seal | G.C.B. My dear Malmesbury, Thank you for all your hints.1 We were cooking Poole,2 & the arrangement was completed, by a private hand, about the time I / received your timely note. Morpeth is watched, & there is a man to do the deed, if it can be consummated.3 I will attend to our old friend.4 I can do nothing with / the Admiralty. They have exhausted, quite, my energy & temper.5 I expect Stanley back on Thursday, & H. M. a week afterwards: the expedition successful on the whole, tho’ the non-return / of the visit at Paris rankles. Yours sincerely, | D. to: LORD LONSDALE

Hughenden [Tuesday] 1 September 1868

original: cro d/lons/l [5] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

5079

Private Hughenden | Sep. 1 | :68 Right Honorable | The Earl of Lonsdale My dear Lord,1 Lord Mayo found himself in an unexpected difficulty at Cockermouth, the other day, from the Constituency refusing to support / any one, but a member of his own family. He was obliged, therefore, without a moments preparation, to start his brother, Mr. Bourke.

1 Malmesbury had written to d from Heron Court on 23 August: ‘I am just returned from Northumberland & am desired to tell you that, notwithstanding any opinion to the contrary, we shd have a very good chance at Morpeth agst Sir G. Grey if his opponent is rich. 2nly The Dss. of Marlboro’ assures me that her son in law Sir Ivor Guest will stand for Poole as a “Liberal Conservative” & that seeing that his bride is active in securing him to us, he will be friendly if we do not oppose him personally. This is much to be desired as I know him to be indifferent tho’ nominally a Whig, & he has a very considerable interest both at Poole & in the County. If we oppose him I don’t think we can beat him, & we should fix him for ever agst us. I hope you will give yr commands to our agents accordingly for nothing from anyone but yourself is attended to by ces Messieurs.’ h b/xx/hs/149. 2 At the 17 November election, Arthur Edward Guest (c), brother of Sir Ivor Guest (see n1), would defeat Charles Waring 623-563 and represent Poole (Dorsetshire) until defeated by Waring on 5 February 1874. Waring would be unseated on petition and on 26 May Evelyn Ashley (l), second son of Shaftesbury, would defeat Guest (c) 681-622. 3 At the 16 November election, Sir George Grey, mp (l) for Morpeth (Northumberland) since 1853, would be elected unopposed; he would hold his seat until 1874. 4 Apparently the Duchess of Marlborough (see n1), whose daughter, Lady Cornelia Henrietta Maria Spencer-Churchill, on 28 May 1868 had married Sir Ivor Guest. 5 Malmesbury had written to d from Heron Court on 31 August: ‘I can get nothing from our Department for Elections & friends of Elections & we can’t make bricks without straw. The Admiralty has plenty of small patronage but will give nothing. There will be a very hard fight at South[hampto]n & Christchurch. The new voters will not promise anybody.’ h b/xx/hs/150. 1 Malmesbury had written to d from Heron Court on 23 August: ‘Lonsdale is offended at Bourke standing for Cockermouth without any communication to him & it would be desirable that you shd write to him a note asking him to bestir himself for us. He is presumably fond of you & it wld set the old Peer right.’ h b/xx/hs/150.

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It will be a severe struggle, & I shall feel personally obliged to you, if / you would support Mr Bourke in this contest. The fact of your doing so, & its being known, will have the very best effect.2 I trouble you without hesitation, trusting to your constant kindness to myself. / I am in good heart, & will leave no stone unturned to win. Stanley returns on Thursday I expect, & the Queen a week after. The expedition has been a success, but not returning the Empress’ visit at Paris, rankles. Yours ever, | D.

5080

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Hughenden [Wednesday] 2 September 1868

original: h b/xx/d/89 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in. Sic: Kendal.

Hughenden | Sepr 2 68 Send me £200: half in 5. & the other moiety in 10£ notes: as soon as you can witht. much trouble; tho’ I doubt, whether you will be able / to send them to me before Friday morning’s bag. Return enclosed letter from Champneys! as it must be answered.1 What about the Mint Place?2 / I hope we shall be able to provide for poor Kendal, who is quite ruined – & a Protestant!3 When do you go? D.

5081

to: LORD STANLEY

Hughenden [Friday] 4 September 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/69 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

confidential Hughenden | Sept 4 1868 Right Honble | Secy Lord Stanley My dear S. Immediately I received your last letter, I thought it my duty to write to H.M.1 2 Henry Lorton Bourke (1840-1911), one of six brothers of 6th Earl Mayo, educated at Harrow, a dl and jp, partner in the firm Barnett and Ellis, would be defeated by Isaac Fletcher (l) 620-388 at the 18 November election for Cockermouth. 1 d’s reply to William Champneys (5039n3), if he wrote one, has not been found. 2 Aspirants for the position of deputy master of the mint included Charles Rivers Wilson (who had written to Corry on 1 September), E.A. Fitzroy (who would write to d on the 12th), a Mr Fitzroy (recommended by Barrington to Corry on the 13th) and W.H. Cooke (who would write to Corry on 30 October). Charles Fremantle, a numismatist, would be the mint’s deputy master 1868-94 and comptroller 1890-4. h b/x/b/71; xx/a/75; x/b/78; ix/g/47a&b. 3 Nicholas Kendall, mp (c) for Cornwall e since 1852 and known as the ‘farmers’ candidate’, having supported (as chairman of the Gaol Committee) an annual salary raise from £300 to £400 for the jail’s governor, Captain Colvill, had been harangued by angry farmers at a recent meeting of the Wadebridge Farmers’ Club. His drop in popularity would force Kendall to retire only a week before the 20 November poll. In December he would become the police magistrate of Gibraltar (until 1875). Edwin Jaggard Cornwall Politics in the Age of Reform, 1790-1885 (Woodbridge, Suffolk 1999) 148-9. 1 See 5073&n4 and 5035.

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My appeal could do / no harm, & might assist you. The Queen, I suppose, has only just got my letter, but from what Lady Ely writes to me this “morning”,2 I apprehend that good ally has been / backing up yr excellent advice, & that all may go well. Ever, | D. Freddy is gazetted.3 to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Hughenden [Saturday] 5 September 1868

5082

original: tas [8] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in.

Hughenden | Septr 5 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buckgham & Chandos Dear Duke of Buckingham,1 I think the best thing you can do is to send Sir John Young to Canada. I should have liked a younger & fresher man, but Sir / John has respectable abilities, & has experience, both colonial & parliamentary.2 I must thank yr Grace for a fine haunch. Yours sincerely, | D.

2 Writing from Lucerne on 31 August, Lady Ely had told d she had spoken to the Queen ‘in consequence of Lord Stanley’s anxiety about Paris & told her, the soreness felt about the Princess’s visit not having been returned & that it was much wished it should be paid on the return ... & that Ld. Stanley mentioned it through me, not wishing to do it officially. The Queen objected very much at first, but Princess Louise & Lady Biddulph backed me up & she was so nice about it, The Queen & said, she would go & see the Princess, but with as little state as possible, & that Lord Stanley is to be told about it. The Queen, I am sure will do it nicely, & I really think, she will be pleased when it is over, & another year she need not do it. Lord Stanley no doubt will tell you, but I thought I might send you this pleasant news ... Pray forgive my indiscretion ... I hope you will not show me up about this, as I should get into trouble in the household.’ h b/xix/a/86. 3 See 5046&n3. 1 Buckingham had written to d on 25 August: ‘Mayo writes me that he finally elects India & to give up Canada. The latter is a great difficulty – the men I should like to have sent will not take it. The uncertainty of the salary & possible future contest respecting it make the appointment distasteful and I believe I must have recourse to the list of those who are or have been colonial governors – of them the only persons whom I shd consider qualified are [John] Wodehouse – now at the Cape[,] [John Henry] Manners Sutton – now at Victoria[,] Sir J Young just returned from N.S. Wales. Manners Sutton would not I think accept – and moreover it would be inconvenient to the Public service to remove him just now. To either of the latter it would be promotion in the ordinary course – the latter by position – & official experience is the one entitled to just consideration. The position is a difficult one for any one to fill for it will be some time before the various parts of the dominion can be brought into harmony – and the Hudson’s Bay & Columbia questions will cause much trouble. Have you any suggestion to make? I have a letter from [Charles Hastings] Doyle from Nova Scotia – on the whole I think satisfactory – & indicating that matters may settle down.’ h b/xxi/b/1259. 2 Sir John Young, 2nd Bt, governor of New South Wales since 1860, would assume his duties as Canada’s second governor-general on 2 February 1869. The Times on the 18th would note that Young was ‘a Liberal in politics, and his selection by the Duke of Buckingham ... so far indicates a desire on the part of the Government to exercise their patronage irrespective of party considerations.’

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5083

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Hughenden [Tuesday] 8 September 1868

original: esu [11] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden Manor’ written in. Sic: Woodforde.

Hughenden Manor | Sept 8 1868 Right Honorable | Mr Secretary Hardy My dear Hardy,1 I return you Mr Bardsley’s letter, with thanks.2 I can assure you, that, in these critical Church appointments, after considering what is best / for the interests of the Party; wh:, with me, is always the same as the Country; my next thoughts are always for you, & yr interests at Oxford.3 I wish Gregory4 had taken the Leeds Vicarage, wh: / he might have done. I believe he was quite as rich, as Woodforde.5 Wordsworth6 had not escaped me: but we must have an Oxford man. Yrs sincerely, | D.

5084

to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE [Hughenden, Tuesday] 8 September 1868 original: bl add ms 50016 f583/46 publication history: Shannon 58, extracts from the last paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out.

Private

Septr 8 1868

1 On 18 August Hardy had sent d a letter by James Bardsley, ‘somewhat of a representative man ... He repeats it to some extent in print.’ He had written again on 3 September: ‘Cooke who was very active at the Oxford Election in 1865 writes to me that there is some discontent at Oxford on the matter of appointments. I know your difficulties too well to increase them but perhaps you had better see his letter [not found]. I confess I do not believe that there is at present any disaffection among my former supporters & I know that former opponents will be with me should an Election come. It is as well also that you should also look at Mr Bardsley’s letter. Wordsworth is a Cambridge man but the view taken of him is I think correct. Will you return at your leisure Mr. Bardsley’s note.’ h b/xx/ha/39. 2 There is in h an undated letter by James Bardsley (1805-1886), deacon 1833, priest 1834 and rector of St Anne’s, Manchester 1857, and a 4-page printed document, dated 25 May 1868, entitled ‘The Rev. James Bardsley on the Present Crisis: a letter addressed to the “Manchester Courier.” Reprinted by permission.’ Bardsley had written out of ‘an anxiety for the welfare of the Conservative party’, noting that ‘Since Lord Derby came into office every conspicuous appointment has been from one party in the Church ... I belong to the Evangelical party’. Bardsley’s caustic remarks in the ‘Present Crisis’ include a denunciation of ‘the Romish schism’ as an institution ‘foisted upon the [Irish] people by the fraud of two or three Romish bishops’ and a deprecation of Gladstone and his party for proposing ‘to reduce the Irish Church to the level of a sect, and then to rob it into the bargain.’ h b/xx/ha/38, 38a,b, 39. 3 Hardy would stand unopposed at the 18 November elections and retain his Oxford University seat. 4 Robert Gregory (1819-1911), ba 1843, ma 1846, dd 1891 Corpus Christi College, Oxford, deacon 1843, priest 1844, vicar of St Mary-the-Less, Lambeth 1853-73, select preacher at Oxford 1867, canon 1868 and dean of St Paul’s 1891-1911. Gregory ‘was an interesting mixture of high-churchmanship and ritualism.’ odnb. 5 James Russell Woodford (1820-1885), ba 1842 and ma 1845 Pembroke College, Cambridge, deacon 1843, priest 1845, dd 1869, vicar of St Mark’s, Easton 1847-55, examining chaplain to the Bishop of Oxford 1863, select preacher at Cambridge 1864, 1867 and 1873 and chaplain to the Queen 1872. Woodford, a high churchman, had succeeded James Atlay as vicar of Leeds in July 1868 and would retain that office until named Bishop of Ely by Gladstone in 1873. 6 Most likely Christopher Wordsworth; see 4905n5.

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Right Honorable | Secy Sir S. Northcote My dear Northcote,1 You may announce the Baronetcy to Mills, & for the public causes you mention.2 I doubt, whether it will be necessary to have any Cabinets until November;3 but / all this is unsettled at present. I think the Ld Chanr. cd. meet yr convenience about going to Balmoral.4 But why go, if you have a contest, & other cares & claims upon your time? I could easily put in Pakington for / the last turn, if one, indeed, be necessary. I propose to send my address, in due course, printed, to each member of the Cabinet, & invite their remarks.5 This will be a more convenient &, I think, advantageous / way of settling the affair, than holding a premature Cabinet on the matter[.] Yrs sincerely, | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[Hughenden, after 8 September 1868]

original: h b/xix/a/80 editorial comment: An incomplete draft in d’s hand. Dating: by context; see n3.

5085

Mr D has the honor to acknowledge the communication recd from Sir T.B.1 by com-

1 Northcote had written to d on 5 September about Charles Mills, a director of the East India Company 1822-58 and a member of the Council of India 1858-68: ‘I have received a letter [not found] from old Mr. Mills, saying that he purposes to send in his resignation of his seat in the Indian Council on the 21st instant, and reminding me of the baronetcy. May I state in Council that you purpose to recommend him to the Crown for that honour? He and his father [William Mills] between them have been 98 years in the Indian direction ... It would be very gratifying to have this recognition of their long services – and he holds a position which in every way justifies the claim ... It will be a very great convenience to me to know as soon as I can what arrangements are in contemplation about Cabinets, visits to Balmoral &c. I shall probably have to ask Cairns to let me take the last turn, so that I may be here during Sessions.’ h c/ ii/a/93a. 2 Mills would write to d on 21 September: ‘On resigning this day my Seat in the Council of India, Sir Stafford Northcote has stated to my Colleagues, that in recognition of my long Service you had recommended Her Majesty to confer upon me the dignity of a Baronet. Allow me to offer you my best thanks for the very handsome manner in which you have bestowed this favor upon me.’ Mills’s baronetcy, announced in The Times on 30 October, would be conferred on 17 November. h c/ii/a/93b. 3 There would be a cabinet on 13 October. The Times (14 Oct 1868). 4 Northcote would be at Balmoral from 27 October to 2 November. The Times (30 Oct, 5 Nov 1868). 5 d’s address to the electors of Buckinghamshire, dated 1 October, would be published in The Times on the 3rd; see 5151. 1 Sir Thomas Biddulph (1809-1878), kcb 1863, pc 1877, educated at Eton and rising to the brevet rank of general in 1877, master of the Queen’s household 1851, extra equerry to the Queen 1854 and joint keeper (with General Grey) of the privy purse 1866, had become sole keeper of the privy purse in 1867 on Grey’s appointment as the Queen’s private secretary. Biddulph had written to d twice from Lucerne on 3 September. His first letter, marked ‘Private & Confidential’, concerned the Queen’s longstanding wish ‘that the Duke of Edinburgh might make a suitable marriage, but up to this time H.R.H. has shewn no disposition to form any alliance. Within however the last few weeks, he has had the opportunity of meeting the Emperor of Russia and his family at Darmstadt’ and had been much taken by the Grand Duchess Maria. The Duke ‘asks the Queen’s leave, before going abroad on his cruize [sic], to request the Emperor & Empress to allow him to renew his acquaintance with their daughter on his return, and in short at that time to become a suitor for her hand.’ Biddulph noted that Maria was ‘at present under 15 years of age, and that therefore some time must elapse before, under any circumstances, a marriage could take place, but the Duke fears that during his absence, should he leave without giving any intimation of his

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mand of your Majty. resp[ect]ing the contemplated alliance of H.R.H. the Duke of E with the G.D. Marie of Russia.2 Notwithstanding some difficulties wh: present themselves to Mr D. on this subject, he will at once express his opinion, that with if there be no precipit[ati]on they may be overcome, & he can say, very sincerely, that, so far as he is / concerned he will use every effort to bring about an alliance wh: apparently may secure the settlement 8& happiness9 of yr Majesty’s child & be a source of lasting satisf[act]ion to yr Majty. As to the legal aspect of the question, there can be no doubt. Mr D. had none that the alliance was strictly legal, but as he deemed that it wd be satisfactory to Yr. M. that he / shd. consult the Ld Cr upon it, he did so immed[iate]ly, & the Ld Cr. confirmed Mr. 8D’s9 opinion with[ou]t a moments hesit[ati]on.3

intentions, some other arrangement might be made ... the question on which Her Majesty desires your opinion is whether the fact of the Grand Duchess belonging to the Greek Church would legally or politically present an insurmountable obstacle. About a month ago the question was put to the Bishop of London ... I enclose a copy of his [2 August] opinion on the subject. The Emperor & Empress of Russia who are now at Darmstadt leave it on the 18th inst. ... It is of course a matter of much importance that the Duke of Edinburgh should take no step without being sure that no serious difficulties will arise here. Perhaps you will kindly let the Queen know as soon as you can what your impression on the subject is.’ In his second letter, Biddulph had enclosed ‘a letter which the Queen has seen, for your consideration. The Duke of Edinburgh, as is usually the case with young men in love, presses the Queen for an immediate answer, in order that his sister Princess Louise of Hesse may broach the subject he has at heart to the Father & Mother of the young Lady, before they leave Darmstadt. You will know best whether you can give a definitive answer in so short a time. It is certain that there is little choice of Brides for the young Prince, and the Duke appears to have picked out this young Lady for himself. If he could settle himself, it would no doubt be a great point gained.’ h b/xix/a/76-7. 2 The Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia (1853-1920), 2nd daughter of Alexander ii, Emperor of Russia, and Empress Maria Alexandrovna, would marry the Duke of Edinburgh on 23 January 1874. 3 Cairns had sent d two letters from Madresfield Court, Great Malvern, marked ‘Secret’: one on 7 September at 10 pm, the other on the 8th. ‘As to the Legal aspect of this question there can be no doubt. The Succession is limited to Heirs of the Body of the Electress Sophia “being Protestants”. There is no other qualification. If H.R.H. & his issue fulfilled this qualification, in the event of the Succession falling to him or them, they would succeed, irrespective of any question as to the Greek Church. The Political aspect is a different matter. The nation would, I think, rejoice in any alliance, acceptable to the Queen, which wd. lead to the domestic happiness & settlement of the Duke of Edinburgh. The choice of His Royal Highness is no doubt limited; & whatever differences may exist between the Anglican & the Greek Church, I cannot doubt that if a distinct stipulation were made that the children of the marriage shd. be brought up as members of the Anglican Church, & this cd. be announced to parliament, no difficulty on that score wd. arise. But I feel sure that a statement of such a stipulation wd. be necessary, as well as an assurance that in the alliance & in its attendant circumstances His R. Highness wd do nothing compromising his own position as a Member of the Church of England.’ Cairns believed the alliance would be ‘of obvious importance & advantage to this Country, & I think there wd. be a serious responsibility in suggesting any opposition to it ... without sufficient cause.’ In his second (12-page) letter, from which d has copied liberally, Cairns expanded on the political aspects. ‘The advantages of the arrangement are, of course, First, the alliance with the Great Europ[ea]n Power in question: & Second the domestic settlement, in a manner agreeable to & proposed by himself, of the Prince. The obstacle is the religious one; & I own it seems to me to be very serious. The alliance wd, in this respect, be without precedent since the Revolution. If things continue as they appear likely, & as we hope them to continue, that is, the Prince of W. & his male issue supplying the succession, the alliance by the D of E with a Princess of the Gk Ch:, coupled with a contract that the children shd. be brought up as members of the Anglican Church, might at first appear to have little in it with w[hi]ch the nation cd. be concerned, the opinions of the heirs to the succession being cared for by the contract. Even in that case there wd. or might be suspicion engendered as to the good faith with which the contract was carried out, & doubts might arise as to the Policy of a marriage which required the mother to be restrained from educating her children in her own faith. But we must look at the question in all lights, & among others, as if the Pr. of W. & his issue were unfortunately

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The pol. asp[ect] of the quest: is more complicated, & the Ld Cr. shares concurs with the views of Mr D. on this head. The advant[ag]es of the arrangement are two fold & considl. 1. It is in every sense a becoming alliance: with a great Europ. power / 2ndly. The domestic ‘settlement’ of the Prince in a m[ar]r[iag]e not only agreeable to himself, but even proposed by himself. The obstacle is the rel: one, & it appears, certainly at the first blush, to be grave. In this respect the alliance is witht. precedent since the Revol[uti]on. Viewed under the highly prob: assumption that the Prince of Wales wd leave heirs, there / are less but considerable obj[ecti]ons. Even in this case, there must be a contract that the children shd be bro[ugh]t up as mem of the Ang Ch, & even if entered into suspicions might be engendered as to the good faith with wh: the contract was carried out & doubts might arise as to the pol. of a marr[iag]e wh: required the mother to be restrained from educating her chil[dren] in her own faith[.] / But we must 8are bound to9 look at the question in all lights & espec[ia]lly in the larger one, & contemplate the unfortunate failure possibty. of the P of W & his issue failing; the D ascending the throne & his wife becoming Q. Consort. A policy wh: brought or might bring a Princess of the Greek Ch: to the throne of England wd. I 8he9 fears be open to grave censure. If she did / not renounce her faith she wd. require to be attended by Chap. or priests who were min[isters] of it, & to have a chapel for worship according to its rites. It is impossible to deny that all this might be very distasteful to the Eng: people. The Greek Ch: is free from the pol organis[ati]on wh: is one of our grounds of opposition to the Rom. Ch: & /

to fail, & the D. of E. to ascend the throne, his wife becoming Queen Consort. A policy which brought or might bring a Princess of the Greek Church to the Throne of England wd. I think be open to grave censure. If she did not renounce her faith she wd. require to be attended by Chaplains or Priests who were ministers of it, & to have a Chapel for worship according to its rites. All this wd. be highly distasteful to the English. The Greek Church is free from Political organization which is one of our grounds of opposition to the Romish Church; & members of the Greek Church probably differ much among themselves as to the extent to which they approach to or are divergent from the tenets of the Anglican Church. But there is a strong feeling in England th[a]t what we hold to be the Errors of Romanism prevail largely in the Greek Church also; & when on a late occasion an address to the Greek Church was voted by the Synod at Lambeth on the basis of sympathy and communion, much dissatisfaction was expressed by a large section of the English Church ... English feeling is on such matters highly sensitive & highly uncertain. A section of our Church wd. probably hail the alliance as a means for promoting the union of Churches which they have in view: & just in the same proportion it wd. become unpalatable to another section. We do not know whether any & what terms wd. be made on the side of the Princess. Any contract as to the bringing up of the children might be refused: or on the other hand it is possible she might be willing herself to embrace the Anglican faith.’ Cairns concluded by suggesting ‘that if any definite opinion or advice is to be given to H.M. it shd. be after mature deliberation, & as the act of the Cabinet; & th[a]t H.M.’s permission shd. be obtained to submit the matter to them.’ h b/xix/a/78, 79.

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5086

to: SAMUEL WILBERFORCE Hughenden [Wednesday] 9 September [1868]

original: bodl ms Wilberforce c16 ff87-8 publication history: Arthur Rawson Ashwell and Reginald Garton Wilberforce, Life of the Right Reverend Samuel Wilberforce, D.D. vol iii (1883) 260, the second and third paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden’ written in. Dating: by context; see n5.

Confidential Hughenden Sep. 9 The | Lord Bishop of | Oxford My dear Lord, In the absence of my Secretary, I was obliged to open the enclosed. After much hesitation, I have forwarded it to you.1 In the great struggle / in wh: I am embarked, it is a matter of great mortification to me, that I am daily crossed, & generally opposed, by the High Ch: party.2 Only think of Dean Hook3 opposing Henry Lennox at Chichester!4 / I remain, | my dear Lord, | Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli 5

5087

to: [FOREIGN OFFICE]

Hughenden [Wednesday] 9 September 1868

original: mopsik [63] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Hughenden Manor’ written in.

Hughenden Manor | Sept 9 1868 The box sent 8directed9 by Mr Disraeli to “the Countess of Kent”, yesterday,1 8& sent9 by a messenger 8to F.O9, & marked “immediate”; but / which, in consequence of Her Majesty’s movements will, in all probability, be not be sent to Her

1 Possibly a letter (not found) from Dean Hook; see n3. 2 See 5089. 3 Walter Farquhar Hook (1798-1875), ba 1921, ma 1824 and dd 1837 Oxford, deacon 1821. As curate at Whippingham, Isle of Wight 1821-5, his extensive study of church history and theology had confirmed his high church interpretation of Anglicanism, as evidenced in his sermon An attempt to demonstrate the Catholicism of the Church of England and other branches of the episcopal church (1825). Hook had been vicar of Holy Trinity, Coventry 1828-37 and of Leeds 1837-59, and was dean of Chichester 1859-75. 4 For the Chichester election, see 5042&n2. 5 Wilberforce would reply on 11 September: ‘I have received your letter of the 9th to-day, and by this post. I am grieved at what you say as to the attitude of the Church party with regard to the Government. I am utterly astonished at what you tell me of Dr. Hook’s conduct; when he last spoke to me on the Chichester election he was warmly for the house of Richmond. There is a small ultra party who look with hope to disestablishment, but they are almost as politically powerless as the Evangelicals. The vast body of sound Churchmen are entirely with you on the great question of the day [the Irish Church]’, but ‘there is at this moment a jealous and alarmed watchfulness of your administration of Church patronage – men who through the long period of Palmerston’s administration held their fidelity in the barrenness of an ostracised position are soured by seeing or thinking they see those who, by steadfastness of principle and quietness of action, have the greatest influence amongst the Churchmen passed over for unknown men or men of the long-patronised minority. I had an earnest entreaty lately from the diocese of Peterborough that I would bring this matter before you, with the assurance from laymen and clergy that the character of the appointment to that see would determine two seats ... I believe that there is great danger of your losing the hearty support of the great body of the Church party unless they see the men who represent them adopted by your administration.’ A.R. Ashwell and R.G. Wilberforce, Life of the Right Reverend Samuel Wilberforce, D.D. vol iii (1883) 260-1. 1 Perhaps containing d’s undated letter (5085), to which the Queen would reply on the 12th; see 5089&n9.

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Majesty until this evening, must be / returned to Mr Disraeli, 8in the event of its not having been despatched.9 He, therefore, requests Lord Stanley, Mr Hammond,2 or any other authority at F.O., to return it to the bearer, Clark, his body / servant, who will bring it to Hughenden immediately.3 B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[Hughenden, Thursday] 10 September 1868

original: rac a37 51 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Despite the paper, d is at Hughenden on this date. Sic: Baggally [twice].

5088

Septr 10 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He begs permission to offer his humble congratulations to Yr Majesty, on Yr Majestys return to Yr Majestys dominions,1 & trusts, & believes, that the visit to Lucerne will / have given tone both to the spirit, & the frame, of Yr Majesty; & will always be remembered with salutary gratification. He thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s most gracious & interesting letter.2 He proposes to avail himself / of Yr Majestys most gracious permission to be in audience of Yr Majesty on Sunday next, at three o’ck:, as there are matters of great moment to be submitted to Yr Majesty; & the Council Day wd. be / scarcely convenient for that purpose. Mr Disraeli, however, proposes also to attend the Council on Monday, in case Yr Majesty might have further commands for him; tho’, otherwise, he will not trouble 8Yr Majesty9 by asking Yr Majesty for / an audience on that day.3 Mr Disraeli, for Yr Majestys convenience, has made some remarks on both of the very important subjects, on wh: Yr Majesty has been graciously pleased, recently, to communicate with him: 1st. by Yr Majestys / own letter, & 2ndly thro’ Sir Thos: Biddulph.4 The appointment of a Solicitor General to Yr Majesty presses. Mr Disraeli recommends Mr Baggally, the M.P. for Hereford. He is in the highest rank of his profession; / to which the 8appointmt9 will give universal satisfaction. Mr Baggally is an Equity Lawyer, & as Yr Majestys Attorney General is at the Common Bar, this is an additional recommendation of the arrangement.5

2 Edmund Hammond, permanent under-secretary of foreign affairs. 3 Foreign under-secretary Edward Egerton would reply on this date (9th) from the foreign office: ‘I have opened yr. letter of this day, & I find that the Box wh. was directed by you for the Queen was sent to Buckingham Palace, as no more Messengers were going to the Queen. So I have sent yr. Messenger on to the Palace for it.’ h b/xx/s/812. 1 The Queen would return to Windsor at 6 pm the 11th. The Times (12 Sep 1868). 2 See 5075n8. 3 On Monday 14 September, d, Stanley, Marlborough, Earl of Devon and judge-advocate-general John Mowbray would attend a council at Windsor, where Reverdy Johnson (introduced by Stanley) would present his credentials to the Queen. The Times (15 Sep 1868). 4 See 5075n8 and 5040n6. 5 Sir William Balliol Brett (4690), solicitor-general since 10 February, had been appointed a justice of the

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Mr / Disraeli sincerely regrets, that the Canonry of Chester is not in Yr Majesty’s gift, but in that of the Bishop of that Diocese.6

5089

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[Hughenden, Thursday] 10 September 1868

original: rac d1 87 publication history: m&b v 62-4, omitting the first two and part of the third paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Despite the paper, d is at Hughenden. h b/xix/a/59 is an undated, heavily annotated draft of this letter endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘Reply to Queen’s letter of Sept 7. 68’.

Secret September 10 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s most gracious & interesting letter.1 He can assure Yr Majesty, that in the observations he presumed to make to Yr Majesty respecting Church appointments, / he was speaking without prejudice. On Churches & Churchmen, he, personally, much sympathises with your Majesty’s views, but he sho[ul]d be unworthy of Yr Majesty’s confidence, when, enabled by the position in wh: Yr Majesty’s favor has placed him, / to form some clear opinion of the mind of the country on these subjects, at the present critical moment, he sho[ul]d refrain from placing these views before Yr Majesty. The situation is grave: the impending general Election, & that, too, one on a religious issue, has / developed all the long-pent up feelings of the Country, & there is little doubt that if, when the verdict is given, the Church of England is associated in the minds of the people with the extreme High Ch: School, the country will deal to that Church a serious, if not a deadly, blow. Your / Majesty justly observes, that the preferment of Dr McNeile did not satisfy moderate men. With becoming humility, Mr Disraeli would venture to observe, it was not intended to do so. But it satisfied some millions of Yr Majesty’s subjects, & acted, as a safety valve, to / such an extent, that while, before that preferment, an extreme pressure on Yr Majesty’s advisers existed to appoint to the vacant See some professor of very decided opinions, from the moment of the selection of the Canon of Chester 8for the Deanery9,2 that pressure greatly mitigated, & has almost ceased. Emboldened / by Yr Majesty’s love of truth, Mr Disraeli would presume to state, why, in his now long political experience, he scarcely remembers any happier instance of seizing the apropos. The country was on the eve of a series of public meetings on the state of the Church, convoked & / conducted by Churchmen to protest against the imputed

court of common pleas on 24 August. He would be succeeded as solicitor-general by Richard Baggallay on 16 September. The attorney-general (until 1 December 1868) was Sir John Karslake. The Times (29 Aug, 14 Sep 1868). 6 The canonry of Chester, vacant by the appointment of Hugh McNeile to the deanery of Ripon, would be assumed by George Moberly (see 5089). The Bishop of Chester (until 1884) was William Jacobson. 1 See 5075n8. 2 See 5088n6. George Moberly (1803-1885), ba 1825, ma 1828 and dcl 1836 Balliol College, Oxford, ordained 1826, headmaster of Winchester College 1835-66, would be appointed canon of Chester 1868-9 and Bishop of Salisbury 1869-85.

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designs of the Crown, & the Crown’s ministers in favor of what they styled Ritualism & Rationalism, when this preferment was, by Yr Majestys gracious sanction, decided on. Twenty preferments of clergymen of the same type as McNeile, but / not of his strong individuality, would not have produced the effect. And after all, what did he receive? A mock Deanery, wh: Yr Majesty co[ul]d not have offered to some of the great scholars, who sigh for such easy dignities; for the Dean of Ripon is really the parson of the parish, & / has to perform all the laborious duties of such a character. One of the consequences of the preferment of Canon McNeile is, that it already allows Yr Majesty greater latitude in the selection of a Bishop. Again, if a wise selection be made in this instance of Peterboro’, / Yr Majesty will find still more freedom in the impending vacancies, wh: Yr Majesty is obliged to contemplate, but wh:, it is trusted, may be, at least, postponed.3 Your Majesty very properly wishes to appoint to the Bench “Moderate, sensible, & clever men; neither / Ritualist nor Evangelical”, but Mr Disraeli humbly asks, where are they to be found? The time has not come, at least certainly not the hour, when Deans of St. Paul & Westminster,4 & men of that class of tolerant & refined thought, however gifted, can be submitted to Yr Majesty’s consideration. / It is not yet ripe for that: tho’ with prudence it may be, sooner than some suspect. But the consequences of such a course, at this particular moment, might be disastrous. And as for men, qualified as Yr Majesty wishes, without the pale of that school, why Yr Majesty has already been obliged / to go to New Zealand for a Prelate,5 & even Dr Atlay, whom Mr Disraeli recommended to Yr Majesty as almost ultimus Romanorum, is denounced, tho’ erroneously, as a creature of the Bishop of Oxford, a prelate, who, tho’ Mr Disraeli’s Diocesan, he is bound to say is absolutely more odious in / this country, than ArchBishop Laud.6

3 William Connor Magee (1821-1891), ba 1842, ma and bd 1854, dd 1860 Trinity College, Dublin, deacon 1844 and priest 1845, curate of St Thomas’s, Dublin 1844-6, and of St Saviour’s, Bath 1848-58, perpetual curate of Quebec Chapel, London 1860-1, dean of Cork and of the Chapel Royal, Dublin 1864, would succeed Francis Jeune as Bishop of Peterborough on 14 October 1868. Magee, of evangelical views, was one of the greatest orators of his day. He would make a celebrated speech in the Lords on 15 June 1869 in opposition to the second reading of the bill to disestablish the Irish Church. He would become Archbishop of York in January 1891, dying on 5 May. 4 Henry Hart Milman, dean of St Paul’s since 1849, would die on 24 September and be succeeded on 1 October by Henry Longueville Mansel. Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-1881), ba 1837 Balliol College, Oxford, deacon 1839 and priest 1843, regius professor of ecclesiastical history at Oxford 1856-63, in 1864 had succeeded Richard Chenevix Trench as dean of Westminster. A favourite of the Queen, Stanley in 1874 would officiate at the Anglican marriage service of Prince Alfred and Princess Maria in St Petersburg (after the performance of an Orthodox rite). The most famous of his many works is The Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold (1844), whose disciple he had been at Rugby. Arnold’s son Matthew would commemorate his life-long friend in the poem ‘Westminster Abbey’. 5 George Augustus Selwyn, Bishop of New Zealand 1841-58 and Primate of New Zealand 1858-68, had been translated to Lichfield in January 1868. 6 For James Atlay, whom d calls ‘the last of the Romans’, see 4905n2. Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of Oxford since 1845, would become Bishop of Winchester in December 1869. William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury 1633-45 and one of the figureheads of the High Church movement, had been tried for treason and beheaded. Dean Wellesley would write to the Queen on 11 or 12 September 1868: ‘Laud was a bigot, even to the point of self-sacrifice, but there is a want of moral strength in Wilberforce which

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As a matter of civil prudence, he would presume to say wisdom, Mr Disraeli is of opinion, that the wisest 8fittest9 course at this conjuncture is to seek, among the evangelical school, some man of learning, piety, administrative capacity, & / of views, tho’ inevitably decided, mild & temperate, & conciliatory in their application. He thinks, that, with the more ardent gratified by the tardy recognition of McNeile, & the calmer portion now irritated & alarmed, encouraged, & soothed & satisfied, by such an appointment as / that which he indicates, we might get over the general election without any violent ebullition; & even if another vacancy were to occur in the interval, an individual more conformable with Yr Majesty’s views might be advanced if Yr Majesty co[ul]d fix upon one. The / most experienced could not presume to offer to Yr Majesty any sound estimate of the result of the general Election as regards the relative strength of political parties. It is far from impossible, that the result will surprise everybody. But there is little / doubt, that the issue will be a religious issue, & the majority returned a decidedly Protestant majority. The conduct of the Opposition Press, at the same time nervously deprecating the “No Popery” cry, & declaring, at the same time, that the cry is obsolete, is sufficiently significant. After / the most anxious, & painful deliberation, & having weighted the suggestions of leaders of all classes of Church opinion, the names, wh: Mr Disraeli places before your Majesty’s consideration, for the vacant see, are both of, as he believes, admirable men, & they who by their standing, compass of mind, & tact in / their intercourse with their fellow Clergy, are well qualified for the office of a Bishop. They are those of 1 Canon Champneys of St Pauls & Vicar of Pancras7 & 2 Archdeacon Hone of Worcester.8 Doubtless, neither of these appointments would please the sacerdotal school, nor / even satisfy the philosophic; that is not to be expected; but they would be received with respect alike by Ritualist & Rationalist; & with confidence & joy by the great body of Yr Majesty’s subjects.9

prevents him being really dangerous in the Church whilst his brilliant and popular talents prevent him being hated in the country.’ Qtd in Blake 510. 7 For William Champneys, see 5039n3. 8 Richard Brindley Hone (1805-1881), ba 1827, ma 1831 Brasenose College, Oxford, deacon 1828, priest 1829, rector of Halesowen, Worcester 1836-81, honorary canon of Worcestershire 1845-81 and Archdeacon of Worcester 1849-81. 9 Writing from Windsor on 12 September, the Queen would thank d ‘for his 3 letters. She left Lucerne with regret tho’ she longs so much to be in her own beloved Highland Hills, amongst her own dear, devoted people – so far, far superior to the Swiss. She is very much tired & the Journey & the gt. heat at Paris gave her a very bad headache wh. she has not yet lost. Tho’ the Queen will see Mr. Disraeli tomorrow she thinks it best to let him see these confidential letters from Pce. Alfred & Pcess Alice ... The Empress of Russia is Sister to Pce. Louis of Hesse’s father[;] consequently there is gt. intimacy between the families. As regards the Children – there wd. not be the slightest difficulty. There are many Precedents of Russian Gd. Dcss marrying Protestant Pces & the children are invariably Protestants & there has never been any attempt at Proselytism, & the Gd. Dcss never object to attending our Church. But the one (not very likely contingency) of Pce. Alfred’s being King is almost an insuperable difficulty. The Queen believes that the Empr. wd. never consent to his daughter changing her religion.’ h b/xix/a/60.

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to: LORD MAYO

[Hughenden, Friday] 11 September 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Despite the paper, d is at Hughenden on this date. Sic: Fielding [twice].

5090

Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo September 11 1868 My dear Mayo, I have received the enclosed from Fielding, & have acknowledged the receipt: thats all.1 We employed the person referred to: I recall the name.2 You can, if you please / communicate directly with Fielding. My movements are these. I go to Windsor for my general audience on Sunday: & I shall attend the Council there on Monday, on the evening of / wh: day, the Queen goes to Scotland. I follow her almost immediately.3 Yours ever, | D.4 to: PHILIP ROSE

Hughenden [Friday] 11 September 1868

original: h r/i/a/215 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5091

Philip Rose Esq Hughenden Manor | Sept 11 1868 My dear Rose, I was very sorry, indeed, to miss you the other day. Tomorrow, we depart for G.G., & shall not return here 8till9 the beginning of October.

1 William Feilding had written to d from Curragh Camp on 9 September a ‘Strictly Confidential’ letter with two enclosures. ‘The offer of services therein contained is so startling that I do not feel myself justified in refusing to submit it to you ... The writer Mr Trelawney [sic] served well & faithfully under me last winter & being a gentleman by education, birth & person would have considerable power in the manner suggested by him, especially as he is a Roman Catholic & thoroughly unscrupulous as to means provided the end is attained. Any answer which you may transmit to me for him shall be kept strictly confidential.’ Trelawny (see n2) had written to d on 7 September, as Feilding’s ‘representative in Paris and Turin in the secret missions undertaken there’, offering his ‘confidential services ... I am a Catholic, and might perhaps be useful in Ireland during the progress of the elections ... I forward this through Colonel Feilding’. Trelawny had written to Feilding on the 8th with the same offer: ‘The unscrupulous desperation with which the Radicals are now agitating, requires to be watched and met; and a skilful detection and exposure of some of their machinations will weaken them immensely ... Of course I should accept no payment for such services as I now propose to render.’ h b/xxi/f/77-79. d’s reply to Feilding has not been found. 2 Edgar Brereton Trelawny (1840-1872), son of Edward John Trelawny and Augusta Harvey, had first offered his services in October 1865 to home secretary Sir George Grey and foreign secretary Lord Russell, claiming inside information about Fenian activities in Europe and the United States. Kennedy Conspiracy 19n1. 3 The Queen would leave Windsor at 6:45 pm on the 14th and travel by royal train to Balmoral. The Times (14 Sep 1868). d would stop at Perth on the 17th and arrive at Balmoral at 9:30 pm the 18th; see 5103 and 5108. 4 Mayo would write to d on the 11th (‘I have your note and Enclosures’) and 15th: ‘I have seen Feilding[;] he will write to his friend asking ... whether he can suggest any particular time of action in which he thinks he could be of use.’ On the 20th, Mayo would tell d that, according to Feilding, Trelawny was ‘a most remarkable man – in appearance he is insignificant, a normal English face, very fair hair and small stony blue eyes would make you believe that he was a little Shop Boy or an Usher in a school[,] but he was born with half a dozen languages in his mouth, speaks French German and Italian without accent, and when turned loose into a foreign town without introductions is generally found to be on intimate terms with a Cabinet Minister or a Cardinal within the week.’ h b/xx/bo/76, 78; xxi/f/80. See 5125&n1.

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These / are my movements. On Sunday I go to Windsor, but hope, tho’ not certain, to return to G.G. in the evening. On Monday, I must be at Windsor again for the Council; in / the evening of that day, I must the Queen departs for Bal: & I must follow 8H.M.9 almost immediately.1 Still, I hope to be able to manage to see you before I depart – & will send to your London / res: as soon as I see my way.2 Yrs ever | D.

5092

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[Hughenden, about Friday 11 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/120 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see 5088n3.

I go to Windsor on Sunday for my general audience but hope to return 8to G.G.9 at night, tho’ I shall attend the Council on Monday. D

5093

to: LORD STANLEY

[Hughenden] Saturday [12 September 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/70 editorial comment: Endorsed by Stanley on the fifth page: ‘Mr. Disraeli September 12. 1868 Encl Letter from Col. Feilding as to supposed warlike intentions of French Govt.’ Sic: Felding.

Saturday Just received enclosed.1 What think you of it? You know, Colonel Felding was our manager of secret affairs 8matters9 during the Fenian affairs, & was / sent 8by us9 to Paris? He is supposed to have first-rate information, having a genius that way, & knowing every one who has. I shall be in / town to night. Tomorrow, at two o’ck, go to Windsor for general audience, & shall be there also on Monday at Council. D Could see you at / Grosvenor Gate before I go to Windsor tomorrow, if you wish.2 Ever, | D.

1 See 5088n3 and 5090&n3. 2 See 5096. 1 Feilding had written to d from Curragh Camp on 11 September quoting an ‘extract from a letter received by me from a private French source this morning’. While at an artillery demonstration at Grenoble on 7 September, the individual had been told by an officer that on the previous day both soldiers and officers had received their marching orders, and that in 48 hours the Emperor could have 500,000 men on the Rhine. At Chalons Camp, the officer reported, the Emperor had received an ovation ‘accompagnée de cris “La guerre”’ [to cries of ‘War’]; the source concluded that the officer ‘est positif que les ordres sont donnés pour être prêts à marcher’ [is positive that marching orders have been given]. h b/xx/s/813a. 2 Stanley would reply on this day (12th) from the foreign office: ‘Supposing things were as your friend inquires, what can we do? There is no dispute, no cause of war apparent. If the French want to pick a quarrel they can manage it: any excuse will serve. But as yet we have not the slightest reason to suppose that such is their intention. Lyons believes in peace, while admitting that if war were intended the language would still be equally pacific. I see no possibility of useful action. Can’t call tomorrow but we shall meet at Windsor.’ h b/xx/s/813.

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to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, about 12 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/90 editorial comment: Written on the recto of a blank envelope filed with a letter from Cairns to d dated 11 September 1868. Endorsed by aes on the verso of the envelope: ‘Address to Electors of Bucks (for original M.S. with corrections by Ld Cairns, see among M.S.S. notes letters &c) ? 12 Sept ’68’. Place and Dating: d appears to be in London.

5094

Confidl. Notwithstand[in]g the enclosed,1 I have reiterated my wish, that he shd give his whole mind to the affair, & if nec[e]ss[ar]y even rewrite it. Still I conclude he will not do so, & we must therefore arrange to day about our course. The time is getting near.2   D. T.O / 3 Let me find at D.S. Tamworth Manifesto in Ann. Reg[iste]r. D to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Wednesday [after 12 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/100 editorial comment: Docketed by Corry ‘Sept/68’. Place and Dating: d appears to be in London.

5095

Wednesday I am sorry you are harassed – & at such a moment! I enclose a rather important elec[tioneerin]g letter from D of Wn.1 I think you had better come on to me with the Revise.2 Ever | D

1 Cairns had written to d on 11 September from Madresfield Court: ‘I have read over your M.S. several times since I got it, & each time with increasing admiration. There are words here & there as to wh. I cod. suggest alterations; but tho’ I will keep it by me for reflection & thinking for a week or ten days, I do not at present see the least probability of my criticism going further. For strength, clearness, and comprehensiveness, I have seldom read anything equal to it.’ h b/xx/d/90. 2 Much of d’s address to the electors of Buckinghamshire (5151), dated 1 October and published in The Times on the 3rd, would concern church matters, d noting that ‘The connexion of religion with the exercise of political authority is one of the main safeguards of the civilization of man’, and that disestablishment of the Established Church in Ireland would ‘aggravate religious hostility and party rancour’ in that country. 3 Following his appointment by King William iv as pm in November 1834, Sir Robert Peel had called a general election and, during his campaign, issued an address to his Tamworth constituents in which he argued for moderate reforms, offering a ‘careful review of institutions, civil and ecclesiastical’ and ‘an improved distribution of the revenues of the Church’ that would extend its influence and promote ‘the true interests of the Established religion.’ This so-called Tamworth Manifesto, considered a landmark document in its outlining of Conservative policy following the passing of the 1832 Reform Act, was published in The Times on 18 December 1834. Annual Register, or a view of History, Politics, and Literature, of the Year 1834 (1835) 339-43. 1 No letter to d during this period from the Duke of Wellington has been found. 2 For d’s address to Bucks electors, see 5151.

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5096

to: PHILIP ROSE

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 13 September 1868

original: h r/i/a/216 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

Philip Rose Esq Grosvenor Gate | Sept 13 1868 My dear Rose, It is necessary, that I shd. see you, & witht. delay. I am now going to Windsor, &, tomorrow, at one o’ck:, I must leave this place / for Windsor again, for a Council. Could you call here before that time; or rather not later, than twelve; as I have a good deal to say to you. Yrs ever | D.

5097

to: LORD STANLEY

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 15 September 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/71 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvr Gate’ written in.

Grosvr Gate | Sept 15 68 Dear Stanley, I shall be at D.S. 8today,9 & will send over to you. In the meantime, look at enclosed letter from Northcote.1 Yrs ever | D.

5098

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 15 September 1868

original: dbp Box 146/3 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. The ‘D.’ of the signature line is over the fold of the paper on the first page. Sic: Devises.

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. Sept 15 1868 My dear Lord, It was most kind of you to remember me.1 I delight in yr red venison, & I only hope

1 Stanley would reply on this day (15th) from the foreign office: ‘I return Northcote’s letter [not found]. He wrote me one in the same sense. I said in answer that if he, the Council, and [Sir John] Lawrence were all agreed, I would not take on myself to object. Relations with Afghanistan have always been held to be exclusively Indian questions: But I thought he should be very cautious not to connect himself to his protegé to any such extent as to compromise the position of the British government in the event of things turning out otherwise than he seems at present to expect.’ h b/xx/s/814. See 5100&n1. 1 Derby had written to d from Knowsley on the 14th: ‘The Papers say that you have returned to London, and as they are not always wrong, I send to Grosvenor Gate, in the assurance that it will be forwarded to you if not there, a haunch of Red deer venison, killed on Saturday evening. I remember that you approved of one I sent you last year, and I hope this may be pretty good, though the long drought has interfered with the condition of my Deer this year. I did not trouble you with an answer to your last letter [5067]. Your appointment of McNeile seems to me rather a hazardous bid for the extreme Low Church, but I hope it may answer. I don’t think I should have ventured on it. I hope our County will do well at the Election, though we have not yet a Candidate, which we certainly ought to have, for the third seat at Manchester. I receive favourable reports generally of your prospects; but as far as I have seen the lists, the Liberal Candidates appear to be not only more numerous than ours, but to be assailing many more of our seats, than we of theirs, and I own I cannot see where you will gain the additional strength required. I hear that Gladstone is ill, and looks much worn. Your new Lord of the Admiralty takes very kindly to his

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the haunch will keep till my return from Balmoral, where I am doomed / to go tomorrow. It is not a time I care to be away from head quarters. Our candidates for England are 336, while there are only two seats, where Tories are opposing each other: Leominster & Devises: therefore we our candidates are / 334. The other side, certainly, have a greater number; 426 – but 98 of them are opposing Liberals: so, really, as regards business, we have in England 334 to their 328. I have not yet the returns from / Scotland & Ireland, but in my estimates, I only calculate at 8on9 our maintaining our ground in these two countries; they say, however, we shall pick up a little.2 I hope Lady Derby is well. I think Stanley has a chance of settling all the American difficulties:3 so he won’t have worked in vain. That is some consolation what[eve]r may happen. Yrs ever / | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Tuesday] 15 September [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/386

5099

Sept 15 Return this to Mr. P. at yr convenience.1 It appears 8to me,9 that the D of Ab: is in the right. He had clearly a right to an Irish Marq: of Hamilton if the Crown chose to grant him that distinction. / If the chief title of Mr P’s client were Marq: of Hamilton instead of Duke, then, the eldest son of D. of Ab: would have to describe himself as / Marq: of Hamilton of Strabane – but now it is unnecessary, &, otherwise, ca uncalled for. 8These are my impressions.9 However don’t be in a hurry to write & think over the matter.2 Yrs | D.

work, though he manages to get down here for Saturday & Sunday. I believe his seat is quite safe.’ h b/ xx/s/499. 2 At the November 1868 elections, the first after the passage of the 1867 Reform Act, Liberals would win 382 seats, Conservatives 276, including Scotland (l 52, c 8) and Ireland (l 65, c 40). At Leominster, Herefordshire, on 17 November, Richard Arkwright (c) would defeat Thomas Spinks (l) 432-147; the seat, formerly held by two members, had been held since April 1868 by Lord Mahon (c), who would withdraw from the contest and stand for Greenwich. The Times on 4 September had noted that Arkwright and Mahon were ‘determined to fight the battle to the last. The Tory party is, therefore, divided ... and it would be very difficult to say which gentleman is likely to succeed.’ At Devizes, Wiltshire (also formerly two members), on 17 November, Sir Thomas Bateson (c) would defeat J.W. Probyn (l) and C. Darby Griffith (l-c), 385 to 321 and 34, respectively. bhf 140; McCalmont. 3 For the Alabama claims, see 4653n4. 1 ‘Mr. P.’ (perhaps a solicitor) has not been identified. 2 The Marquess of Hamilton was the eldest son of the Duke of Abercorn, both titles in the peerage of Ireland, in which the Duke also held the title of Viscount Strabane. In the peerage of Great Britain the Duke’s titles were Marquess of Abercorn and Viscount Hamilton of Hamilton. ‘Mr P’s client’ is apparently the 12th Duke of Hamilton, his second title (unused by his son) being Marquess of Hamilton, both titles in the peerage of Scotland. In the peerage of Great Britain he was Duke of Brandon and Baron Dutton.

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P.S / You can give me Ld. Derby’s letter3 at D.S. I send it on acct. of his gen[era]l impression as to elections; & I shd. like to know the answer as to his observ[ati]ons resp[ect]ing candidates &c

5100

to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Downing Street [Tuesday] 15 September 1868

original: h h/life editorial comment: From a typescript headed: ‘D. to Sir Stafford Northcote. 10 Downing St. Septr 15, 1868.’ Sic: Shere.

I must leave Afghanistan to yourself and the Governor General; only just hinting, that we must not forget the past, & take care, that our relations with Shere Ali should be as little complicated as possible.1

5101

to: LORD MALMESBURY

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 15 September 1868

original: hcc 9m73/461/31 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosvenor Gate’ written in.

Private Grosvenor Gate | Sept 15 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Malmesbury G.C.B. My dear M,1 It is of importance, that S. Hants shd be fought & one 8won9.2 Pray put up the steam & make Sloane Stanley3 understand a little what / are his duties to God & his neighbour. 3 See 5098&n1. 1 Sir John Lawrence had been governor-general of India since 1863. Sher Ali Khan (1825-1879), Emir of Afghanistan 1863-6, had resumed the throne in August 1868. He would reign until his death and be succeeded by his son, Mohammad Yaqub Khan. The Russians were currently encroaching southward toward the 2,600-km long Oxus (now the Amu Darya) river forming most of the northeast border of Afghanistan, considered by Britain a buffer state between Russia and (British) Pakistan. The Times on 7 September had carried a report from Calcutta (dated 7 August) stating that Khan had ‘carried all before him. Should [he] for the third time become master of Cabul, which seems certain, there are some who would have in review our past policy with Afghanistan ... This much is certain, that till Russia actually crosses the Oxus Sir John Lawrence will not even subsidize Shere Ali.’ On 17 September it would carry a report from Bombay (dated 25 August) stating that Khan had entered Kabul ‘with 5,000 men and ascended the throne on the 14th of August.’ 1 Malmesbury had written to d on 13 September enclosing ‘a note received this morning from Dr Wadham whom you may remember as Lady Jersey’s doctor, respecting an appt at the Mint. I fear we shall not start a second man for South Hants wh a county Whig told me he was sure we could win, as I believe we should. Fane will not start again if Ld H. Scott does so, & the Squires wont subscribe. I offered the whole of my Cabinet contribution & £100 besides but they wont open their purses. Such a millionaire as Sloane Stanley only giving £100!! ... Somerton (now Normanton) ought to be secured by a Peerage if we do fight this Southern division. He is waiting upon fortune & splits his Northamptonshire votes. Knightley who was at Longleat gave us to understand that he had made up his quarrel with his party.’ h b/xx/hs/151. See 5164&n1. 2 At the s Hampshire election on 26 November, four candidates would stand for two seats, (l) William Cowper-Temple (2795) and (c) Lord Henry John Scott (2756) narrowly defeating (l) Clement Milward (2726) and (c) John Carpenter Garnier (2716). See 5180&n1. 3 William Hans Sloane Stanley (1809-1879) of Paultons, Hampshire, jp and dl for Hampshire, high sheriff 1867.

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With regard to N – if he will win the seat, he shall have what he wants. But success must be the condition.4 Yrs sinly | D to: LORD MAYO

Downing Street [Wednesday] 16 September 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Wilson-Patten.

5102

Secret Septr 16 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo Colonel Wilson-Patten has accepted the office, wh: you now fill. I think it is an appointment, that / will give confidence to the country, & please the House of Commons.1 I trust, that it will meet, also, the views of the Lord Lieutenant.2 I wish now, that you would / inform me, as soon as possible, what is the course Wilson Patten shd. take. Should he come on at once to Dublin? Should he come as Irish Secy. or as a traveller? He accepts office on my / clear undertaking, that he shd. have the advantage of being broken in a little by yourself, & also, that he shd. not have anything to do with the Elections, to wh: he is – certainly at present – quite incompetent. Yours ever | D. The affair at present must be quite secret: confined to the Ld. Lt. & yourself.3

4 James Charles Herbert Welbore Ellis Agar (1818-1896), Viscount Somerton until succeeding as 3rd Earl of Normanton on 25 August 1868, lieut in the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry Cavalry 1851, dl and jp for Wiltshire and Hampshire and mp (l-c) Wilton 1841-52. He would be created Baron Somerton of Somerley, Hants, in the peerage of the uk in 1873. Peerages (1869, 1930). Barrington would write to Corry on 19 October that he had written to Normanton asking him to stand for s Wilts ‘upon the plea that he is the only man with whom H. Thynne will coalesce’, but had ‘very little hope that he will consent.’ He would write to Corry again on 22 October with Normanton’s reply: although ‘“deeply flattered at Harry Thynne’s trust & faith in him ... it is quite impossible that he shd meddle with elections at present.”’ h b/ ix/g/22b, 28. Lord Henry Thynne was mp (c) for s Wilts 1859-85. 1 John Wilson Patten would become chief secretary for Ireland on 29 September, serving from 1 October to 1 December. The announcement would appear in The Times on 21 September. A 24 September report from Dublin would note that the Cork Examiner had commended d’s ‘wise selection ... There is not in the House of Commons a man more universally or indeed more justly popular than Wilson Patten.’ The Times (21, 25 Sep 1868). 2 No letter to d from Abercorn during this period has been found. 3 Mayo would reply from Dublin Castle on the 17th: ‘I think that on the whole you have made a good selection. W Patten is very conciliatory and a great favourite with the House of Commons. I think it most desirable that he should come here soon but I do not think that he could enter the office without it being immediately suspected that he was to be my successor. It would therefore be desirable that he should wait until you think it convenient to publish the appt, when he should come and stay with me at Palmerstown. I shall stay here till about the 10th of October. I think Wilson Patten should assume office about the first and come over a few days previously.’ He would write on the 18th: ‘I understood that you had left for Balmoral so directed my answer to yours of the 16th there ... I hope to retire on the first of October and W.P. should come to me here at Palmerstown a few days sooner. I wrote to the Lord Lt. but have mentioned the matter to no one else. I will write to Wilson Patten tomorrow.’ h b/xx/bo/79-80.

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5103

to: LORD DERBY

Perth [Friday] 18 September 1868

original: dbp Box 146/3 publication history: m&b v 65, the fourth to seventh paragraphs editorial comment: Sic: St James’.

Private Perth. Septr. 18. :68 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G My dear Lord, I write to you from this place, where I slept last night, & where I have a few minutes this morning. I have offered to Wilson Patten, the Irish Sec[retaryshi]p & 8with9 the Cabinet – & he, after much / hesitation, has accepted it. I hope 8you will9 approve. I think it a solid appointment, & there were so many whippersnappers looking to the office, that I got alarmed at the possible levity of the situation.1 They say, that Henry Lennox / will resign in consequence, but I hope not. I shall offer him the Duchy,2 & if there be a vacancy in the Sec: Admy., I think of adopting a suggestion you once made, & offering it to Graves?3 I think Patten & Graves would be rather strong appointments / – & I fancy you would approve of them, wh: always encourages me. I wish I cd. consult you about the Bishop4 – but it wd. require a volume, instead of a letter. These questions, within the last few months, have become so critical & complicated. They were always difficult enough. I have begun to write to you several times on this subject, but have given it up in despair from the utter inability of conveying to you my view of the circumstances in a letter. I think the Deanery of Ripon has been a coup.5 I / was really surrounded by hungry lions & bulls of Bashan6 till that took place – but since, there has been a lull, & an easier feeling in all quarters – strange to say – among all parties. 8Probably, they were all astounded.9 Oh! for an hour of confidential talk in / St James’ Square! There are Bishops 8priests now9, & men of abilities, who are as perverse as Laud, & some as wild as Hugh Peters!7

1 See 5102&n1. According to bhf the office was ‘not in cabinet’. 2 Writing from the admiralty on the 21st, Lennox would reply to d’s letter (not found) and accept his ‘kind offer of the Duchy ... I should be glad if this could be kept Confidential a little while. I am engaged on a Paper about the Navy, to which, I hope to get the sanction of my Colleagues.’ See 5129&nn3&4. 3 Most likely Samuel Robert Graves. 4 Presumably the See of Peterborough; see 5115n1. 5 See 5040&n3. 6 Psalm 22:12. 7 For Laud, see 5089n6. Hugh Peters, chaplain of Cromwell’s army, had been executed as an abettor of the execution of Charles i.

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I hope, that you are well, & all at Knowsley. I am, as I always am to you, most faithful, | D.8 to: MONTAGU CORRY

Perth [Friday] 18 September [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/91 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1 and 5103. Sic: good’s.

5104

confidential Perth Sepr. 18. Montagu Corry | Esq My dear Montagu, A block on the road, occasioned by a good’s train when we were within an hour of Perth, occasioned a melancholy stoppage in the night of two hours & ½. However, it / was better, than being smashed. The utmost discretion, & secrecy, must be observed about my letters. I contemplate receiving one of much importance respecting Irish elections. I will not trust the post with more. But you must be very careful, if you / open such a one, not to open yr mouth also, to anyone connected with the management of affairs. It may be only a line – & it may be only an acknowledgment, with, or witht., a name. 8One of9 the leading articles in the Daily News yesterday proved, that the mali-

8 Derby would reply on the 19th from Knowsley with a letter marked ‘Private’: ‘I have received your letter from Perth, and have seen Wilson Patten, who is in a great state of trouble from his appointment, which he has accepted most unwillingly, and which I think he would not have accepted at all, if he had not been pretty-well assured that he was not likely to hold it long. He says, and with some reason, that he is too old to undertake a very laborious office, for which he has had no special previous training, nor much knowledge of the Country to which he is going. I think his appointment is likely enough to be popular in the House of Commons; but I should doubt his making a very efficient Chief Secretary: especially as he has no taste for the work, and he tells me that you have promised him that he shall not be called upon to introduce any measure of importance, but that you will do it yourself. Personally, I regret his removal from the Duchy, the duties of which, especially in regard to Magistrates’ appointments, he was well qualified to perform from his local knowledge; and he was taking pains to correct the gross abuses which have prevailed in the administration of the Duchy property. But when all is said, I do not know where you could have got a better Irish Secretary, unless you had taken John Manners. I hope H. Lennox will not resign: he is doing work where he is, and ought to be content with his position. Graves, if he would accept (which I doubt) would be a sound, and a popular appointment, in the event of a vacancy. But such frequent changes do not tend to strengthen a Government. I can quite understand all your difficulty in the selection of a Bishop, torn to pieces as you must be by the conflicting claims of High & Low Church. But it seems as if you must have very shortly the Deanery of St. Paul’s to dispose of. I have, myself, no wish on the subject – nor, if I have, any right to express it; but I believe, notwithstanding his High Church views (as undoubtedly they are, though not ritualistic) the best man you could take would be [Francis Knyvett] Leighton of All Souls, my present Vice-Chancellor. [Edward Meyrick] Goulburn would also be a good selection, and would vacate a Deanery. As you express a wish for some confidential conversation with me, let me remind you that Knowsley is very little out of your way from Balmoral; and if it would suit your convenience, and you can spare the time, to make an Inn of us on your way Southward, and do not mind the chance of a mere family party, it will give Lady Derby and me great pleasure to receive you here. The 8.15 train (Caledonian) from Perth, brings you to Liverpool, without change of carriage, soon after 5 o’Clock. If you will let me know whether, and at which time you can come, I will send to meet you at the Edge High Station.’ h b/xx/s/500.

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cious parag: / about not attending agric: meetings in Pall-M. is working mischief.1 I think there shd be a line as we contemplated. I have telegraphed to you this morning, impressing the necessity of forwarding me all the newspapers, wh: I forgot to mention when we parted. Yrs ever, | D.

5105

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Perth, Friday [18 September 1868]

original: h a/i/a/367 cover: Mrs Disraeli | Grosvenor Gate | Ldn editorial comment: A telegram marked ‘Perth, Friday morning.’ Dating: by context; see 5106.

All well, will write by this post[.]

5106

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Perth [Friday] 18 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/368 publication history: m&b v 51-2; Weintraub Disraeli 472, the fifth paragraph editorial comment: Sic: good’s; everyday.

Perth. Sept 18: 68 My darling Wife, I telegraphed to you this morning, that all was well.1 Within an hour of this place, where we ought to have arrived a little after eleven o’ck:, it was signalled, that something had gone wrong with a good’s train, & that the road / was blocked up – & we had to sit in the dark for two hours & more! However, this was better than being smashed. Everything, otherwise, has gone very well.2 You provided for me, so admirably & so judiciously, that I had two sumptuous meals: a partridge breakfast & / a chicken & tongue dinner – & plenty of good wine! I did not slumber on the road, but had a very good night here, & have got up early, quite refreshed, to send you a telegram, & write a few letters, this particularly, wh: you will get tomorrow. There was a great mob at Carlisle, who cheered / me very much, but I profited by our experience during our Edinbro’ visit,3 & would not get 8out9 – so, they assembled on the platform round the carriage. It was an ordeal of ten minutes: I bowed to them & went on reading; but was glad when the train moved. I was greatly distressed at our separation, & when I woke this morning, did not

1 The Pall Mall Gazette on 15 September had stated that d had ‘declined invitations to the dinners of the Buckinghamshire Agricultural Associations this year, and has intimated that it is not his intention to take part in any public demonstrations for the present. The right hon. gentleman has not yet issued any address to his constituents.’ The Daily News on the 17th had deplored that d was resisting ‘all the efforts of his friends to draw him out. The battle is beginning all round him, but he sleeps in his tent, and disdains to appear upon the field. He will neither issue his address to the electors of Buckinghamshire, nor speak at political meetings ... Is he planning another retreat to the original policy of Government? All suspicions are natural when a crisis comes and Mr. Disraeli is silent.’ 1 See 5105; see n4. 2 See 5103. 3 For the ds’ 29-30 October 1867 visit to Edinburgh, see ix 4556n2.

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know where / I was. Nothing but the gravuty gravity of public life sustains me under a great trial, wh: no one can understand except those, who live on the terms of entire affection, & companionship like ourselves – &, I believe, they are very few. Write to me everyday4 if it is only a line to tell me how / you are – but you, with yr lively mind & life, will be able to tell me a great deal 8more9. Montagu will have discovered, by this time, the best mode of communication. The Queen’s messenger goes every day by the same train I did – 10 o’ck: Euston. Adieu, with a thousand embraces, my dearest, dearest wife. D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Balmoral [Saturday] 19 September [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/92 publication history: m&b v 58, the first two paragraphs; Blake 507, the first two paragraphs; Shannon 53, 58, the first two paragraphs and an extract from the third editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Dating: by context; see n3.

5107

Sept 19 Ecclesiastical affairs rage here. Send me Crockford’s Directory.1 I must be armed. I have none of your cards or labels. Put some in the next / bag. Clinton, whom I met at Aberdeen station, spoke with confidence of returning the six members for Devon!2 I wrote to you / yesterday from Perth.3 Voyage successful, & very well. But a howling wind here, & gusty rain: all I can see, from a very comfortable lodging, / is a brilliant 8flower9 garden – contiguous sylvan hills of graceful outline, & some glimpse of a mountainous distance. Ever | D. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Saturday] 19 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/369 publication history: m&b v 52 editorial comment: Balmoral paper.



5108

Septr 19 1868

4 ma would write every day (or more frequently) from Grosvenor Gate during d’s absence, 17-28 September. On the evening of the 17th, she had written: ‘You are the glory & delight of my life, but I feel so sad at the thought of being separated from you for so long a time ... I send this by the 9 oClock Messenger tomorrow morning.’ On the 18th at 11:30 pm, she had written: ‘The telegraph was a great comfort to me this morning ... I have only accepted the invitation to dine at Gunnersbury on Sunday. I long for the promis’d letter. Mr Corry told me you had a good carriage with some comfortable chairs. I hope you found them so. It must have been very dull the last few hours, in the dark ... I fear the clerkship in the House of Coms Lady Knatchbull asks for is not in yr gift so that is settled ... This stupid little note, but I feel so sad. I will write to Lady Salisbury tomorrow & shall see her next week.’ h a/i/a/517-18. 1 John Crockford and Edward William Cox in 1858 had begun publishing Crockford’s Clerical Directory: Biographical and Statistical Book of Reference for Facts Relating to the Clergy and Church, an annual still extant. 2 Lord Clinton, as Charles Trefussis, had been mp (l-c) for Devonshire n 1857-66. At the November 1868 election, Conservatives would win five of the six seats for n, s and e Devonshire. McCalmont. 3 See 5104.

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My darling Wife, Arrived here last night – ½ past nine – the Household at dinner. The Queen sent a considerate message, that I need not dress, but I thought it / best, as I was tired & dusty, not to appear – particularly as I found some important letters from Stanley1 on my table. They served me a capital little dinner in my room, & I had a very good night. The messenger who arrived this morning, has just brought me a cargo of red boxes & one from Montagu, containing yr dear recollections of me.2 As his comrade departs at noon, I have only time to send a hurried line. It was dark when I arrived here, & during the / whole journey from Ballater3 when I quitted the railroad – I cd. only in the shadow see catch glimpses of a romantic country – & this morning to day, & during the whole night, it has been blowing a gale of wind, with gusty showers, / but this morning I see that I look upon a very brilliant flower garden, encircled almost with green & graceful hills, richly wooded, & farther in the distance more mountainous heights. I I thought it right / to appear at breakfast today, as I had not presented myself last night. Lady Churchill in attendance & Miss Lascelles, & Ly Bridport &c &c[.] Bridport told me that I need not wear / frock coats, “wh:, as a country gentleman, I know in the country, you must abominate”.4 Adieu! my dearest darling! | D.5

1 Stanley had written to d on the 15th (5097n1) and 17th: ‘I hear ... that the Opposition have decided, in the event of their coming in before the end of the year, to remove Mayo, even if he should have sailed, from the Gov. Gen. ship. It is said – but of this I know less – that Argyll is the intended successor. I think this is worth knowing, as you may be able to stop it in limine by getting the Queen to express her disapproval. The step is an extremely unusual one – the only precedent being the removal of Lord Heytesbury to make way for Lord Auckland, which caused the Afghan war. I saw [John Wilson] Patten last night, he was very nervous at the prospect of what lies before him, but gratified for the offer. I don’t think you could have done better.’ h b/xx/s/815. 2 See 5106n4. 3 Ballater, Aberdeenshire, is eight miles from Balmoral. 4 Lady Churchill was a lady of the bedchamber. Mary Louisa Lascelles (1835-1917), third daughter of Edward, Viscount Lascelles, was a maid of honour 1865-81. Bridport was an equerry. 5 ma would reply on the 21st: ‘Your dear letter just arrived. My dearest I am glad you may dress as you like & enjoyed a quiet dinner. I heard last Even’g that Lord Stanley refused when in Swit[zer]land to sign circulars &c &c that he came there to be quiet. That he sent to some Library for all the Novels they had, which pleased the people. The inclosed from Lord Rosebery came this morning. I like the tone of it, do you? A lovely day. Was there any thing forgotten, or that I can send. I think the peaches, altho not white, looked very good. What time do you dine. The Messenger waits. Yr own devoted M.’ She would resume later: ‘Monday night. I only write to say, good night, my darling husband. Montagu was here to day. I gave him some grapes from Paris. I forget what they are calld, white ones, small & plenty of Wine & the largest pear I ever saw, but which he said was not half so good as the ones he eat at Hughenden. Leo told me yesterday at Gunnersbury, that Lord Wilton was the greatest eater he ever saw ... I long for your statement which the Lord Chancellor says is the finest thing he ever read. I saw today at London & Bridges such a beautiful Locket with Prince Alberts picture. It is going to Balmoral so perhaps you will see it. I have only this little note for the Messengers tomorrow from Your own devoted M A D.’ h a/i/a/522.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Saturday] 19 September 1868

original: rac d1 91 editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: Payn.

5109

Sept 19 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He thanks Yr Majesty for yr gracious letter, & for Yr Majesty’s suggestions, wh:, with Yr Majesty’s great experience in affairs, & remarkable power of / judgment, are to him literally invaluable.1 He entirely agrees with all Yr Majesty’s views, as general propositions – but all these appointments must now be considered with reference to the / times, wh: are most critical. Any mistake made by Mr Disraeli, in this matter, would be fatal to the Govt:; it would be very injurious to perhaps even higher interests. Mr / Disraeli doubts whether the names mentioned by Yr Majesty are Oxford men2 – & the next great appointment must be Oxford: This, however, is a technical point. Some combination, / wh: would place the mitre on the head of a member of the great central party, & yet permit some distinguished 8considerable9 post to be conferred on the most distinguished member of the Lower Church / wd. have a great 8effect.9 As Mr Disraeli never has any secrets from Yr Majesty, he takes the liberty of enclosing a letter received this morning from the Bishop of Gloucester, wh: he thinks Yr Majesty will read with / interest.3 1 The Queen had written to d from Balmoral on the 18th: ‘Tho’ the Queen will have an opportunity of seeing & conversing with Mr. Disraeli on this important & difficult subject viz: the Church appts. – she thinks it as well to put down in writing, the results of much reflection on her part. First of all – it is to be remembered that any Ultra Protestant Appt. or at least any Extreme Evangelical one – will only alienate the other Party & not please the really moderate men – while it is bringing into the Church men who by their natural illiberality will render the Church in itself more & more unpopular. As regards fit men for the vacant posts – the Queen wishes to sanction the following: viz: Dr. Vaughan vs Mr. Rowsell, – and Dr. Lightfoot. Dr. Vaughan refused a Bishopric offered by Ld Derby – but might not refuse a Deanery. – Mr. Rowsell, a very fine preacher & an admirable parish Priest, Lord Derby had promised to the Queen, he shd. have promotion on an early occasion. Dr. Lightfoot was Chaplain to the Prince & was also thought of by Lord Derby. There is another eminent preacher & decided Low Church man, Canon Girdlestone. The Deanery of St Paul’s which the Queen fears will soon be vacant – she thinks ought certainly to be given for eminence only – either as a Preacher or a Writer irrespective of Party – & she trusts, that shd we lose the valuable, distinguished & excellent present Dean – St. Paul’s – Mr. Disraeli will concur in this. Another very clever man, & the finest Preacher the Queen has ever heard out of Scotland & whom she wd. much wish to see promoted – is the Dean of Cork (Dr. Magee.).’ h b/xix/a/61. The Queen would note in her journal on the 22nd that d ‘will, I think, make good Church appointments, as he sees the force of my arguments in favour of moderate and distinguished men.’ lqv B i 537. 2 None of the candidates named by the Queen (see n1) were Oxford men. Herbert Alfred Henry Joseph Thomas Vaughan, Bishop of Salford 1872-92 and Archbishop of Westminster 1892-1902, had been educated in Rome; Thomas James Rowsell, canon of Westminster 1881-94, and Joseph Barber Lightfoot, Bishop of Durham 1879-89, had attended Trinity College, Cambridge; and Hebrew scholar Robert Baker Girdlestone would be first principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford 1877-89. 3 Charles John Ellicott (1819-1905), ma 1844 Cambridge, deacon 1846, priest 1847, vicar of Pilton, Rutland 1848-58, professor of New Testament at King’s College, London 1858, dean of Exeter 1861, Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol 1863-1905 and secretary of the first Lambeth conference in 1867 (and its successors in 1878 and 1888). d would recommend him for the see of Canterbury (see 5196), but the Queen would choose Archibald Tait. Ellicott’s letter to d has not been found.

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Dr Payn Smith4 is Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, & one of our greatest Oriental scholars. His name was mentioned by the Bp in a previous letter among the Oxford men to be considered. The other four were: Goulburn,5 / Mansel,6 Hamilton,7 & Leighton.8

5110

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

[Balmoral] Sunday [20 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/126 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. Dating: by context; see n1.

Sunday I have heard from Ld Chanr by post & he tells me he has forwarded the address in box to D.S.1 Take all the necessary / steps as arranged. I have heard from Ld. Mayo. I leave you to publish Col. Patten’s appointment when / you think proper.2 Adieu! | D

5111

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[Balmoral] Sunday [20 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/125 editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand: ‘As to the Manifesto & Ld Cairns corrections.’ Dating: by context; see n1.

Sunday Messenger has just come in & one goes in an hour. Cairns’ box with him: just in time for your box wh: I re-open in bed[.] Adopt all

4 Robert Payne Smith (1818-1895), ba 1841 classics and oriental languages, Pembroke College, Oxford, priest 1844, dd 1865, was a moderate evangelical. As sub-librarian at the Bodleian, he had catalogued its 205 Syriac manuscripts 1857-64. His magnum opus is the massive Thesaurus Syriacus (1868-1901). The Authenticity and Messianic Interpretation of the Prophecies of Isaiah (1862) had so impressed Shaftesbury that the latter had influenced Palmerston to appoint Smith regius professor of divinity at Oxford in 1865; he would resign in 1871 to accept Gladstone’s offer of the deanery of Canterbury. 5 Edward Goulburn. 6 Henry Longueville Mansel. 7 Walter Kerr Hamilton (1808-1869), ba 1830 Christ Church, Oxford, deacon and priest 1833, vicar of St Peter-in-the-East, Oxford 1837-41 and canon of Salisbury Cathedral 1841-54, as Bishop of Salisbury 185469 improved upon the episcopal reforms of his predecessor Edward Denison. His outspoken high church opinions included belief in the real presence in the holy communion. 8 Francis Knyvett Leighton. 1 Cairns had written to d on 17 September from Wallop, Hants: ‘I return your M.S. in a box to Downing St today, from whence you shd. have it on Sunday. You will see that the only suggestions I make are verbal. I wd. not alter any part of the argument. I am satisfied that our only safety is in breadth & comprehensiveness ... In this vein, nothing I think cd. be better than the address, or better calculated to consolidate & animate our ranks.’ h b/xx/ca/54. For d’s address to Bucks electors, see 5151. 2 See 5102&nn1&3.

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his corrections;1 except, I think, 8only think9 the epithet “illustrious” sho[ul]d be retained, as “noble” is mere form. But decide yourself, an affair of taste & feeling. P.S. Remember to insert economy parag:2 & push the whole thing on. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Balmoral, [Sunday 20 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/103 editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Dating: d apparently has docketed this letter as his ‘2nd’ one to Corry on Sunday 20 September 1868; it is in fact his third. Sic: 2nd.

5112

Sunday, 2nd. I think, on reflection, as we may conclude that the Ld Chr. has really made little more than verbal corrections & additions of wh: you can judge, that we shd go to press / with the MS at once.1 If I do not ultimately approve of any correction of his, (wh: is not likely,) having his MS., I can ultimately, if necessary, reject them it. I wo[ul]d go to press at once. Let / the proof be printed “secret”. Send me two copies, & send one to each of the Cabinet, as arranged. Let it be set up in a large, legible type, & in slips. By these means I think it / might be sent to the papers for Monday week, on wh: day, so far as I can judge, I shall leave this place.2 Yrs | D. Send me with the proofs my MS. & Ld Cr’s corrections. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral, Sunday 20 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/370 publication history: m&b v 52-3, the last two sentences, omitting the signature line and postscript editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: gallopped.

5113

Sunday | Sept 20: 68 My dearest Wife, I write to you whenever I can snatch an opportunity, & they are so frequent here, but so hurried, that I hardly know when I wrote to you last, or what I said.1 Yesterday, I dined with the / Queen, a party of eight. H.M. the Prince & Princess Xtian, Pss Louise, the Duke of Edinburgh, & myself, Lord Bridport & Lady Churchill. We dined in the Library, a small, square room – with good books – / very cozy – like dining with a bachelor in very good rooms in the Albany.

1 See 5110 and 5112. 2 For the reference to Derby in the first paragraph of the published version of d’s address to Bucks electors (‘upon the retirement of an illustrious statesman’) and for d’s views on economy (‘There can be no economy where there is no efficiency.’) in the seventh paragraph, see 5151. 1 See 5110 and 5111. 2 d would remain at Balmoral until Monday 28 September. His address to Bucks electors would be published in The Times and bh on 3 October; see 5151ph. 1 See 5108.

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Conversation lively, tho’ not memorable. The Duke of Edinbro’ talked much of foreign quests, & talked well. Altho’ my diet has been severe, & I have not tasted anything but / sherry since we parted, I have suffered much from biliary derangement, wh: weakens, & depresses me. I have fortunately, however, Quin’s remedies, wh: I began this morning. Yesterday morning, I went out 8walking9 with Ld Bridport & / made a tour of the place: so I quite understand the situation, & general features – I much admire it. Mountains not too high: of graceful outline & well-wooded, & sometimes a vast expanse of what / they call forest, but wh: is, in fact, only wild moor, where the reddeer congregate. The Duke of Edinbro’ came from the Prince of Wales’ place with his keepers, & dogs, & guns; but not successful in sport. He hit one stag, wh: / fell, but in a minute or so, got up again, & gallopped off. He wears the Tartan & dined in it – & so did Prince Xtian, but it was for the first time; & the Duke told me he was an hour getting it on, / & only succeeded in getting it all right by the aid of his wife & his affectionate brother in law. I got both your letters this morning, & all you kindly sent.2 Weather very wild & wet. Adieu my darling love | D. I have just come from Kirk.3 I went with the ladies in a carriage.

5114

to: ANDREW MONTAGU

Balmoral [Sunday] 20 September 1868

original: mnt [1] publication history: m&b v 79 editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

Private & Immediate Septr 20 1868 Andrew Montagu | Esqr My dear Mr Montagu, It is my intention, if agreeable to you, to recommend Her Majesty to confer on you the dignity of the Peerage. Altho’, unlike your father,1 who was the last representative of the undivided County of York, you have not chosen to avail yourself of a seat in the House of Commons, your vast possessions, noble lineage, & devotion to the Conservative / party,

2 See 5106&n4. 3 The Queen, when at Balmoral, had worshipped since 1848 at Crathie Kirk, a small Church of Scotland parish church in the village of Crathie. In 1893 she would lay the foundation stone for a much larger church (completed 1895). John Brown would be buried in the churchyard in 1883. 1 Richard Fountayne Wilson (1783-1847), mp (c) for Yorkshire 1826-30. His son Andrew Montagu had been authorized by royal licence in 1826 to take the name and arms of Montagu only in lieu of those of Fountayne Wilson by directions contained in the will of the Rt Hon Frederick Montagu. blg (1952).

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fully authorise this act on the part of the Queen, as one in entire conformity with the social custom, & the constitutional practice, of Her Realm.2 Believe me, | dear Mr Montagu, | Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: LORD JOHN MANNERS

Balmoral [Sunday] 20 September 1868

original: bea [89] editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

5115

Confidential Sept 20 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord John Manners My dear John, I had thought of him a good deal.1 But it ought to be an Oxford man this time. They complain there, that all our appointments have been Camb: But / this is, of course, a comparatively technical objection – not to be over-valued in a critical time like this. Think again about it – & write to me again – as to what you really believe coul would be the feeling of the / genuine High Ch: party, if he were chosen. If they wd. accept him witht. a murmur, it wd. be a great coup for the Church.

2 Montagu would reply on the 23rd from Melton Park, Doncaster: ‘“The Good Cause” has kept me on the move and hard at work in the North riding and in the E[aste]rn divn of West riding & I am today hurried to this place in the Conservative interests of the S divn of the West riding, hence the delay in receiving your generous letter of the 20th inst. In simple words, I thank you & shall never forget your Frien[d] ship.’ However, because of ‘the impending Elections ... my first care must be to do nothing selfish, which may injure at this most critical moment, that cause which you my kindest Friend have at Heart. Even in the little political sphere in which I move and at the moment struggle the amount of personal ambition & jealousy is almost inconceivable, & for the good of the cause I have indeed often played “second Fiddle[”] & the result has been harmony among the Leaders of our somewhat refractory Party, but lately they have been unable to do without me and I find myself violently rushed to the front ... I really believe, that my ceasing to be a commoner at this critical moment would so far as our Elections are concerned have an unfortunate influence. My agents work night and day as a Peer’s agents could not openly work, and if I were to back out during the next month or 6 weeks hundreds upon hundreds of our voters would lose Heart & believe (what our enemies would be too ready to put into their Heads) viz that I only wanted to save myself from a sinking ship ... Had the Elections been over, difficulties in my way might perhaps have been less insuperable, but our opponents are savagely upon me at all points & I should damage the Party if under present circumstance I “turned tail”. Your kind and friendly letter points to the present instant & immediate time and I therefore feel that altho I could accept a favor from you under other circumstances yet to do so under present circumstances would injure the cause of my best Friend & Benefactor.’ h b/ xxi/m/414. See ix 4170&n1. 1 Manners had written to d at Balmoral from St Marys Tower, Birnum, Dunkeld, N.B., on the 18th: ‘The Peterborough Bishopric gives you, I don’t doubt, much trouble. If you give it to a High Churchman you will offend the Evangelists: if to a Low Churchman you will exasperate the High Churchmen, already not very pleased with Dean MacNeille [sic]. It occurs to me that neither party would be offended, and both pleased if you stepped out of the beaten track, and, having regard to the existing crisis in the history of the United Church of England and Ireland were to confer the vacant Mitre on the best and ablest Irish Divine you could find. The Bishop of Derry, the Deans of Cork and Emly are the sort of men I mean. Dr. Hooker, who was here the other day, says the scientific crowd at Norwich was fairly electrified by [Magee] the Dean of Cork’s sustained eloquence, and that is now a very serviceable quality in an English Bishop. Such an appointment following upon Selwyn’s would show your determination to regard & treat the Church as a Unity and would infuse hope and spirit in the breasts of Church people generally. We are but half an hour from Perth with a Station at our hill-foot, if you can find time to make use of this house as your resting place on leaving Balmoral.’ h c/iii/a/49l.

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Write at all events.2 My love to yr dear wife.   Yrs ever | D.

5116

to: LORD STANLEY

[Balmoral, Monday] 21 September 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/72 publication history: m&b v 77, omitting the first two and the last paragraphs and the signature line.

confidential Septr 21 1868 Right Honorable | Secy Lord Stanley Dear S, The Queen approves of the appointment of Sir Henry Howard to Brussels, & desires me to tell you so.1 I am glad our old friend has found some / fresh pastures, for München, & its life, had been well browsed by him. But what will become of his Hss of Hohenlohe?2 Who will ever chronicle his deeds & thoughts with such vigilant devotion! Your / hint about Mayo was apropos, for our mistress herself touched upon the business.3 She thinks the contemplated recall of her Representative will weaken her name & authority in India – as if she were a mere / pageant! This is the constitutional view – & I confirmed it. There is a material difference in recalling a Gov Genl of the Company & the ViceRoy of the Sovereign. Clearly. H.M. recurs to her hope, that, whatever happens, / we shall gain a material accession of strength. I told her the truth – that all the stories about respecting the result

2 Manners would reply on the 23rd, again from St Marys Tower: ‘My own impression is that the appointment in question would be popular with all parties in the Church except that small section who wish for Disestablishment, and that the Oxford feeling, which would doubtless be outraged by another Cambridge selection, would not resent it. I met Hardy at dinner the evening before I wrote to you, and he was not all unfavourable to the idea. If I knew anyone in the Diocese who was eminently qualified to succeed the late Bishop [Jeune] I would not recommend placing an Irishman over him: but I don’t and looking at the general aspect of Church affairs I believe the appointment would give general satisfaction. I very much fear the permanent head of my office is about to retire: his place will be hard to fill: if he really does go I will communicate fully to you my ideas on the subject; but I am endeavouring to persuade him to remain. Hereabout it is not thought that the threatened opposition to Stirling Maxwell will come to a head, and Cochrane reports well in his last letter both of S. Lanarkshire & Perthshire.’ h c/iii/a/49. 1 Henry Francis Howard (1809-1898), kcb (civil) 1863, gcb (civil) 1872, attaché at Munich 1832, secretary of legation at Berlin 1846-52 and minister to Lisbon 1855-9, Hanover 1859-66 and Munich 1866-72. Shaw 210, 283; The Times (29 Jan 1898). The current minister to Brussels, Charles Ellis, 2nd Baron Howard de Walden, had died on 29 August; he would be succeeded by John Savile, 1st Baron Savile. In the first of two letters of the 23rd written from the foreign office, Stanley would reply: ‘I have written to Howard, who I have no doubt will accept [see 5136n3]. He will be diligent in sending home news, which after all is the chief function of a minister at Brussels.’ h b/xx/s/816. From Munich on 3 December 1866, Howard had written a confidential report to Stanley on the British perception of the public mood in Bavaria and other annexed states regarding Bismarck’s expansionist plans. Report no. 140, December 3, 1866, National Archives, London, FO 9/177. 2 Chlodwig Karl Viktor Fürst zu Hohenlohe‑Schillingsfürst (1819-1901), pm of Bavaria 1866-70, German ambassador to Paris 1873-1880, Imperial Lieutenant of Alsace-Lorraine 1885-94 and pm of Prussia 18941900, was the most important statesman in Germany next to Bismarck, whose ideal of German unification he strongly supported. Adolf Fischer had written Geschichte des Hauses Hohenlohe (vol 1 1866, vol 2 1868). 3 See 5108n1.

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of the General election were alike untrustworthy: that the great body of the new constituency in towns were unpledged: that the / new electors in the counties were reported as singularly conservative; & the victory, at the last moment, wd. be to the party, wh: was wealthiest, & best organised. She does not conceal, from me at least, her personal wishes. / Last night, a little before midnight, a telegram from Julius Reuter4 disturbed us with the Spanish Insurrection – shall I say Revolution? Something from you to day will perhaps tell us that.5 Write / to me whenever you can, & believe me | Ever, | D. to: MONTAGU CORRY

Balmoral [Monday] 21 September 1868

original: h b/xx/d/93 publication history: m&b v 66, the third and fourth paragraphs; Shannon 54, 75, extract from the fifth paragraph and the ninth paragraph editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

5117

secret Sept 21 1868 My dear Montagu, Send me a few pens. I went away witht. any preparation of stationery, labels &c. – & am much inconvenienced. I can’t get long covers 8not too long9 to put in “private letters” to / Ld Stanley, as the one enclosed from Lord Lyons.1 Insert it in a proper cover, marked

4 Paul Julius von Reuter (1816-1889), Baron de Reuter 1871, born Israel Beer Josafat in Kassel, Germany (a Christian convert 1845), in 1849 in Aachen had founded the Reuters News Agency (using carrier pigeons between Aachen and Verviers, Belgium) and in 1851 in London had set up his Submarine Telegraph Office. In 1865 his operation had been restructured as a corporation, the Reuter’s Telegram Company, which Reuter would direct until 1878. 5 In his first 23 September letter (see n1), Stanley would reply that ‘Nobody seems to know anything about Spain. You get the telegrams nearly as soon as I do, and there is no other information accessible. I have arranged with the Admiralty to have a ship, or if necessary two, in readiness in the event of British subjects requiring protection. But of course they ought not to go without actual necessity, as even the semblance of interference should be avoided.’ In a second letter, he would inform d that he had ‘written to the Admiralty about a ship to take off the Queen of Spain should she wish it; but I incline to think that if matters go badly for her, she will prefer France as a refuge.’ Newspapers at this time were full of details about the Spanish uprising. It had been reported on 19 September (from Paris) that ‘the Spanish Generals exiled to the Canary Islands have arrived in Andalusia, where they have raised the flag of insurrection against the present dynasty.’ A Reuter’s telegram from Madrid on the 22nd would report insurrections at Cadiz and Seville, and another from Paris that day would declare the ‘revolution is spreading ... the whole coast between Malaga and Carthagena have risen ... the province of Galicia is in arms.’ On the 25th Stanley would tell d that the foreign office had ‘received a strong telegram from Madrid, urging the inexpediency of sending ships of war to the various ports, as it would create suspicion of interference, and arouse the jealousy of other countries. We have therefore taken on ourselves to modify the first orders given ... The Spanish minister has called, and admits the revolution to be “very serious”: but knows no details. I think the Queen’s chances are small.’ h b/xx/s/816-20; The Times (21, 23 Sep 1868). See 5119&n1. 1 Richard Bickerton Pemell Lyons (1817-1887), ba 1838 and ma 1843 Christ Church, Oxford, was 2nd Baron Lyons of Christchurch, co Southampton 1858, Viscount 1881, Earl 1887, kcb 1860, gcb 1862, pc 1865 and gcmg 1879. He had been British envoy to Washington 1858-65 and Constantinople 1865-7, and ambassador to France 1867-87.

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“private” & forward it to F.O.; with a letter to him also in yr bag. 8and put in a quire or two of 8plain9 note paper9[.] Enough of these miseries. The Queen, I found, very desirous to make Magee 8(Dean of Cork)9 / the Bishop. I waived all this by saying he must be an Oxford man,2 & she suggested 8the Dean9 might be one – but I had no book to refer to, & I am not sure, whether Crockford, shortsighted Crockford, biographises the Irish Clergy.3 Generally speaking, I also discouraged the / idea – but to my intense surprise I received yesterday a letter from John Manners,4 the highest Churchman in the Cabinet, proposing Magee himself for my consideration, as an appointment, wh: would satisfy all parties. We shd then, he said, by this, & the instance of Selwyn,5 prove / our recognition of the unity of the Church: colonial & Irish &c. One objection to Magee is, that his appointment would give us nothing, & that is a great objection. I hope you understand, that I expect, & court, from you as scrutinising a criticism from on / the Address, as I did from the Ld Chanr.,6 not having any copy I make this suggestion with diffidence – but I think the allusion to Ld. Derby might be got over in this way. “Since &c. in consequence of the retirement of an illustrious statesman. Having enjoyed the entire & / unbroken confidence of the Earl of Derby for twenty years during wh: &c” If you approve, adopt this.7

2 Magee (see 5089n3) had studied at Trinity College, Dublin. 3 ‘It was intended to have given the Clergy List of the Irish Establishment on the same plan as that of the English List, but the circulars issued were so sparingly returned that, after a very considerable outlay, the design was most reluctantly abandoned. Through the courtesy and liberality of Alexander Thom, Esq., we have been permitted to extract from his encyclopaedic “Irish Almanack and Official Directory” the tables of dignitaries, incumbents, and revenues of the Irish Church, which for fulness and accuracy of information leaves little to be desired. May, 1865.’ Clergy List (1865). A similar statement would appear in the 1870 edition, where Magee is listed; he was not listed in the 1865 edition. 4 See 5115n1. 5 George Augustus Selwyn (1809-1878), ba 1831, ma 1834 and dd 1841 St John’s College, Cambridge, deacon 1833, priest 1834, first Anglican bishop of New Zealand 1841-67 (where he supported Maori land rights and required his clergy to learn Maori) and Bishop of Lichfield 9 January 1868-78. 6 See 5151 and 5094n1. Corry would reply from the admiralty on the evening of 22 September: ‘Pray do not think that I am merely the echo of the Lord Chancellor’s dictum, when I say that the more I study, the more I see to admire in it. You flatter me much by inviting my criticism on it, but you propose to me a task which, I expect, all your colleagues will shrink from. Nothing has ever equalled the pithiness and power with which you advocate the maintenance of the Establishment. Years hence, when all of us are dead, and the Church too (perhaps), men will quote what you have just written. Not that I think the Church is moribund yet, for I believe that thousands of mourners, when they see this banner unfurled, will enlist in your ranks. Fergusson called upon me today. I asked him how, in your address, the Church question should be treated in order to win the Protestants of Scotland. He said “Let the Scotch see that if they allow the Church to go, then, for the first time since the Reformation, the Country will be without a Head, sworn to abide by the principles then established: that the inevitable result will be the destruction of those principles: and the natural consequence, the advent to power of the Church of Rome.” ... the accordance of what he says with what you have written is somewhat remarkable ... I will – tomorrow I hope – send you a few marginal notes on the copy which I now have with me, but with wh: I have as yet failed to find fault.’ h b/xx/co/45. 7 d’s suggested addition would be adopted; see 5151.

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So far as I could rapidly glance over the MS., for I had only five minutes, 8&9 in bed. I shd. adopt the Ld Chrs. verbal amendments entirely. H.M. / is very anxious about news of the elections: she frequently recurs to the hope, that, at all events I shall, have a material accession of strength. I told her what I believe is the truth: that none of the circulated reports are trustworthy: that the new Constituency in the Counties, appears to be safe / & conservative: that the bulk of the New Constituency in the towns, without any enmity to us, are holding back, & will not commit themselves to either side; & that the victory will probably be to the party wh: is wealthiest & best organised. I / await your letters with anxiety.8 I don’t like Clifton breaking away: it looks, as if the public feeling was, that we shd. be vanquished[.]9 Last night, at midnight, Julius Reuter woke us up with the Spanish Insurrection – shall I say Revolution? It looks like it – but, perhaps / in the course of the day, Stanley will tell us [illegible deletion] if it be so.10 Adieu! mon tres cher! | D.

  8 Corry (n6) hoped ‘that neither the opinion of H.M. nor that of Lord John has prevailed with you. I cannot see the necessity of filling up this vacant See for some considerable time. I am told (on enquiry) that a Diocese has often remained without a Bishop for a much longer period ... Fergusson is confident that we shall not lose in Scotland. He even talks of the possibility of gaining one or two seats ... Caithness is not to be despaired of. Traill is safe. But Traill is in bad health (very), and not unlikely to retire. Indeed, he has issued no address, & is supposed to be hanging back in favor of Moncreiff, for whom, should the Lord Advocate’s cause continue to prosper, he will make room. In this event, Fergusson tells me, the return of a Conservative may be reckoned on. And mainly for this reason, that, within the last few weeks, the Duke of Portland (who grows more fervid daily in the good cause) had purchased a considerable property in the County, at Fergusson’s instigation, with the one object of obtaining for our side a preponderance. It will be useless to oppose Traill, but he is a man full of years and diseases, & not anxious to take his seat in the next Parliament. The Duke has given between £20.000 & £30.000 for the property, which has about 70 voters on it. Fergusson tells me, as a great secret, the revelation of which might do much mischief, that Eglinton has promised his cousin Montgomery [sic] £1000. This is good. Eglinton, as, of course, you know, has never taken his seat, nor hitherto avowed any political opinions. Montgomery & Alexander stand for the two Ayrshires. The latter, I hear from Fergusson, is a man of great ability – a first rate speaker, and who is daily convincing audiences of 2000 Radicals that Establishment is essential to Religious Liberty. I learnt something from him of Lord Bute. He (Bute) is a zealous Conservative & has so arranged matters that no reasonable doubt exists of the right men being returned in Cardiff, Bute & the two Ayrshires ... Fergusson says that no ingenuity can counteract the influence which certain priests & prelates have over him, chief among them being Monsignore [Thomas John] Capel ... as I said before, he is a zealous Conservative, but averts his face from discussion of the question of the day. This being so, I hardly see on what ground Fergusson can with reason base his advice, – I may almost say request – that you should invite Lord Bute to take part in proposing the Address in answer to H.M.’s Speech ... I have no general results to report to you of our meeting today at Victoria St. Our time was chiefly spent in “posting up” Taylor in what has passed. As much depends on the impressions conveyed to his mind, I felt it very important that I should remain, to check, – and occasionally contradict – the Spofforthian version of past transactions ... Thursday is to be our great day, when Noel and Nevill will join us. I shall attempt, after that, to give some idea of our general prospects; all I can say at present is that we have increasing hopes in the new electors: that I have every hope in your address ... Monday. 9. a.m. Nothing in this morning’s letters except Nugent’s, enclosed.’ h b/xx/co/45.   9 Sir Robert Juckes Clifton (1826-1869), 9th Bt 1852, mp (l-c) for Nottingham 1861-6 (unseated on petition), would be re-elected on 18 November and serve until his death (from typhoid fever). ‘It is said that Sir Robert Clifton has definitely refused to stand’, for reasons that ‘have not transpired.’ The Times (21 Sep 1868). 10 See 5116n5.

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5118

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Monday] 21 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/371 editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: Clifden.

Sept 21 1868 My dearest Love, The Queen sent for me yesterday afternoon. Her rooms are upstairs: not on the ground floor. Nothing can be more exquisite, than the view from her window. An expanse of green & shaven lawn more extensive, than that / 8from9 the terrace of Clifden,1 & singularly striking in a land of mountains: but H.M. told me, that it 8was9 all artificial, & they had levelled a rugged & undulating soil. In short, our garden at Hughenden on a great scale: except this was a broad, green glade, the / flower garden being at the other side of the Castle.2 I dined with the Household, &, between ourselves, was struck, as I have been before, by the contrast between the Queen’s somewhat simple, but sufficient, dinner, & the banquet of / our humbler friends. I remarked, that the venison, which was admirable, was from Bushey, said to be the best of the fallow – & that was what was sent to me. Yesterday, nearly midnight, came wit a telegram with news of the Insurrection in Spain – shall I say Revolution? It looks like it[.]3 Adieu! my dearest, | D.

5119

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Monday] 21 September 1868

original: rac a37 53 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Balmoral’ written in. Sic: Reiter [twice]; burtherned.

Balmoral | Septr 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty, thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s kindness in sending the tel: from F.O., of wh: he had received a copy. The information, he remarks, is / not so full as in that of Reiter, wh: Yr Majesty graciously sent him last night, & wh: he saw for the first time. Reiter, he believes, speaks positively of the arrival at Cadiz of the exiled generals: this looks like previous / 8arrangement9, &, under any circumstances, would be very serious.1 Mr Disraeli wrote to Ld. Stanley to day on the point yr Majesty directed, & he invited as much communication as possible 8at this moment9 from the Secy. of State.2

1 For Cliefden (Cliveden), see vi 2556&n1. 2 In the 1850s Prince Albert had overseen the design of parterres and the planting of exotic conifers. 3 See 5116&n5. 1 The Queen would record in her journal on the 22nd: ‘Saw Mr. Disraeli for a moment about telegrams which have arrived from Spain, showing the progress of the revolution there, which, if it becomes general, may be very serious.’ lqv B i 537. 2 See 5116&n5. Leading the exiled generals and ‘“demanding a Constituent Assembly and a Provisional Government”’ was Francisco Serrano (1810-1885), 1st Duke de la Torre, a career soldier who would become one of Spain’s chief military politicians. In the aftermath of the rebellion in 1866 by General Juan Prim against the authoritarian rule of Queen Isabella ii, the so-called Glorious Revolution (La Gloriosa),

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With / respect to Sir Stafford Northcote’s letter,3 Mr Disraeli has written to him in the sense he mentioned to His Royal Highness; but Mr Disraeli thinks the matter ought now to be settled. It has been left open a little too / long; & if Yr Majesty will, on reflection, graciously inform Mr Disraeli on what Yr Majesty determines, it shall be effected without any loss of time[.] The Prince evidently does not much relish the / idea of being burtherned with a Mentor on board ship. His Royal Highness has no accommodation for a person of the calibre of Sir Geo: Clerk.4 Sir George is a member of the Indian Council, & / Mr Disraeli sho[ul]d suppose, from his long acquaintance with the 8his9 name & eminent services, of no inconsiderable age. Sir Stafford in his answer must give his own opinion of Sir John Lawrence’s suggestion,5 as / Sir Stafford has had every opportunity of forming his opinions respecting the qualities of the individual suggested[.] to: MONTAGU CORRY

Balmoral [Tuesday] 22 September 1868

original: h b/xx/d/94 editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: Garrawalt.

5120

Secret Sep 22 1868 My dear Montagu I wrote you fully yesterday.1 I shall be here till Monday – certainly – but must pass a day at Knowsley, returning. I know Ld Powis of old – you are lost, if you / consult 8him9: the step must be taken witht. his knowledge – & it will succeed.2 S. Hants apparently won’t do. I enclose papers; I have read Ld. Malmy letter, but have not even opened the enclosures. 8Keep them.93

the Duke and his fellow officers had been arrested in July 1868 and removed to the Canary Islands. Admiral Juan Bautista Topete, heading the conspiracy in the fleet, had sent a steamer to the islands for the Duke and his compatriots, taking them on 18 September to Cadiz, where they (including Prim and Topete) signed that day a revolutionary manifesto and the Duke accepted command of the revolutionary army. Isabella would flee to France at the end of September 1868 (abdicating formally in 1870). The Duke would become prime minister of Spain on 3 October 1868 (until 18 June 1869) and again in 1871, 1872 and 1874. The Times (21 Sep 1868). 3 This letter from Northcote to the Queen has not been found. d’s last extant letter to Northcote (5100) concerned the unstable political situation in Afghanistan. 4 Sir George Russell Clerk (1800-1889), kcb 1848, kcsi 1861, gcsi 1861, governor of Bombay 1847-8 and 1860-2, permanent under-secretary of state for India 1858 and council for India 1863-76. 5 Indian governor-general Lawrence had evidently suggested that Clerk accompany the Duke of Edinburgh on his ongoing sea journey around the world; the Duke would arrive in India in December 1869. 1 See 5117. In the present letter d is evidently replying to a letter (not found) from Corry. 2 The matter concerning 3rd Earl of Powis has not been identified. 3 For the s Hampshire election and Malmsbury’s thoughts on them, see 5101&nn1&2. Corry would reply on the 23rd that ‘In spite of Sloane Stanley & Fane, we do not resign all hopes of South Hants. Taylor is for promising the Peerage, and for trying to get Lord N. to bring out a man with Henry Scott. Fane would not stand in the way, as he tells Taylor he does not care for his seat. I think also that the Party, in the County, might rally, if two men were really out. On the other hand I hear W. Cowper is not ardent in his support for Gladstone, of whose intention not to call him to his councils he is now pretty sure. I

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I have drawn up a / parag: counteracting the “Lancet”, wh: she is delighted with. It took up a whole morning – but she says “it is perfect”. It is to appear in another med: journal.4 How cd. you expect honor from a faussaire! Hic niger est &c.5 Nothing can exceed the kindness of this place – anxiety that I shd. see all the sights &c – but weather warm & wet. Yesterday I went to see the falls of Garrawalt6 – magnificent, & heightened by the rain – then, on to Invercauld, to / induce Farquharson7 to stand for the Cy of Aberdeen8 – the Queen thinking that by the death of Oswald9 (who, by the bye, died of the canvassing, as was obvious he wd) she thought F. (otherwise too poor to stand, tho’ he / has here a real princip[alit]y of 100,000 acres at least) must come into ready money – but alas! he was not at home. However, I had a drive thro’ a magnificent land. / I am anxious to get a proof of the Man[ifesto]10 as she ought to see it, & have it by her for a day or so, before I go. Thanks for yr letter – send me all the news you



have heard it noticed, too, and noticed it myself, that in his address, he is by no means committed to Gladstone’s policy. The idea has occurred to me that, by threatening a contest, we might force him to a compromise. But then, how to approach him?’ h b/xx/co/46.   4 The Lancet (19 Sep 1868) had published a paragraph (reprinted that day in The Times) under the heading ‘The Health of the Queen’, stating that ‘since her sojourn in Switzerland the Queen has greatly improved in health. The untoward symptoms which cost her Majesty and her subjects so much uneasiness have yielded to the fresh mountain air and the change of scene in the most romantic of European countries. The benefit, indeed, has been so marked that the nation may look forward hopefully to her Majesty’s resuming (at least partially) those public duties from which she has been so long and so unhappily estranged.’ d’s unsigned paragraph would be published in The British Medical Journal (26 Sep 1868) under the heading ‘The Queen’s Health’: ‘We regret to say, that the paragraph in last Saturday’s Lancet respecting the health of Her Majesty has very little foundation. The health of the Queen has, we hope, received some benefit from the change of air and scene, and rest from her onerous public duties; but, while Her Majesty will continue, as heretofore, to regulate public business, the Queen will not, we fear, be able to bear the fatiguing excitement of a lengthened residence in London, and of the continued receptions attendant on such circumstances.’   5 faussaire (French): counterfeiter, forger; Hic niger est (Latin): ‘That man is a dark character.’ Horace Sermonum Q. Horati Flacci Liber Primus, line 85.   6 Garawalt Falls, eight miles from Braemar, ‘slip over several slanting ridges of rock. Above them the burn is crossed by an iron bridge, whence the view downwards over the Dee valley and Invercauld House is, perhaps, the most fascinating thing in the excursion.’ Mountford John B. Baddeley Scotland i: Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands (1885) 114-16.   7 James Ross Farquharson (1834-1888), 13th Laird of Invercauld, dl, jp, lieut-col Scotts Fusilier Guards. Invercauld Castle, which has its origins in a 16th-century tower house, had been extensively reconstructed and remodelled in the Victorian style with influences from the adjoining estate of Balmoral.   8 At the 17 November 1868 election, William Henry Sykes, mp (l) for the City of Aberdeen since 1857, would be re-elected unopposed and retain his seat until his death in 1872.   9 Farquharson (n7) in 1864 had married Elizabeth Louisa Oswald, daughter of Alexander Haldane Oswald of Auchincruive, Ayrshire, and Lady Louisa Elizabeth Frederica Craven, daughter of 1st Earl Craven. Oswald (1811-1868) had died 6 September. 10 d’s address to Bucks electors (5151).

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can.11 You are my joy & consolation: but / the Dean is recovering as I supposed he wd. – in this age of stimulants.12 What are [we] to do? I have not received Crockford. Yrs ever | D. I dined with H.M. on Sat. & yesterday. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Tuesday] 22 September 1868

original: a/i/a/372 editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: Garrawalt.

5121

Sep 22 1868 My dearest Wife, The little glass was just what I missed & wanted.1 The weather here, instead of being cold as they predicted, has been wet & warm – & my room everyday too hot; so I have written always with a fire, & the window open. / It is now, under these circumstances, 63: but my fire nearly out. Yesterday, after a hard morning’s work, for the messenger goes at 12 o’ck: & I rise exactly at seven; so I get four hours work; Ld. Bridport drove me to see some famous falls – of Garrawalt2 – & tho’ the / day was misty & the mountains veiled, the cataract was heightened by the rain. I never in my life saw anything more magnificent: much

11 Corry (n3) would inform d that ‘Your letter to the Bishop of Oxford [5086] has resulted in Mr Price’s giving his tenants orders to support Wynne, and, they say, has settled the matter. That’s good. This is bad. Ivor Guest now refuses to stand ... I have arranged that I am to make one final effort, before we send a man down. At all events I.G. will not use his influence against a Church candidate ... The Van de Weyer family, now, I am told, at Abergeldie, are forwarding [mp (l) Roger] Eykyn’s interests at Windsor most strenuously. Perhaps this might be stopped in some degree? I hope to be able to announce, in a few days, that Stuart Lane has retired, and that Chas. Edgcumbe is our candidate for Plymouth. A movement is begun to get Lord George Hamilton to stand for Midd[lese]x with this Mr Bashford. I am sorry to say that we have given up all hopes in the Isle of Wight. Our correspondents report that it is evident, on examination, that [mp (l) Sir John] Simeon’s great popularity will leave us no chance. We are going to withdraw P.M. Hoare at Southampton, as Perkins pledges himself to support the Govt on confidence and Church Matters. Mr Price Q.C. – a clever and sensible man – has been to Sheffield on the invitation of a Protestant League, which has been got up during the summer by the working men there. He returns with a marvellous report. He is informed by the Council of the League and by men of position in the town – the clergy and some large employers – that they have 13.000 men on their books who will support a Protestant Candidate. The only stipulation they make is that the candidate must promise legalization of T. Union Funds. I told him certainly not to stick at that; and he has done so. He has brought us the whole thing in black and white. Expence 3.500. We have considered this very carefully today & yesterday, as not only in itself, but as an example to the working men of the country, it is of great importance. What a coup to have Mr Price Q.C. the popular candidate for Sheffield, and that he might soon be, as he is just the sort of man “the people” like. We think of giving 1000, he finding 2000. This shows his bona fide at all events. If we decide on this tomorrow, you shall hear. I am glad you are going to Knowsley. The outcry for yr Address seems to have died out for the moment. I feel sure its publication can safely be delayed till after your return to London. I am going to study it tonight.’ 12 Henry Edward John Howard (1795-1868), ba 1818, ma 1822, bd 1834 and dd 1838 Christ Church, Oxford, Dean of Lichfield since 1833, would die on 8 October following many years of ill health. His successor would be William Champneys.   1 Most likely the ‘weather glass’, a forecasting device also known as a storm glass, mentioned by ma at 5127n7.   2 See 5120&n6.

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grander falls often as in Switzerland, but none with such lovely accessories: such banks of birchen woods, & boulders of colossal granite. I / dined with the Queen again yesterday. To day is fine: I have a message, that after our despatches are finished, I am to go on some expedition.3 There is so much going on, that the work is very sharp: wh: is the reason I can only send you this little line from your devoted, | D.4

5122

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[Balmoral, Tuesday] 22 September 1868

original: rac a37 53

Sept 22 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty: It may interest Yr Majesty to see the sort of pamphlets, wh: the “National Union” are distributing throughout the Country. Mr / Disraeli has selected four, wh: the Secretary of the Union states are the most popular: & the names of the writers have been written on them.1

5123

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Wednesday] 23 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/373 editorial comment: Sic: Lynn.

Balmoral | Sept 23. 1868 My dearest Wife, Yesterday we went [on] one of those expeditions you read of in the Queens book.1 Two carriages posting & changing horses. We went to the Castle of Braemar, where every year, the contiguous clans / assemble, & have Highland games. The castle was most picturesque, 8& is complete & inhabited,9 & in old days must have been formidable, as it commands all the passes of the valleys. I was very glad, that there

3 See 5123&nn1-4. 4 ma would reply on the 23rd: ‘I am surprised that dearest you have the time to write so many letters. It is difficult even in any country house, without the affairs of the Nation, to attend to. I took a drive to Gunnersbury this eveng. The Baroness is much better & expres’d great delight at seeing me ... I am glad you are doing an expedition as the more you are in the open air the better, but take care to have your thickest great coat with you, as the Eveng’s are ... rather cold. Who dined with the Queen? for those little dinners must be delightful.’ h a/i/a/524. 1 From 1868 to 1885, the National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations (see 4837&n2) would publish over 150 pamphlets, including, in 1868, ‘Practical Suggestions to the Loyal Working Men of Great Britain on Points of Policy and Duty at the Present Crisis. By a Member of the Committee of the London and Westminster Working Men’s Constitutional Association’ (no. 5, 8 pp), signed ‘E.A.’. Sir Ivor Jennings Party Politics. Volume ii: The Growth of Parties (Cambridge 1961) 190. In h is a printed page of the Union’s eighteen rules, passed at a conference on 12 November 1867 and signed ‘J.E. GORST, Chairman.’ h b/ix/d/32l. See 5190n1. 1 For Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands (1868), see 4663&n1.

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were no games. The drive to it sublime, or rather nobly beautiful.2 Then we went on / 8to9 the Lynn of Dee: a fall of the Dee River;3 & on the bank we lunched. One might take many hints for country luncheons from this day, for our friends have great experience in these matters: & nothing could be more compact & complete, than the whole arrangements. The / party was very merry: all the courtiers had a holiday. Lady Churchill said, that when she asked the Queen, thro’ the Princess Louise, whether she was wanted this morning, the Queen replied “No: all the ladies are to go, to make it amusing to Mr Disraeli”[.] Returning we went to Mar Lodge, & took tea / with Lady Fife.4 There we found Sylvia Doyle,5 looking more absurd, than any human being I can well remember. The highlanders call her “the coloured Lady”[.] Her cheeks were like a clown’s in a pantomime, & / she had a pile of golden hair as high as some of the neighbouring hills. However, she smiled & cracked her jokes as usual, & gave me, as usual, a long list of all the places she was going to. Lord Bridport gave me the enclosed photo[graph]s for you. / I saw the Queen on my return home – on business. We left Balmoral at ½ pt. 12 & got home by 7: a very fine day: no clouds on the mountains & the outlines all precise while we lunched, sunshine; & not a drop of rain the whole day. / Adieu! My dearest wife. I got your little note this morning.6   Your own, | D. They keep red venison here about ten days – & therefore you must not keep ours for me. I have not yet eaten a peach, being out of tone.7

2 Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as a hunting lodge, Braemar Castle had become a military garrison following the Battle of Culloden (1746). When in 1831 the garrison was withdrawn and the castle returned to the Farquharson clan, restorations began under the 12th Laird of Invercauld, who entertained the Queen at the 1844 Braemar Gathering (or Highland Games) held annually on the first Saturday in September and traditionally attended by the Royal Family. The Prince and Princess of Wales had first attended the Gathering in 1863. All reigning monarchs since Victoria have been patrons of the Braemar Royal Highland Society. 3 ‘The Dee rises in Braemar, and flows through these counties [Aberdeen and Kincardine] for a distance of 95 miles. It is the fourth largest river in Scotland, and runs so level that there is not a mill driven by it ... About a mile and a half beyond Inverey you come to the Linn of Dee, which is by all allowed to be a most singular curiosity. The whole water of the Dee rushes through so narrow a channel in the rocks, that a boy of five years old might leap across it. The force of the river is, as you may suppose, most tremendous; and the pool into which the water falls ... is said by the ignorant to be so deep that it has no bottom.’ James Brown New Deeside Guide (Aberdeen 1860) 7, 102. 4 Mar Lodge, five miles west of Braemar, was the Highland residence of James Duff, 5th Earl of Fife, who in 1846 had married Dublin-born Lady Agnes Georgiana Elizabeth Hay (1829-1869), second daughter of 18th Earl of Erroll and Elizabeth FitzClarence (an illegitimate child of King William iv). Their only son, Alexander, would marry the Princess Louise of Wales, eldest daughter of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra of Denmark. 5 Sylvia Doyle (d 1875), eldest daughter of Sir Charles William Doyle and his first wife, Sophia Cramer, daughter of Sir John Coghill, is listed among the ‘Misses’ (she would die unmarried) attending the King’s birthday celebrations on 30 April 1829, the Queen’s drawing room on 21 June 1838 and a state concert on 23 June 1869. Peerage (1930); The Times (1 May 1829, 22 Jun 1838, 24 Jun 1869). 6 See 5108n5. 7 For ma’s reply, see 5128n2.

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5124

to: LORD ROSEBERY

Balmoral [Wednesday] 23 September 1868

original: rose [40] Dalmeny House Collection editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: Garr-wall; Lynn.

The | Earl of Rosebery Sept 23 1868 My dear Rosebery, I was very glad to hear from you, & you have written me a very amusing letter.1 I have materials to return it in kind, but have no time, for I find myself busier here, / even than at home, & the perpetual arrival of telegrams on all subjects, from Spanish revolutions to the death of a Dean,2 keeps one’s nerves in a state of exhausting excitement. This is my first visit to the Highlands, & I am quite delighted with all I see. You know, I doubt / not, the country well; but Invercauld, & the falls of Garr-wall, & the Lynn of Dee, & the Castle of Braemar, are all new to me, & please one who, above all things, loves sylvan forests & rushing streams.3 Give my kindest regards to Bute, whom I love.4 He always reminds / me of Tancred.5 I never venture to quote my own books, but I can to you, because I know you read them. Few things please me more than to hear from you, for I am, always, | cordially yours, | D.

1 Rosebery had written to d from Cardiff Castle on 18 September ‘amidst a sort of general reaction after perpetual Roman candles and early dinners rendered indigestible by late speeches. Sir Carte Blanche has been in requisition and the Young Duke has come of age in a princely way. And they say that all this will have the additional advantage of winning the borough for the Conservative candidate. The castle here is very small but has great “capabilities” in the hands of Mr Brown. However there is an elastic inn close by where a great many guests are put up. Bute is certainly the prince of this part of Wales; and has spoken very well & effectively: particularly to a monster dinner of working men that they have held. It is not true however that he allowed them to sing “God bless Lord Bute” to the tune of the national anthem. I have been in Russia since I last had the pleasure of seeing you, but I was there for a very short time. It is certainly the most original country I have seen; though that is saying very little. It is particularly original in the way of hotel bills, which show a vast deal of imagination and great moral courage. It is not every one who would have enough immoral courage to present a bill to two men of 15£ for 24 hours, and another in proportion to their servants. I hear Lord Hertford is going to marry his adopted daughter which seems impossible. I will not weary you any longer but ask you to believe me with sincere regards to Madame la Premiere.’ h b/xxi/r/142. 2 See 5116&n5 and 5120n12. 3 See 5120nn6&7 and 5123&nn2&3. 4 3rd Marquess of Bute, who had turned 21 on 12 September (acquiring control of his very wealthy Scottish and Welsh estates), had arrived from Scotland at Cardiff on the 15th amidst great fanfare. Festivities marking his coming of age had included, on the 17th, a gala dinner for 240 in a banquet room temporarily erected on the castle grounds, followed by a ball at 11:30 pm for over 1,000 guests. The Times (17, 19 Sep 1868). 5 d may allude to Bute’s idealism and religiosity (his conversion to Roman Catholicism on 8 December would cause a sensation) shared by Tancred, the young aristocrat of d’s 1847 eponymous novel. The party marking Bute’s majority would be reprised by d in Lothair (1870) and in 1872 d would be one of the witnesses at Bute’s wedding to a Catholic heiress. See Robert P. O’Kell Disraeli: The Romance of Politics (Toronto 2012) 404-5, 419.

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to: LORD MAYO

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

Balmoral [Wednesday] 23 September 1868

5125

Confidential Sept 23 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo My dear Mayo, I have no hesitation in saying, that the overture shd. be accepted, & without loss of time.1 If F. would assist us by giving the necessary hints referred to, he would establish, so far as I am / concerned, a sense of great & personal obligation. F. is a person I have entire confidence in, both as regards honor & intellect, & he is a man I don’t want to lose sight of in life. / If you agree with me, that the overture shd be accepted, don’t lose a moment. Even if the elections were to go against us, the elected House, acted on by national opinion, might / take a very different course from that originally intended. Do you wish me to ask the Queen for permission for the L. Lt to knight the Mayor? or what?2 Yrs ever | D. to: SAMUEL WILBERFORCE

Balmoral [Wednesday] 23 September 1868

original: bodl ms Wilberforce c16 ff90-3 publication history: m&b v 66, misdated 28 September, the seventh through the tenth paragraphs; Blake 509, extracts from the ninth and tenth paragraphs editorial comment: Balmoral paper. Sic: ideot; hundred miles.

Confidential

5126

Sept 23 1868

1 For E. Brereton Trelawny’s offer, see 5090&nn1,2&4. On 20 September, Mayo had told d: ‘You will see by his note that he [Trelawny] proposes to follow a good scent and takes a line which might give us most important news – what shall I do? F[eilding] says that his powers of investigation are quite extraordinary and that if the negotiations to which he refers are going on he cannot fail to find them out – If F. is willing to be the means of communication, it would do ... he is a detective by inclination and delights in discovering what other people are about. Let me know what you think.’ Trelawny had written to William Feilding on the 17th elaborating on his ‘proposal to Mr. Disraeli’. Having learned ‘that Rome deliberately calculates on Mr Gladstone’s disestablishment measures for a most important extension of her political influence in Ireland (& even in England) ... I am satisfied that I could obtain, in my own way & in my own time, absolute evidence so compromising to the “Liberal” cause that their influence ... could be severely checked ... I know ... that a powerful attempt is being concerted to secure the re-establishment of an Irish Parliament in Ireland, as a first step towards a total separation from the British Crown ... I am a young English Catholic known to be on excellent terms at the Vatican but simply as “an interesting youth!”’ He closed with assurances that he ‘should require none but indirect & very slight support (in the shape of hints & information).’ h b/xxi/f/80, 80b. Trelawny would send Feilding eleven reports between 9 October and 9 November (h b/xxi/f/81-92). See 5178&nn1&2. 2 Edward Reid (b 1819), second son of the Rev Edward Reid of Ramelton, co Donegal, educated at Ramelton school, a Londonderry merchant and mayor of Londonderry 1867-8 and 1880-2, would be knighted by Abercorn on 13 November.

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The | Lord Bishop of Oxford My dear Lord, Since we separated in Bond St., I have not had a moment, or I shd. have noticed, before this, Dean Hook’s letter.1 I read it with great pain. It seemed to me so violent, & written in such complete ignorance of / the times, & what is happening. It is the spirit of a provincial Laud.2 Notwithstanding the fine sentiment, in which it is very easy to indulge for those who are not responsible, it is all over with the Church of England, if she be disconnected with the State. Even the Roman Cath: Ch:, without Rome, would be weakened. / I think the chief Minister of this country, if he be ignorant of the heat of the national feeling at a crisis, must be an ideot. His means of arriving at the truth are so multifarious. Now, certainly, I hold, that the long pent up feeling of this nation against ultra Ritualism will pronounce itself at the impending election. / The feeling has been long accumulating: its expression might have been retarded: circumstances have brought an unexpected opportunity; & what I presumed to foretell at one of our Church meetings, some years ago in Bucks, has come to pass. The question of labor & liberty are settled; the rise of religious questions may / be anticipated in an eminently religious people, undisturbed in their industry, & secure in their freedom. It will be a Protestant Parliament tho’ it may not be a Church Parliament[.] But there can be no doubt, that every wise man on our side should attract the Protestant feeling, as much as practicable, to the Church / of England. It has been diverted from the Church 8of England9 in Scotland. There, the Protestant feeling is absolutely enlisted against us: if we let it escape from us in England, all is over. It appears to me, that if we act in the spirit of the Dean of Chichester, we may all of us live to see the great / Church of England subside into an Episcopalian Sect. I will struggle against this with my utmost energy. I have delayed writing to you several days, because I wanted to get a calm half hour – & there is not a sentence in this letter in wh: I have not been interrupted. Carrying on the government of a / country at an hundred miles from the metropolis doubles the labor: the stream of telegrams & boxes is really appalling. Nevertheless, tho’

1 Wilberforce would reply on the 28th from Dublin Palace: ‘The Dean [of Chichester, Walter Hook (5086)] is an impulsive man & an incisive writer which has given his letter [not found] its Laudian Character. He is really a man of large sympathies, not of Lauds pinched up mind & sensibilities. I see the wisdom of what you say as to attracting the Protestant Side to us. From the Chair of Canterbury I believe it might be done with a wonderful effect. But I venture to suggest to your reflective mind that the “Evangelical” Section in our Church cannot do it. They are too narrow: too near dissent & withal too bitter against it. They have no more power to do it than the foolish Ritualists. The Strong Middle Party of Orthodox English Churchmen only can. I want you to keep them yours. If from your Hill at Hughenden you will look at High Wycombe & compare it with Aylesbury you will see what I mean.’ h b/xxi/w/376. 2 For Laud, see 5089n6.

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I have only partially conveyed my feelings, I think it best to send, for what its worth.3 Yours sincerely, | D. to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Thursday] 24 September [1868]

original: h a/i/a/374 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1. Sic: Lynn; lossed; poney.

5127

Balmoral – | Sept 24 My dearest Wife, The Queen gives her Minister plenty to do – but I will write every day, however briefly. Yesterday after the despatch of the messenger, Ld Bridport drove me first to Abergeldie, where the Prince of Wales resides when here; & / where we found Made. Van de Weyer, who had just arrived, with all my works on her table – but Mr. VdW. was in bed with a very bad gout.1 Ld Bridport says – no wonder, as there never was a man, who indulged himself so recklessly. He is always at Perigord pies2 & that sort of / thing. Then we went on to Birk Hall, about ten miles from Balmoral, visiting the Lynn of Muick in our way; a splendid cascade.3 Birk Hall has been purchased by the Prince of Wales, & the three estates join – & their object is to make them one, but Abergeldie is not / theirs – they have a long

3 Wilberforce would write to d twice on the 29th from Dublin Palace: ‘I send you one or two Extracts from the new letter of the Dean of Chichester as to Leeds. “I have just been present at a meeting of the Tradesmen here (Leeds) & a most respectably conducted meeting of the Working Classes. The Leaders amidst rapturous applause gave notice that the 30,000 new voters should vote for Carter (the working man) & Baines. This will probably settle the Elections for the conservatives do not seem willing to come forward and will probably lose their third man from supine-ness.” I had replied to his remarks on McNeilles [sic] appointment by saying: I understood it as a declaration that no person would be excluded because he belonged to any allowed party in the Church. He replied “Your explanation of the appointment is to me entirely satisfactory[;] a Government is bound to shew that no religious party is excluded from the preferments of the Church.” Will you let me say one word about the information you receive from all parts. I have no doubt that as to many parts your information is perfect. I greatly doubt its being so as to the question between us. If for instance you take Lord Nevilles [sic] reports they would utterly mislead you. If you lose the support of the great orthodox party you will lose a great support.’ A second note had informed d of ‘another letter from dean Hook: bathed at Leeds (most un Laudlike) amidst the working people. But I will only trouble you with its final sentence. “You may depend upon me for voting for your friend Lord Henry.”’ h b/xxi/w/376a-377. 1 The Queen on this day (24th), accompanied by Princess Beatrice, had driven to Abergeldie Castle (built ca 1550), two miles from Balmoral, to call upon Elizabeth Ann Van de Weyer, whose husband Sylvain had been Belgian minister to London 1831-67. The Times (26 Sep 1868). 2 A rich pie made from any type of game (eg grouse, partridge, pigeon) and bacon, whose essential flavouring is truffles. 3 Birkhall, built by the Gordons of Abergeldie in 1715, is a 53,000-acre (210 km2) estate on Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, alongside the River Muick and its ‘linn’ (Scots: waterfall or steep ravine). The property had been acquired in 1848 by Prince Albert and remains the private residence of the Prince of Wales.

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Scotch lease of it; 30 or 40 years, but the fee simple belongs to an Admiral Gordon.4 Balmoral is 14000 acres Abergeldie 10,000 Birk Hall   6000  30,000 so they wd. have, & have now to enjoy, 30,000 acres, not / very productive – but all as beautiful as a scene in a play. But the Queen is looked upon quite as a minor proprietor among the tremendous territorial “swells” of these parts. Farquharson of Invercauld, who entirely surrounds the Queen, has 140,000 acres; from wh: however he only extracts £8,000 pr annm.; & this, to a great degree, by letting out 8many of9 his shootings. He married the pretty Miss Oswald. I called there, but he was out, & she has just lossed her Papa, as you know.5 We returned to Balmoral over the Queen’s moors; most wild & desolate & / forming a great contrast to the pine mountains, & bowers of birchen woods, & bright streams, of the former part of our drive. Here we encountered Prince Xtian on a poney, deer-slattering with ½ a doz: gillies. He was quite wet thro’ & / he dismounted & we brought him home with us.6 We did not arrive till 7 o’ck: but I found an invitation again to dine with H.M. Our dinner hour ½ past 8. Thanks, 1000, for your dear note this morning[.]7 Ever | D.

5128

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

[Balmoral, Thursday 24 September 1868]

original: h a/i/a/375 editorial comment: Docketed by ma: ‘Septr 24th/68’.



2nd. Bulletin

4 Aberdeenshire-born Sir James Alexander Gordon (1782-1869), kcb 1815, gcb 1855, lieut-governor 184053 and governor 1853-69 of the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, after a distinguished naval career had been promoted admiral of the fleet on 30 January 1868. 5 James Ross Farquharson had married Elizabeth Louisa Oswald, whose father had died on 6 September; see 5120nn7&9. 6 Prince Christian and the Duke of Edinburgh had gone deer-stalking on the 23rd. The Times (25 Sep 1868). 7 ma had written to d on the 20th: ‘I have not any news my darling – not having seen anyone until I went to Gunnersbury. Poor Bar[on] Lionel – could not appear – a swell’d face & toothache ... Ld H Lennox & C Villiers form’d the party with the 3 Sons & Miss de Rothschild. They have sent you some fine peaches (& the weather glass). The Mason was much pleased with your Photos ... The one I admire so much, perhaps & the Princess Louise might like to have some and they sent it. The Duchess of Cleveland is much alarmed Mr Villiers says, about Lord Rosebery admiration for Miss Fox, fears it might be serious. A first rate dinner, which no one appears to have had at Raby ... I long to hear how you got to Balmoral, every word will be interesting. The glass is here 65. & it raind last night very much. I have eat very well, but as usual a large dinner takes away my apetite – and I missd you, so dread fully coming home. I am always thinking what I can send you. The 3 little toothpicks, you much want – & some dark gloves I shall get tomorrow ... Good night four days are now shortend of your absence. Yr Affectionate Devoted M A D. I send the peaches because I know you will enjoy them before dinner. They appear very fine.’ h a/i/a/520. For ma’s reply, see 5128n2.

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Quin’s remedies1 did their work – but not so rapidly as I had hoped – several things went cross: but I am quite right to day; entirely thro’ them.2 Weather most mild – glass 62 with window open. D. to: MONTAGU CORRY

Balmoral [Thursday] 24 September [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/95 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n3.

5129

My dear Montagu Balmoral Sep 24 I cant let the messenger go witht thanking you for your most welcome & interesting letter – & for all yr exertions.1 H.G.L. has made a pretty mess of it! I wrote from Perth offering to recommend / 8him9 to H.M. for the Duchy. He accepted the proposal, but wished, if H.M. approved, it shd be kept secret for a week.2 He then goes instantly & tells Delane “in solemn confidence” who, of course, puts it immedly in the paper “Times.” Frightened by what he / calls this “treachery of the darkest kind”, he telegraphs to me in cypher at great length, 8all the particulars.9 Now the cyphers go to Biddulph a Whig, who thus knows the whole affair.3

1 d’s physician Frederic Quin had written to d on 24 August from Belgrave Mansions, Grosvenor Gardens: ‘Your letter [not found] did not reach me till after post had gone out, so your messenger will get the enclosed on coming here tomorrow morning. I hope they will prevent the threat you mention becoming a reality. The instructions are written upon the powders.’ h b/xxi/q/1. 2 ma would reply on the 25th: ‘Your delightful letters of the 23d [5123] & 24th [5127] & the second Bulletine with the good news about the remedies, have all arrived. To my great delight, for I have felt very anxious on the subject of the little note. The photo is the most interesting. Pray express to Lord Bridport my dearest thanks for them[;] perhaps he could give the Princess Louise some of yours, as from me & I will send him some for Lady Bridport. The one I like best is standing, with the one hand behind ... The expedition must have been charming[.] I long to know more about your luncheon. I can see the person you describe so well. We have had some rain here during the nights, but all the days have been beautiful, until this morning, & now it is dark & constant rain & a fire would be acceptable – I hope the Ladies were what the Queen wished them to be – “amusing”.’ ma would write again at ‘Five o’Clock 2nd letter’: ‘Mrs Clubbe has often told me, she never could take tea or coffee or soup. I fear you take the two former every day. Any hot or even warm liquid must be injurious. You may remember, people are order[e]d these sort of things when Medicine does not take effect.’ h a/i/a/526-7. 1 See 5117n8. 2 See 5103&n2. 3 Lennox had written to d on the 22nd: ‘You will have got my Telegram & my Letter, ere this; yet I must write one line, to say how deeply annoyed, I was at the Paragraph in the Times, on your account as well as, my own. How it got there no one Knows. It is true, that not having a single soul to advise with, in London, all my relations, friends & Rose being away, I met Delane, & under most confidential secrecy asked him. He begged me to write to you & accept it, asking promotion. I urged on him secrecy & told him, the Queen had not heard of it. Not only that; after he left me, I wrote to him & begged him not to mention it in Paris, where he was going today; & to this I got a reply, in writing[,] that he would keep the secret religiously until I told him he might announce it – After that, you may conceive what my feelings were when I read the Paragraph ... by telegraphing to set you free from your kind offer, I have, I hope, prevented any appearance of disrespect towards Her Majesty.’ The Times in its morning edition on the 22nd had announced that Lennox ‘has been offered, and has accepted, the Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster.’ h b/xx/lx/316.

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H.G.L. is in a most dreadful funk, that H.M. is direly offended, & that he has lost his place. I won’t notice his letters & / have told Sir Thomas not to answer his telegrams.4 So much for Delane! Yours ever, | D.

5130

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Thursday] 24 September 1868

original: rac j51 70 editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

Sept 24 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty. Two letters 8received9 from Stanley, who himself says he knows nothing more than Reuter about Spain.1 But Charles Murray’s letter, inclosed, is worth reading, / & rather confirms Mr Disraeli’s own impressions.2 Mr Disraeli has had a most romantic ride today, which reminded him of travels, many years ago, in Andalusia.3 He cannot sufficiently express / to Yr majesty his grateful sense of Yr Majesty’s great, & ever considerate, kindness to him.

5131

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[Balmoral, Friday] 25 September [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/96 editorial comment: Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. ‘/68’ has been added in another hand following the date. Dating: by context; see nn1-3.

Sept 25 I shall leave this, I think, with D of Edingh, on Monday for Perth: & then, next day, from Perth to Knowsley, where I shall be 8in time9 for dinner I suppose on Tuesday. / I will let you know whether I shall embrace you on Wedy or Thursday. D. All my letters are Scottish or North England: therefore, I send them by post.1 /

4 Corry had written to d on the 23rd about ‘the condition of mind of H.L. yesterday morning. As to his dear thin body, it oscillated between Downing St and the Admiralty, till his telegram was duly despatched – and then he wanted to telegraph to you again. This, I believe, I succeeded in averting. It took Ld Stanley’s Secretary just an hour to translate the message into cypher, and Biddulph’s task at Balmoral must have been no light one. “But, my dear, said H.L. was there ever anything so dreadful? Only think of my letting my family learn, through the Times, that I had taken such a step! Oh dear! And the Prince of Wales too!” You will be glad to learn that I showed the proper amount of “sympathy”, tho’, if he did wish the matter concealed for a few days, why did he “consult Delane”? I gathered from him that he had done so.’ h b/xx/co/46. See 5154&nn1&3. 1 See 5116nn1&5. 2 This letter by Charles Augustus Murray, British minister to Saxony 1859-66, has not been found. 3 See, eg, d’s 1 July 1830 description of riding in southern Spain, ‘picking our way through a course which can only be compared to the steep bed of an exhausted cataract ... The country was beautiful, the novelty of the life was great’. i 90. See 5133. 1 See 5132 (to Sir Thomas Gladstone) and 5134 to Gathorne Hardy, who on this date (25th) was at Ochtertyre, Stirlingshire (Sir David Dundas). Hardy Diary 81.

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I think the sooner the Address is out the better. I have heard from Stanley,2 & I suppose you will have got all the answers of the colleagues by the time I arrive.3 There / must, however, under any circ[umstanc]es, be a strict revise – as there are several errors & one omission.4 Telegram last night to H.M. of the death of Dean of St Pauls.5 D. to: SIR THOMAS GLADSTONE original: denl Glynne-Gladstone mss 403 [7] editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

Balmoral [Friday] 25 September 1868

5132

Sir Thos Gladstone | Bart: Sept 25 1868 Alas! my dear Sir Thomas, I am so pressed with affairs, that I am obliged to curtail my visit even here. Few things would have / 8given me9 greater pleasure, than to have been your guest.1 Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Friday] 25 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/376 editorial comment: Balmoral paper.



5133

Sept 25 1868

2 Stanley on the 23rd had thanked d for his address to Bucks electors (see 5151&ec): ‘It is admirably written: the only criticism I have to offer is that you seem, not in express words, but by implication, to reject absolutely the idea of any compromise as regards the revenues: and that you appear to attach to the connection between Church and State in Ireland a greater importance than would be attached to it by the Irish Protestants themselves. My view is, and long has been, that a compromise ought to be effected as to the endowments: and that these, rather than the name of an establishment, are the really important part of the question. But I see and feel the difficulty of putting forward these ideas at the present moment: and only wish that you should not say or do anything that will unnecessarily hamper you in falling back upon them.’ h b/xx/s/817. For d’s reply, see 5136. 3 Hardy had written to d from Ochtertyre on 24 September: ‘Corry has sent me the draft of your address. In substance I quite agree but perhaps you will forgive my noticing that there is no promise. I think something might be expressed of the hope that time may be given for legal & social measures of improvement so long laid aside. Will not the wording of the paragraph on Foreign Affairs rouse much controversy? ... In paragraph 4 – page 4 the words “terminate a class” seem of doubtful meaning. Par: 2. p. 5. ? “amidst” with “blends” ... I do not know that I should express myself quite so strongly on the Supremacy valuable as it is.’ h b/xx/ha/42. 4 See 5151ec. 5 Henry Hart Milman, Dean of St Paul’s since 1849, had died on 24 September. His successor, Henry Longueville Mansel, would be installed on 9 December. 1 Gladstone had written to d from Fasque, Laurencekirk on the 22nd: ‘I hope it may be in your power to favor us with a visit on your way from Balmoral. We are 6 miles from Laurencekirk station, & should be glad to send to meet you.’ h b/xxi/g/140.

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My dearest Wife, Only a line to keep up the chain. Yesterday a most romantic ride with the ladies & Lord Bridport – into the mountains & over the deer forest.1 The Queen has got a / photographer & insists upon my being done.2 This gave me an opportunity to give your collection to Ld Bridport. I said you had sent them for the Queen, but I would not give them &c. / – but he did – & the Queen was delighted – in convulsions of laughter about Bright & Gladstone3 – “& said many kind things about Mrs Disraeli”. I shall try to find them out!4 Your own, | D.

5134

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Balmoral [Friday] 25 September 1868

original: esu [12]

strictly confl. Balmoral: Sept 25: 68 My dear Hardy, Let me know the University position of Professor Wall. You can’t give a man a great post, because he is an electioneerer; & all our friends who mention / him to me so urgently, always & only, dwell on that[.] I conclude he is something more. If Mansel were moved by any chance, could he be Prof: of Eccles: History, & his successor?1

1 Balmoral’s ‘Deer Forest may bear a comparison with any in Scotland of similar extent.’ James Brown The New Deeside Guide (Aberdeen 1866) 79. 2 Lancashire-born John Jabez Edwin Mayall (1813-1901), son of a manufacturing chemist, had settled in the early 1840s in Philadelphia, working with two University of Pennsylvania chemists to perfect the new daguerrotype process. Opening his own studio in 1845 but selling in June 1846, he returned to England and opened the American Daguerrotype Institution in London in 1847. His exhibit of 72 daguerrotypes at the Great Exhibition in 1851 had attracted the attention of Prince Albert, who invited him to photograph the Queen and other members of the royal family. Mayall, who had set up a seafront studio at Brighton in 1863, would be elected a councillor for Brighton in 1871, alderman 1875 and mayor 1877-8. He and two of his sons would operate ten studios in London (the last closing in 1941), four in Brighton (until 1908) and three in Melbourne, Australia. There is a carte de visite of d seated and reading a book taken by Mayall. 3 Adjacent to this letter on the microfilm is a card captioned ‘Schoolmaster Bright “Educating” Master Gladstone!’ John Bright, in Quaker hat, is holding a birch rod in one hand while the other points into a book entitled ‘How to Destroy the Church’ which Gladstone is reading. Photographed heads have been superimposed on drawn bodies. h a/i/a/376a. See illustration, p lxvi. 4 ma would reply on the 26th: ‘It makes me so happy, to know you are much in the open air & enjoying such lovely drives. And I am also delighted to hear the Queen is highly amused with the school master & his pupil (which you know I thought matchless) and I am glad your photographs were so acceptable. – They are in great demand, for those finished – Mr Mayall is going to send me some more. We wish you to be taken, as you sit in the House of Coms – both folded arms, but more of this when we meet – Remember to wear dark trousers when you are photograph at Balmoral, & to be standing, as that takes in your figure & comb your hair about anyhow. I wonder why the Dean of St Pauls’ death did not appear in the papers sooner, as they now inform us, he died last Thursday ... Remember to rub your hair about any how – you see by the inclosed I am going to Lady Salisbury at four, in my next I will let you know how she is.’ h a/i/a/528. 1 Henry Wall would remain Wykeham professor of logic at Oxford until 1870. Henry Mansel, regius profes-

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Let / me have your answer at Knowsley, where, I think, I shall be on Tuesday, but H.M. has not yet given me my final dismissal.2 Yrs sincerely, | D. Sir T.B. / says he has written to you about your coming here, so I say nothing – anent.3 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Friday] 25 September [1868]

original: rac a37 54 editorial comment: Sic: Buest.

5135

Balmoral. | Septr. 25 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The enclosed drt: Despatch is what we propose to send to Y.M. Embassy at Vienna, agreeing with the views of Baron Buest generally, that we / shd not abolish the present system of consular jurisdiction in the Danubian Principalities with any precipitation.1 to: LORD STANLEY

Balmoral [Saturday] 26 September 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/75 publication history: m&b v 90, extract from the second paragraph editorial comment: Letter courtesy of Liverpool Record Office, Liverpool Libraries.

5136

confidential Bal: Sepr 26. 68 Right Honorable | Secy Lord Stanley My dear S. The Queen seems very opposed to the appointment of Malet. She says he is quite worn out, & the appointment is absurd.1

sor of ecclesiastical history at Oxford, would be appointed Dean of St Paul’s in October 1868. The Times (8 Oct 1868). 2 Hardy would reply from Fasque on the 26th: ‘Professor Wall is an able Professor of Logic. He is a very moderate Churchman in opinions – of what would be called the “Dry” school ... I doubt if he is much of a Theologian ... I hardly think he would do for the Chair of Eccl. History. He has worked long & arduously at Oxford & what he desires is comparative rest. A Canonry or something of that sort would meet his wishes. His services to the party have been very great & his influence for it has been acquired by his character as a Gentleman. He is much respected by all but neither party in the Church wd. take him up as an advocate of their views. I shall be truly glad to see him obtain something.’ h c/iii/a/23. 3 Hardy had written to d on the 24th: ‘Sir Thomas Biddulph summons me for the 30th to Balmoral so I presume you will leave on Monday as you desire.’ He would write from Balmoral on 1 October: ‘The Queen wishes the successor to me to be arranged through you. Sir T. Biddulph says that I am expected to stay 12 to 14 days & I arrived last night.’ h b/xx/ha/42-3. 1 d’s draft despatch has not been found. Baron Beust would remain Austrian imperial chancellor until 1871. For the Danubian Principalities (Moldavia and Walachia), see vii 3109n1. In 1859 the troubled region had been renamed the United Principalities of Moldavia and Walachia under Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. In April 1866 Cuza had been overthrown by Prince Karl of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and the region renamed Romania, which Karl would rule (as King Carol i of Romania) until his death in 1914. 1 Sir Alexander Malet (1800-1886), 2nd Bt 1815, kcb 1866, ba 1822 Christ Church, Oxford, had begun his diplomatic career in 1824 as unpaid attaché to St Petersburg and was transferred to Lisbon and The

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I highly appreciate your criticisms,2 as you well know, but / I think your views about the Irish Ch: are of a school of thought that has passed. Excuse my presumption. I don’t think compromise is now practicable. However, I shall always deeply consider any suggestion, that comes from you. / I showed the last two “private letters” to the Queen, as I thought it absurd, they should have to make two voyages to this place – and so with all the despatches. As long as the Premier is here, that double service may be saved. But he goes on Monday; sleeps / at Perth; & next day to Knowsley, when he wants to hold counsel with our Master. I don’t believe anyone can predict the result of the Genl. Election, for the new voters in Boros are not eager to promise – but I look forward to the great event without dismay. I think it may astonish everybody.3 D.

5137

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[Balmoral] Saturday [26 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/97 editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand: ‘In reply to M: Corry’s criticism of the Manifesto. ?26 Sept 1868’. Dating: by docket and context; see n1.

Saturday Criticisms very good. We must have a great council together before publication.1 Leave this on Monday: sleep at Perth: at Knowsley on Tuesday evening: & in town, at the latest on Thursday. I / think you had better send messenger to me on Tuesday to Knowsley. Adieu! | D.

5138

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral [Saturday] 26 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/377 publication history: lqv B i 538n1, extract from the sixth paragraph; Bradford 284, extracts from the first and second paragraphs.



Balmoral. Sep. 26. 68

Hague before becoming secretary at the British embassy at Vienna, minister at Württemberg 1844-52 and minister plenipotentiary to the German Confederation at Frankfurt 1852-66 (befriending Bismarck), retiring in 1866 to become a jp and dl for Wiltshire. Stanley had written to d from the foreign office on the 23rd: ‘I have written today to recommend old Sir A. Malet for Munich. This appointment will relieve our pension-list, now rather heavily burdened: and he is quite equal to the little there is to do there.’ h b/xx/s/817. 2 For Stanley’s comments, see 5131n2. 3 Stanley would reply from Knowsley on the 29th: ‘[Henry] Howard declines Brussels, therefore the proposed arrangement as to Malet falls through of itself. He is not good for much: but would have suited Munich, where there is never anything to do, and have saved us a pension. I must now fall back on [J. Saville] Lumley. Election prospects in these parts are said to be very promising. I regret, though, I cannot dispute your opinion that compromise on the Irish church question is impossible.’ h b/xx/s/824. 1 Corry had written to d from the admiralty on the 22nd that ‘I have every hope in your address. As you wish it, I will, tomorrow I hope, send you a few marginal notes on the copy which I now have with me, but with wh: I have as yet failed to find fault.’ On the 23rd, he had reported that ‘The outcry for yr Address seems to have died out for the moment. I feel sure its publication can safely be delayed till after your return to London. I am going to study it tonight.’ h b/x/co/45-6. See 5131nn3-5.

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My dearest Wife, The bag has brought me no letter from you this morning,1 wh: greatly distresses me – for altho’ all goes on well here, I am extremely nervous, my health being very unsatisfactory. Quin’s remedies did very well,2 & / saved me from diarrhea, wh: would have been most distressing here – but the moment I leave them off, & there is some inconvenience in continuing them, I am liable to be attacked again, as I have been this morning terribly / and the attacks leave me weak & depressed. No prudence guards against it. I have never tasted one of your dear peaches,3 wh: I much wished to do 8so9, for your sake, & have drank nothing but sherry. However the attack never / continues in the day, but then I am in a miserable state in these morning hours, when I have to do the main work, & the work is very hard heavy. I rise always at seven, & except to dress, never leave my table till noon, when the messenger / goes. Besides this, the Queen often sends me ½ a doz: boxes in the course of the day. I leave this on Monday, & get to Perth to sleep, & the next morning to Knowsley, as I must see Ld Derby. On Thursday, I propose to be at G. Gate, after / an absence of a fortnight! Yesterday, there was an expedition to a famous lake, where the Queen has built a lake house4 where she can live a couple of days when she likes, and a great luncheon on the shores of the waters. When I came home, I / dined with the Queen again. The Royal party is five: then Lady Churchill, myself, & Sir Thomas Biddulph, or Ld Bridport, or Sir W. Jenner (one day), never more than eight. This morning, the Queen has sent me two volumes of views of Balmoral:5 a box full of family photographs, a / very fine whole length portrait of the Prince, & “a Scotch shawl for Mrs. Disraeli, which H.M. hopes you will find warm in the cold weather”.6 To day, I am resolved to keep in my room.

1 ma had written to d three times on the 25th, the last time at 7 pm: ‘Dark & raining, which makes me miss you sadly my dearest.’ See 5128n2. 2 See 5128n1. 3 See 5108n5. 4 Glassalt Shiel, the royal lodge on the banks of Loch Muick. 5 Hughenden Library has copies of Photographs of English and Scottish Scenery: Balmoral: 12 views and Photographs of English and Scottish Scenery: Braemar: 12 views (both Aberdeen 1866), both 28 pp, by pioneering Aberdeen photographer George Washington Wilson, who had documented the building of Balmoral in 1854-5 and begun photographing the royal family in 1860. The books are inscribed ‘Sent by Command of the Queen.’ 6 ma would write to the Queen from Grosvenor Gate on 1 October expressing ‘how gratified & grateful’ she was for ‘so pretty a shawl, and which will always remind her of Mr Disraelis delightful visit to Balmoral.’ h b/xix/a/62a. See 5139&n1.

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Adieu, my dearest love; tho’ greatly suffering, I am sustained by the speedy prospect of our being again together, & talking over a 1000 things! adieu! adieu!7 D.

5139

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Saturday] 26 September 1868

original: rac a37 55 publication history: lqv B i 537-8; Weintraub Disraeli 472, snippet.

Balmoral. | Sep. 26 | :68 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s most gracious letter, wh: crowns the many charms of a most happy visit.1 Its interesting accompaniments will sustain / his memory; so that, tho’ absent, he will be able to live, as it were, in Yr Majesty’s favorite scenes. The portrait of the Prince, he presumes to say, could not have been conferred on one more capable of appreciating the / distinction; for he looks upon his relations with that gifted being as among the most interesting passages of his life, nor can he now ever dwell on his memory without Emotion. Mr Disraeli thanks Yr Majesty, especially, for your Majesty’s / recollection of his wife, than which nothing could more deeply gratify him.

5140

to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral, Sunday [27 September 1868]

original: h a/i/a/378 publication history: lqv B i 538.

Bal: | Sunday morning. Dearest Wife, Only one line, as the messenger goes at 9 o’ck on Sundays. I got your letter1 by the second bag yesterday afternoon, / wh: was a great relief to me: & contributed to a good night, so, I hope, I am myself again. I shall try to write to you tomorrow before I / go,2 as there is a messenger from here on Mondays, tho’ not to here.

7 ma would reply on the 28th: ‘Your dear letters are just arrived – I am so grieved you are not well. Perhaps perfect repose will be the best remedy. Shall be anxiously expecting you on Thursday – Will it be very late? My appetite is very good at ½ past twelve, but not at dinner, when I have the joy of seeing you, I shall be more composed & Oh so much happier. I am much gratified by the Queens present and by her kindness to you my darling. My next letter will be directed to Knowsley, so this letter must go there ... I am so anxious about you & again very happy at the thought of our meeting.’ h a/i/a/531. 1 The Queen on the 25th had sent d ‘some Souvenirs of his Visit here, wh. she hopes he will accept. A print of the beloved Prince in the Dress wh. became him so well – 2 books of Views of this place & the neighbourhood & photographs – of herself, – Her Children & Gd-Children, – & of some of the principal people connected with ourselves & this place, wh. she thinks he may like to have. To this the Queen adds a Scotch shawl wh. she hopes he will give Mrs. Disraeli – & wh. she may find warm in the cold weather. The Queen has written the names behind the Photographs.’ h a/xix/a/62. See 5138&nn5&6. 1 See 5138n1. 2 See 5145.

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I hope you are well my dearest love & a better appetite. The Queen sent for / me yesterday after she came home from her ride – but said when I left H.M. “This is not your audience before leaving”. Adieu! my own | D. to: EDWARD EGERTON

original: mopsik [176]

Balmoral [Sunday] 27 September 1868

5141

Ed: Egerton Esqr | M.P.1 Balmoral. Sep 27 68 Dear Egerton, I telegraphed to you yesterday evening, at ½ past 8 o’ck, that the Queen approved the Instructions to Sir / J. Crampton – wh: I trust duly reached you.2 H. Majesty wishes to retain the drt: you sent, wh:, I conclude, she can without inconvenience to the office. / If not, it must be returned, & you must send her a copy. All the boxes sent today, & tomorrow, will have been seen by, or reported to, the Queen: but / after tomorrow, the usual course must be resumed, as I leave this place. I shall be at Knowsley on Tuesday & Wednesday, & in town, I hope, on Thursday. Communicate accordingly. Yrs sincerely | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Sunday] 27 September 1868

original: rac a37 56 publication history: lqv B i 537.

5142

Secret Balmoral Castle | Septr. 27. 1868. The Committee, entrusted with the duty of conducting the General Election for H.M. Government, having been dispersed for about six weeks, altho’ / one member of the Committee & the Secretary have never been absent from their duties, re-assembled on Monday last & investigated, 8during three days,9 with the utmost scrutiny, the whole / of the returns: Colonel Taylor himself coming from Ireland, & bringing, from that country, the last & most authentic information; & they report to

1 Under-secretary for foreign affairs Edward Egerton had written to d on the 25th from the foreign office: ‘I send you by Lord Stanley’s wish for Her Majesty’s perusal the accompanying Draft [not found] of a proposed Instruction to Sir John Crampton in view of recent events in Spain. If Her Majesty approves it, pray telegraph her assent without delay, in order that it may be sent by a Messenger to Madrid tomorrow night.’ h b/xx/s/819. 2 d’s telegram to Egerton has not been found. Sir John Fiennes Twistleton Crampton (1805-1886), 2nd Bt 1858, kcb 1856, educated at Trinity College, Dublin, was a career diplomat who had been minister to the United States 1852-6, Hanover 1857-8 and St Petersburg 1858-60. Currently minister to Madrid 1860-9 (his last posting before retiring), Crampton would accompany Queen Isabella ii to the royal palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso (80 km from Madrid) in early October. The Times (6 Oct 1868).

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Mr Disraeli, that if the Dissolution occur tomorrow, / he might fairly, & reasonably, count upon the following results: England 266 Ireland   51 Scotland   13 330.1

5143

to: MONTAGU CORRY

Balmoral, Sunday [27 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/98 publication history: Shannon 75, the third paragraph editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand ‘? Sept 1868’. Dating: by context; see n1.

secret Bal: Sunday I can only write, my dear Montagu, to thank you for all yr faithful solicitude, wh: is a great consolation to me. I calculate on getting to Perth tomorrow & Knowsley / the next day: so that, I hope, when I arrive there, to find matter from you. H.M. is most anxious about the Elections; scrutinising : she hears, of course, of very different accounts / from the other side – & always concludes “But, I think, you must get an accession of strength.”1 Ever | D: write to cookesley2

5144

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

[Balmoral] Sunday [27 September 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/99 editorial comment: Docketed by Corry ‘Sept/68’. Dating: by context; see n1.



Sunday

1 According to E.J. Feuchtwanger, one reason for the formation of the 1868 election committee ‘was the necessity of keeping a firm control over Spofforth, ... considered to be over-optimistic, heavy-handed and lacking in tact’ as party manager. The principal figures on the committee were Taylor (chief whip), Gerard Noel (second whip), Corry, Lord Abergavenny and Spofforth, who would retire as party manager following the November election. The committee’s activities were limited to collecting data and prodding sluggish constituencies into action. E.J. Feuchtwanger ‘J.E. Gorst and the Central Organization of the Conservative Party, 1870-1882’ Historical Research 32.86 (Nov 1959) 193. 1 The Queen recorded in her journal on this day (27th): ‘Saw Mr. Disraeli at half past three. He spoke first of the progress of the revolution in Spain. Then of the elections which he said promised extremely well, though the Opposition were very positive they would have a large majority. He spoke of the report of the Committee for the elections, and said that, after the most careful scrutiny, their belief was that the Government would have 330 seats. He said it would be very strange, should this prove to be entirely false, and he thought it impossible. They would certainly better their present condition.’ lqv B i 538. 2 d may have received a letter (not found) from frequent correspondent William Gifford Cookesley. See ix 4211&nn1,3&4.

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Let me have a Revise of this Proof ready for me when I arrive in town 8& we must certainly publish it on Saturday morn[in]g. D9 D.1 to: MARY ANNE DISRAELI

Balmoral, Monday 28 September 1868

original: h a/i/a/379

5145

Balmoral | Monday morning | Septr. 28. :68 My darling wife, A very rapid letter before departure. The joy at our soon meeting again is inexpressible. Princess Christian said yesterday, that they were all very sorry I was going, but she knew who was glad, & / that was Mrs Disraeli. I spoke about her baby,1 &, yesterday, Prince Christian brought him into my room. He is the most beautiful child I ever saw: such blue eyes, such white flesh, & such a manly glance & brow. He looks twice his age, & chatters a little. He / was in the Prince’s arms, dressed in a scarlet frock, embroidered with gold – but over all a long scarlet cloak & hood – these were thrown off, [illegible deletion] when they were out of the danger of draughts – but in them, he looked a perfect picture. I had / a long audience of the Queen at four o’ck: & shortly afterwards, was invited to dine with H. Majesty again. 1000 loves! | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Balmoral [Monday] 28 September 1868

original: rac a37 57 editorial comment: Balmoral paper.

5146

Septr 28 1868 Mr Disraeli, with his humble duty, offers his thanks to Yr Majesty for Yr Majestys last, & most touching, kindness. He cannot presume to alleviate “the gloomy present”; / but, so far as public business is concerned, he can offer to Yr Majesty the devotion of every thought & feeling; &, in whatever position he may find himself, his / duty & his delight will ever be to attempt to contribute to yr Majestys happiness & comfort.

1 d is sending Corry a proof copy of his address to Bucks electors (5151) that would appear in The Times on Saturday 3 October. 1 Christian Victor Albert Ludwig Ernest Anton of Schleswig-Holstein (1867-1900), gcb 1890 , gcvo 1898, known as Prince Christian Victor, was the son of Prince Christian and Princess Helena, the Queen’s third daughter. After attending Wellington College (in Berkshire) and Magdalen College, Oxford, he would enter rmc Sandhurst, receiving a commission as 2nd lieut in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in 1888, becoming lieut 1890 and capt with the brevet rank of major 1896. After distinguishing himself in numerous campaigns, among them the Ashanti Expedition of 1895 and the Sudan Expedition of 1898, he would contract malaria while serving in the Boer War and die of enteric fever at Pretoria, where he is buried.

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5147

to: [CHARLES GREY?]

Balmoral [Monday] 28 September 1868

original: rac l23 76

Balmoral: Septr 28 :68 Mr Disraeli has read these confidential papers.1 The circumstances, to wh: they relate, have been modified by the course of time, but nothing has occurred to question the general prudence & propriety of / the arrangement. It is one applicable to the existing state of affairs, & may with advantage regulate the conduct of any Ministry in the impending new Parliament. Nevertheless, Mr Disraeli feels it his duty to take this opportunity of expressing an / opinion, wh: he has long entertained; that the principle of Her Majesty’s Civil List is not a wise one, & that a scheme might undoubtedly, have been proposed & passed in 1837 wh: would have reserved to the Sovereign, out of / the Crown Estates the means of duly & adequately providing for the Royal Children.2

5148

to: GEORGE WARD HUNT Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 30 September 1868 original: nsr wh279

confidential Grosvenor Gate | Septr. 30: 68 Right Honorable | The Cr of Exchequer My dear Cr of Excr, The Duke of Edinburgh is to leave England, in about ten days, for a period of two years.1 He is first to visit India, where he will pass / some months. Then, he will proceed to China & Japan, &, before he returns, will probably visit every dependency of Her Majesty. It is, in fact, a sort / of mission, tho’ it cannot be avowed as such.2 The Indian Government will undertake the whole expence of Representation so far as their territories are concerned. This will mainly / arise from the system of exchange of presents, with the native Princes, & of the costly mode in wh: this interchange is carried on. Altho, according to custom, the whole of the presents / received by H.R. Highness will be sold for the public benefit, the estimated balance against the Indian Government, in this respect, cannot be placed at less, than ten / thousand pounds. The presents & fees to servants of another character, wh: H.R. Highness must incur, & wh: cannot be supplied out of his limited income, must be / defrayed by

1 These papers have not been found. See 5148. 2 The civil list is an annual grant covering some expenses associated with the sovereign’s official duties (state visits, public engagements, ceremonial functions) and upkeep of the royal households, including staff salaries. The Civil List Act (1837), passed six months after the Queen’s accession, had transferred all hereditary revenues of the Crown to the Treasury during her reign. 1 The Duke of Edinburgh would arrive at Plymouth on 31 October and set sail on the Galatea on 2 November. He would land at Yokohama on 29 August 1869, Tientsin (now Tianjin) on 1 October and Calcutta on 22 December. The Times (31 Oct 1868, 1, 29 Dec 1869). 2 See 5149.

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the Treasury, & I wish to consult with you immediately as to the best mode by wh: this is to be effected. I enclose an estimate given to me by H.R.H. of / the sum required.3 H.R. Highness objects to leaving England again with only a verbal engagement from the Prime Minister, that, when the period arrives, H.M. Govt will do their best to supply the / means. If it be not in our power to enter into any specific engagement, he thinks there ought to be some document, a Treasury Minute or otherwise, showing that the voyage is / undertaken with the sanction & approbation of H.M. Government; & that they guarantee a certain expenditure so far as their powers permit; so that their successors, if there be a / change of Ministry (wh: God forbid) will comprehend only all the circumstances of the case, & be enabled to act accordingly. What do you think is the best mode by wh: we can meet this / contingency? The Queen is most anxious, that the matter shd be put in as business-like a form as is possible; & time presses. I only arrived here last night, & unexpectedly, being / on my way to Knowsley for 24 hours, but found news on the platform at Perth, that Ld. Derby was not only severely, but seriously, ill: an attack of gout worse, than the one of last February.4 / H.R.H., who has now gone to his ship at Plymouth, will be in town on Friday; & I shd. be glad to settle this matter with him forthwith. Yrs ever sinly | D. to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE original: bl add mss 50016 f29/60 editorial comment: Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Wednesday] 30 September 1868

5149

Right Honble | Secy Sir S. Northcote Septr 30 1868 My dear Northcote, You would not, under any circumstances, have to go to Balmoral for three weeks from this time, & if, on account of yr election,1 as time proceeds, you think / it best not to go, I have arranged with Her Majesty to send another of our colleagues in your stead. Therefore, you really have only to consult your own interests / & inclination. You will, however, be careful to give me as long a notice of yr intentions as is fairly practicable. It is also decided, that you shd. write to the heads of the Indian Governments

3 Most likely the ‘confidential papers’ mentioned in 5147. See 5156&n2. 4 Derby would write to d (via amanuensis Lady Derby) from Knowsley on 7 October, ‘I am on my sofa, but will postpone writing to you upon public matters till I am able to do so without inconvenience in my own hand.’ h b/xx/s/501. For Derby’s severe attacks of gout in January and February, see 4677n5 and 4725n1. 1 At the 21 November election, Northcote would be re-elected for n Devonshire, along with mp (l) Sir Thomas Dyke Acland.

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apprising them / of the Duke of Edinburgh’s approach & giving them all the necessary instructions, as intimated in yr letter.2 And it is agreeable to the Queen, that Col: Seymour Blane shd be the officer in attendance on the Prince, & controller of the Finance.3 Ever yrs sinly | D.

5150

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Thursday [1 October 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/102 publication history: Shannon 72, the fourth paragraph editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand (possibly Corry’s) on the first page: ‘Oct 1/68’. Dating: by docket and context; see n5.

Thursday 1 See Rose’s letter. If anything is to be done, it must be done this morning[.] Its a subject on wh: you are most competent to advise me. The / other letters also require notice, but F2 has, fortunately, returned to help you. I see a great Crown living vacant: as good as Croft.3 I don’t like what Rose says about Marlow,4 for / wh: I was not unprepared. But this, of course, is one of Spofforths certain seats. I shall be at D.S. at three o’ck: but that may be too late for the parag: (if any)5 you will find he me here. Sly | D

5151

to: BUCKS ELECTORS

Downing Street [Thursday] 1 October [1868]

original: ps 1563 publication history: The Times (3 Oct 1868); bh (3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Oct and 7, 14 Nov 1868); Wit and Wisdom of the Earl of Beaconsfield in The Works of Benjamin Disraeli Earl of Beaconsfield (Earls Edition) xx, Miscellanea 76, identified as ‘Letter to Constituents, October 3, 1868’, extract from the seventh paragraph editorial comment: There are in h two drafts of d’s address: an undated one in d’s hand with numerous interlinear corrections in another hand, and a printed version dated 1 October 1868. On the latter, to the paragraph on tenure of land and facilities for education in Ireland, d has replaced ‘no suggestion has not been considered which was’ with ‘we will continue to give our earnest consideration to every suggestion, which is’. d’s endorsement, ‘25 copies by 4 o’clock on Friday Oct. 2.’, has been amended in another hand: the ‘4’ changed to ‘6’, the date to ‘this evening, Oct 1’, and the printed word ‘confidential.’ crossed out. There is also a printed draft sent to Stanley on 22 September. h b/i/d/94; dbp 12/3/74. The transcription below is from The Times.

Downing-street, Oct 1.

2 Northcote’s letter to d has not been found. 3 Seymour John Blane (1833-1890), 3rd Bt 1869, eldest son of Sir Hugh Seymour Blane of Blanefield, co Ayr, had entered Scots Fusilier Guards 1850, lieut and capt 1854, major 1858, lieut-col 1861 and col 1869, serving in many campaigns (including the siege of Sebastopol and the Indian Mutiny) and garnering numerous decorations. Debrett’s Peerage and Knightage (1879). 1 This letter from Rose has not been found. 2 Charles Fremantle. 3 See 5019&n7. 4 At the 18 November election for Marlow, Bucks, Thomas Owen Wethered (c) would defeat Capt E.H. Verney (l) 345-314. 5 Apparently an addition to d’s election address; see 5151&ec.

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Gentlemen, – Since I last addressed you, Her Majesty has been graciously pleased, upon the retirement of an illustrious statesman, to intrust to me the chief conduct of public affairs. Having enjoyed the entire and unbroken confidence of the Earl of Derby for 20 years, during which we worked together in a harmony never interrupted, I was thoroughly acquainted with his policy, and I have pursued that policy without deviation. I may, therefore, in asking a renewal of your political support, take a general view of the conduct of affairs since the accession of the Conservative Government to office in 1866. The question of Parliamentary Reform had, then, for a long series of years disquieted the country and embarrassed and enfeebled successive Administrations, which had failed to lead it to any happy conclusion. We were of opinion that this state of affairs should terminate; and by a series of measures, in the course of two years, we brought about a settlement of the question, broad in its principles, large and various in its provisions, but, as we believe, in unison with the character of the country, and calculated to animate the spirit of the community and add strength and stability to the State.1 The conduct of foreign affairs has obtained the sympathy and confidence of the various Courts and Powers; the just influence of England has been established, and it has been used for the maintenance of peace and the interests of civilization. The legacy of insult and difficulty which had been left us in Abyssinia could only be successfully encountered by a responsibility from which we did not shrink. The result of the Expedition to that country vindicated the honour of the Crown and the cause of humanity and justice, and it obtained for Her Majesty’s forces the admiring respect of Europe.2 When we acceded to office, the state of the navy was one which occasioned serious anxiety: the fortresses on which the late Ministry had expended millions were without artillery; the British soldier was armed with inferior weapons; and the military service of the country so unpopular that, if no change had been devised, we might have been driven to the principle of a conscription. At present, it cannot be denied that the strength of the navy is materially increased, the defences of the country much advanced, the soldier admirably armed, and enlistment become so popular that not only is the voted number of our forces no longer in arrear, but many thousand veterans, who were about to claim their discharge, have remained in the army. Such great results have, of course, not been obtained without an increase of our expenditure; but the expenditure has been on objects of the first necessity; and, while it has been defrayed without adding to our taxation, it has entailed no burden on posterity. Economy does not consist in the reckless reduction of Estimates. On the contrary, such a course almost necessarily tends to increased expenditure. There can be no economy where there is no efficiency. And to secure efficiency you must be vigilant

1 See ix index under ‘Reform Bill (1867)’. 2 For the Abyssinian expedition, see ix and x indexes under ‘Abyssinia’ and ‘Abyssinian Expedition’.

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in administrative improvement. Influenced by these views, Her Majesty’s Government, by placing in the hands of a single individual a control over the expenditure of the War-office, commenced a considerable reform during the late session in the administration of the army, which will conduce to greater economy and efficiency both in peace and war.3 Great public advantage may be anticipated from this measure, and the different departments of the State will be revised in the same spirit. This revision will assist that retrenchment which the pressing exigencies of the public service have alone prevented. In the government of Ireland we had to encounter a dark conspiracy of foreign military adventurers, acting on the morbid imagination of a limited portion of our Irish fellow-subjects, and whose active combinations, had they been successful, would have led to general disorganization and plunder; that conspiracy has been baffled in every instance and in every quarter, by vigilance and firmness, which, being the consequence of conscious power and not of panic, have led to no unnecessary severity, so that even the discomfited have admitted that their treatment has not been marked by vengeance or cruelty.4 Notwithstanding this untoward state of affairs, we have pursued towards Ireland that wise policy of sympathy and conciliation which has been followed by all parties in the State for the last 30 years. Justice has never in that country been administered with more impartiality; and, whether with respect to the tenure of land or the facilities for education, we will continue to give our earnest consideration to every suggestion which is consistent with the rights of property, and with the maintenance of our Protestant institutions. In this state of affairs we had reason to hope, and it was generally contemplated by the country, that we might have tranquilly wound up the business of the late Session, and then asked, according to the provisions of the great statute which we had just passed, the public verdict on our conduct. Had it been propitious, we might, by the favour of the Sovereign, have continued to serve Her Majesty, and enjoyed an opportunity of effecting those legal and social improvements which are so much required, and to the necessity of which we had proved we were not insensible. Had the verdict been adverse, we should have retired from office without a murmur, conscious that, when we had the opportunity, we had endeavoured to do our duty, and [were] still prepared, as representing one of the great parties of the State, to co-operate with our rivals in public life for the public good. This, the natural current of events, was to be interrupted. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons seized the occasion of an expiring Parliament, which had proclaimed its inadequate representation of the country, to recommend a change of the fundamental laws of the realm, and to propose a dissolution of the union between Church and State. Her Majesty’s Government offered, and will offer, to this policy an uncompromising resistance. The connection of religion with the exercise of political authority is

3 The war minister at this time was Sir John Pakington. 4 See ix and x indexes under ‘Fenians and Fenianism’.

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one of the main safeguards of the civilization of man. It instils some sense of responsibility even into the depositories of absolute power. But, under any circumstances, the absence or severance of such a tie will lower the character and duties of Government, and tend to the degradation of society. But it is urged that, in the present instance, the application of the new policy is only to be partial, and that only one portion of Her Majesty’s dominions – Ireland – is for the present to be submitted to the revolution; and on this plea, that in Ireland the members of the Established Church form only a minority of the population. If this numerical test is to be accepted, its application cannot be limited to Ireland; and if, in a country of entire toleration, a local instead of an imperial gauge be adopted, the religious integrity of the community will be soon frittered away. Instead of Ireland being made an exception to the fundamental condition of our Constitution, there are many secondary reasons why the Established Church should be maintained in that country. Its subversion would aggravate religious hostility and party rancour; would suppress a resident class of men whose social virtues are conducive, as all agree, to the welfare of the country; and would further diminish the security of property in a land where its tenure and enjoyment are not as unquestioned as they hitherto have been in other parts of Her Majesty’s dominions. But even in Great Britain the spoliation of the Church in Ireland would not be without its effect. Confiscation is contagious, and when once a community has been seduced into plunder its predatory acts have seldom been single. There are, however, even weightier reasons why this new policy should be resisted. The religious liberty which all Her Majesty’s subjects now happily enjoy is owing to the Christian Church in this country having accepted the principles of the Reformation, and recognised the supremacy of the Sovereign as the representative of the State, not only in matters temporal, but in matters ecclesiastical. This is the stronghold of our spiritual freedom. So long as there is in this country the connection, through the medium of a Protestant Sovereign, between the State and the national Church, religious liberty is secure. That security is now assailed by various means and on different pleas; but amid the discordant activity of many factions there moves the supreme purpose of one power. The philosopher may flatter himself he is advancing the cause of enlightened progress; the sectarian may be roused to exertion by anticipations of the downfall of ecclesiastical systems. These are transient efforts – vain and passing aspirations. The ultimate triumph, were our Church to fall, would be to that Power which would substitute for the authority of our Sovereign the supremacy of a foreign Prince;5 to that Power with whose tradition, learning, discipline, and organization our Church

5 Pope Pius ix.

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alone has, hitherto, been able to cope, and that, too, only when supported by a determined and devoted people.6 I have the honour to remain, Gentlemen, your obliged and faithful servant, b. disraeli.

5152

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Thursday] 1 October 1868

original: rac d1 93 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

October 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He has unceasingly considered the subject of the Church appointments since / he had the honor of taking leave of Yr Majesty, & has had several fine opportunities of feeling the pulse of opinion on the points in question; & the result is, that he feels persuaded the / scheme approved, & indeed proposed, by Yr Majesty is a wise 8one9, & calculated to meet all the requirements of a complicated case, & indeed bring credit to Yr Majesty’s government. He, / therefore, proposes to carry it into effect by signifying Yr Majesty’s pleasure to nominate the Dean of Cork to the See of Peterborough, & Professor Mansel to the Deanery of St. Pauls:1 but shall take no step without Yr Majesty’s definite sanction. / The living of Sigglesthorne in Yorkshire is vacant, & Mr Disraeli earnestly recommends Yr Majesty to approve the presentation to it of the Revd. Charles Wishaw Clubbe A M Vicar / of Hughenden.2 He is, in every sense, an admirable man; has served at Hughenden seventeen years, but is still young; a capital preacher; enlightened, moderate, & sound; & tho’ in the diocese of Oxford, / a Cambridge man; & a happy specimen of that great central body of the clergy, on whose loyalty & discretion everything now depends.3

6 In a lengthy leader on the 6th, The Times would describe d’s address as ‘studded with the most beautiful moral and political maxims’ whose sentiments were ‘not novel or convincing’. It would lament that ‘what is to be regarded as a Conservative manifesto ... contains many promises to resist the policy of others, but no signs of any policy for the great Conservative Party itself, except simply to resist and resist.’ In a lengthy panegyric on the 10th, bh would call it ‘the authoritative “Manifesto” of the Conservative policy’ and praise its ‘tone of honesty ... As a model address’ it was unsurpassed ‘in directness, in clearness, in comprehensiveness, and in force and power of treatment’. 1 William Magee would succeed Francis Jeune as Bishop of Peterborough on 14 October. Henry Mansel would succeed Henry Milman as Dean of St Paul’s on 1 October. 2 The Times on the 24th would announce the appointment of Clubbe as rector of Sigglesthorne, Yorkshire, where he would remain until his death in 1886. On 5 October he would thank d ‘for your great kindness in giving me another offer of a Crown living ... I imagine it must be a valuable piece of preferment, and one which will materially improve my position in a pecuniary point of view ... [We] shall always remember with gratitude the invariable kindness we have received from you & Mrs Disraeli.’ h b/xxi/c/290. 3 For the Queen’s reply, see 5153n2.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Thursday] 1 October 1868

original: rac j51 94 publication history: lqv B i 539 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5153

Most Secret Octr 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Your Majesty. He has secret information, that an offer of the Crown of Spain will be made to the H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh.1 The / insurgent leaders hate the French: hold that Spain is unfit for a Republic; & believe that an “Anglo-Coburg dynasty” can alone set them right. Mr Disraeli writes / this at midnight, having, at an earlier hour, written to Yr Majesty on other matters.2 to: LORD HENRY LENNOX

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 3 October 1868

original: qua 70 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G Gate’ written in. The postscript is written at the top of the first page.

5154

confidential G Gate | Octr 3 1868 The | Lord Henry Lennox My dear Henry I won’t say a word about the Balmoral ácme, its all forgotten; or rather was never known beyond ½ a doz: persons. My own opinion of Delane is, that he is my most inveterate foe, &, I think, nothing can exceed the systematic / malignity of his articles agst my governmt., & myself es-

1 Stanley had written to d on this day (1st) from the foreign office: ‘Hamber (of the Standard) has been here, and tells me he knows that an offer of the Spanish crown will be made to our Prince Alfred – that the insurgent leaders had France – believe Spain unfit for a republic – and look forward to the introduction of British capital &c as a means of improvement. Eventual hopes of Gibraltar probably entertained. I have found Hamber well informed on Spanish affairs; he predicted this rising: but I give you his present news for what it is worth.’ h b/xx/s/825. The Times on 8 October would report that candidates for the throne included ‘the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Amadeus of Italy. More recently, however, the name of the Archduke Albrecht of Austria ... has been brought forward. This is, however, only the theme of private talk, the subject of the succession to the throne being scrupulously and consistently avoided by the press.’ 2 See 5152. The Queen on the 3rd would write from Glassalt Shiel to acknowledge d’s ‘2 letters wh. she recd this Inst. She hastens to answer his proposal respecting the 2 Clerical Appts & entirely approves of the Dean of Cork being appointed to the vacant Bishopric of Peterborough, wh. She trusts he will accept & of Mr. Mansell [sic] to the Deanery of St Paul’s. She is sure that these Appts. will be of real use to the Church besides being excellent in themselves from the distinguished character & talents of the 2 Gentlemen in question ... The Queen also approves of Mr. C.W. Clubbe, being named to the Living of Sigglesthorne. She has inquired since Mr. Disraeli left about Professor Wall & she fears that he is not ... a very learned or a very able man, & that his Appt as Successor to Mr. Mansell [sic] wd. not be a good one. The Queen is writing from her little house on Loch Muick, in a wild romantic spot where she has passed 2 nights with 2 of her Children & Lady Churchill & no other guard but her faithful Highlanders & 1 Policeman at nights! A contrast to her poor Sister Queen of Spain. We can have nothing to do with a Crown wh. belongs lawfully to others, & she 8Queen9 at once refuses it for her Sons. The Queen returns to Balmoral today.’ h b/xix/a/63.

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pecially. You are the best judge, whether you think such a man can ever be a faithful friend & confidant for yourself.1 I only offered the Chan[cellorshi]p to you, because I wished to make some public demonstration of my regard for, & confidence in, you. I only looked upon it, as a temporary resting place, until, in / some arrangements I contemplate, I shall be able to place you in a position of active duty. The C. is in fact a sinecure, &, in a pecuniary sense, not so good, as the important post you hold. I will endeavour to do what you like, but you will oblige; & serve me, very much, if, for the moment, you continue at the Admy. A sinecure is wanted for poor Taylor. He is finished, & it is very doubtful, whether / he will be able to go to the Hustings. He has sacrificed his life in our cause, & I shd be glad to give him a Privy Councillor’s place for, at any rate, the remainder of this Parliamt.2 Notwithstanding Delane, we grow stronger every week, & I think the country will carry me thro’ in this great struggle.3 Whatever happens, I shall always be Yours | D. / written by cats-light

5155

to: GATHORNE HARDY

Downing Street [Monday] 5 October 1868

original: esu [13] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private

Octr 5 1868

1 See 5129&nn1-4. Lennox had written to Corry from Paris on the 2nd that, ‘with your advice, I telegraphed & wrote to Dear Dis, offering to give up the app[oint]m[en]t and remain as I am – anything, rather than that I should be the cause, however innocent, of making him, appear guilty of want of Etiquette to H.M. To my Letter & Telegram, I have had no answer, & though I quite understand this, yet now D. is come back, would you find out, from him, how matters are, & whether when I return, I am to continue as I am or accept the other Post. I know you will kindly find this out, without making me bother him. Delane is here – he denies, most positively, all knowledge of the Paragraph. What is more important he says the Irish Church, will be settled by a Compromise. As yet I have not enjoyed myself; the Reaction from work to complete idleness, has made me low & nervous.’ h b/xx/lx/317. 2 At Windsor on 7 November, Col Thomas E. Taylor would be sworn in as pc and as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (succeeding Wilson Patten), serving until 1 December and 1874-80, again under d. Lennox would remain first secretary of the admiralty until 1 December. 3 Lennox would reply from Pavillon de Sainte-Assise on the 8th, having ‘only now received your most kind Letter. In this instance Delane was not to blame; he was in Paris, when the Paragraph appeared; & he gave me his word of Honour that he knew nothing of it ... I had no idea of the light, in which you look upon him or I should not have spoken to him. The very day I saw him, he was on his way back from a long audience of Stanley. The hostility of the Times to your Govt, proceeded, I thought from Mr [John] Walter & dated from the last Election, when he was beaten by the 3 Tories in Berkshire. As there has been delay in my receiving your Letter here, I have telegraphed to Monty Corry to beg you to appoint Taylor to the Duchy & not to think of me ... I fully understand your feelings about poor Taylor & only regret the account you give of his health. I will of course remain on, at the Admiralty; & use, if possible, additional circumspection & care in my dealings with the Chief.’ h b/xx/lx/318.

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Right Honorable | Mr Secy Hardy My dear Hardy,1 I have written to the Lord Chancellor to tell him, that I shd. wish him, if convenient, to be at Balmoral by the 19th. Inst:.2 I am / going out of town for two days: otherwise, I shd. have seen him today; but shall immediately on my return[.]3 I heard from our gracious mistress yesterday from the lake; & / she seemed to be much pleased with her expedition, tho’ I cd. not exactly decypher the day she was to return.4 Yrs sincerely | D. to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Monday] 5 October 1868

5156

original: hunt stg Box 107 (25) editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private October 5 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buck[in]gham & Chandos Dear Duke of Buck[in]gham, H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh will leave England, at the latter end of this month, in command of H.M. ship, / Galatea, on a voyage of two years, during wh: H.R.H. will visit first India, where he will stay some months; then, probably, China & Japan; &, certainly, several of H.M. Colonies & / other dependencies.1 Altho’ this voyage of H.R.H. will not have the formal character of a Mission, it cannot be treated as an event entirely devoid of a public character; & I have directed, that / a copy of the Treasury Minute on the subject should be sent to Yr Grace, that you may be aware of the general spirit in which it appears to me, that this undertaking sho[ul]d be / treated[.]2

1 Hardy was at Balmoral at this time. 2 d’s letter to Cairns, who would arrive at Balmoral on the 15th, has not been found. The Times (17 Oct 1868). 3 At the Cesarewitch Handicap race at Newmarket on the 6th, the ds, ‘who were the guests of Baron Rothschild, were present during the afternoon, and the right hon. gentleman was the object of much attention, and appeared to take a lively interest in the proceedings.’ The Times (7 Oct 1868). 4 The final word of the Queen’s letter of the 3rd (see 5153n2) is virtually illegible but can be read as ‘today’, ie on the 3rd. The Times on the 7th would publish a report from Balmoral, dated 4 October, stating that the Queen had ‘returned to the Castle yesterday’. 1 See 5148. 2 In hunt is an undated four-page manuscript copy of a treasury minute from d and G.W. Hunt stating their opinion that ‘H.R.H’s proposed voyage, though he does not enter upon it as formally representing Her Majesty, cannot but be regarded as of great importance to Imperial interests as being calculated to stimulate the loyal feelings of Her Majesty’s subjects in distant parts of the Globe ... and cement more firmly the bond of union between them & the centre of Government at Home’, and recommending that provisions be made for £4,000 in ‘extra expenditure ... in the shape of presents to Sovereigns or distinguished persons ... (exclusive of the cost of making presents to native Princes in India which will be provided for by the Indian Government)’ during the Duke’s two-year absence. hunt stg Box 107 (43). See 5174.

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With regard to the settlements & dependencies under Yr Grace’s administration it is desirable, that you shd. communicate with the chief authority at Ceylon Cape of Good Hope Mauritius Hong- / Kong Sydney Melbourne & Tasmania:3 all of wh: places H.R.H. proposes to visit. Time will not, however, permit, that he shd. reach S. Australia, W. Aust[rali]a, or Queensland. It / is H. Majesty’s wish & pleasure, that in any instance in wh: H.R. Highness visits any dependency, wh: / has before extended a public reception to the Duke, that ceremony, on the present occasion, shall / not be repeated. Believe me, | Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

5157

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Thursday] 8 October 1868

original: h b/xx/d/104 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Oct 8 68. 1 If Ld. Mayo’s letter is to go by the post, it must be sent in a box – seal it, at all events. I found the letter I mentioned to you from Canford / Manor on my table – & unopened. I understood from you that it had you had received it.2 I enclose also a very curious letter from Frail well worthy of attention. / He spoke to me on the point at Newmarket.3 The parly. elections must not be allowed to clash with the municipal. He attaches, as a practical / man great importance to this.

3 The British governor of Ceylon, since 6 March 1865, was Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson (18241897), Baron Rosmead 1896; of the Cape of Good Hope, since 9 July 1864, Sir Robert Percy Douglas, 4th Bt (1805-1891); of Mauritius, since 17 September 1863, Sir Henry Barkly, kcb (1815-1898); of Hong Kong, since 19 October 1865, Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, cb (1814-1881); of New South Wales, since 22 August 1867, Somerset Richard Lowry-Corry, 4th Earl of Belmore (1835-1913); of Victoria, since 19 May 1866, John Henry Thomas Manners-Sutton (1814-1877), 3rd Viscount Canterbury 1869; and of Tasmania, since 5 March 1862, Col Thomas Gore Browne, cb (1807-1887). 1 5158. 2 This letter from Canford Manor, Wimborne, Dorset, the estate of Sir Ivor Bertie Guest and Lady Cornelia Guest, has not been found. 3 This letter from John Frail, one of d’s election agents, has not been found. He would write to ‘Sir’ (perhaps d) on 26 October from Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury: ‘I have a man ready at any moment to come forward for this borough but, on many grounds, it will be impossible to fight with one. We had another gentleman who had promised & made all arrangements but he quite suddenly retired. I have applied up to this moment to M Spofforth & others. M.S. has given me every assistance, but I fear that others are not so willing, tho’ I cannot understand why. I know that other & more expensive Boroughs are supplied & I am a good deal disappointed at this time when we have so great a chance of returning two. I would not press for a second man but that I feel very anxious to do what I can & to fulfill the promise I made you at Newmarket [see 5155n3]. May I hope you will be pleased to use your influence with the proper parties & pardon this liberty.’ h b/ix/g/36.

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Consult the experts whether his dates will do. D. Frail has a permanent town residence. to: LORD MAYO

Downing Street [Thursday] 8 October 1868

original: inl Mayo Papers ms 11,164 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. In the penultimate sentence, d has drawn a transposition mark between ‘you’ and ‘shall’.

5158

Confidential October 8 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Mayo My dear Mayo, I have received your letter of the 4th Inst.1 I shd. not think in the ante Xmas Session to hint, even, at the outline of measures respecting / the Church. The utmost would be an announcement in due course, of some legislation on the subject. I have no objection whatever to Ball on account of his antecedents, & it is of the utmost importance, / that some Irish lawyer of ability shd be introduced into the House of Commons. No Government cd. long stand, which was represented by the present Ir: Atty Genl. But Mr Ball must not come in with the idea, / that he is to carry a measure founded on the Royal Commission of wh: he was the most influential member. The Report of the Commission pleases no party in this country , & except in comparatively minor points, / I doubt, whether it will afford materials for legislation.2 I propose to call the Cabinet together for the 31st. Octr.3 If you be still in England, I shd. wish you to attend it. They must then decide on their / general course with respect to the Church. By the bye, I don’t know whether the Irish Govt. understands, that the appointment of the new Dean of Cork4 devolves on me. It is an invariable rule, that when a man is / made a Bishop, the preferment he holds devolves on the Prime Minister. 1 Mayo had written to d on 4 October from Palmerstown House: ‘I think that the time is come when you will have very carefully to consider your policy on the Church Question. Whether you determine to introduce a measure or not you must have one ready – its preparation will take a very considerable time. If you propose to endeavor to put in practical form the whole or any portion of the Commissioners Report no time is to be lost. You will probably think it sufficient in a Xmas Session to state generally the outline of your scheme but this you would find difficult if not impossible to do until your plan was in a forward state of elaboration – and I am sure that your colleagues would discuss the question with greater confidence and Power if you had agreed on a scheme.’ h b/xx/bo/82. 2 John Thomas Ball (1815-1898), ba 1836 and lld 1844 Trinity College, Dublin, qc 1854, pc of Ireland 1868, an Irish barrister 1840, vicar-general of Armagh 1862, bencher of the King’s Inns 1863, Queen’s advocate in Ireland 1865, sol-gen for Ireland 1868 (succeeding staunch evangelical Robert Warren) and att-gen 1868 and 1874-5 for Ireland, mp (c) for Dublin University 1868-75 and lord chancellor of Ireland 1875-80. A devout member of the Church of Ireland, Ball had served on the Irish Church Commission. Mayo (n1) ranked him ‘very able – a good Speaker and was the most active of the Church Commissioners. He drew the Report and by his skill and knowle[d]ge was the main cause of the unanimous result ... I most strongly advise that he should be offered the Solicitorship ... I have talked over the matter with the Lord Lt. Wilson Patten and the Chancellor, and they all agree with me that the offer should be made at once.’ See 5165n4. 3 See 5198n2. 4 William Magee would be succeeded by Arthur William Edwards (d 1874) as Dean of Cork on 5 February 1869. See 5160.

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I mention this, not that I have any person in my eye for the post, &, I probably shd. have to consult the Ld. Lt:, but it / might be of importance to keep up the system of interchange at this moment and appoint an Englishman, if any Englishman cd be induced to take it. When you shall come over[?] Let me know the truth about the Irish prospects.5   Ever yrs | D.

5159

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Thursday] 8 October 1868

original: rac d1 96 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Octr 8 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Your Majesty, he feels sure, will be glad to hear, that the Church appointments have given very / great, & very general, satisfaction. Oxford, of course, is not pleased, at losing what is called “its turn” for a Bishop – but the preferment of Professor Mansel, to the Deanery, softens / this feeling, & Mr Disraeli has been confidentially informed, tho’ much to his surprise, that if the Canonry of Westminster were offered to the expectant, or / perhaps shd be said disappointed, Bishop, Dr Leighton, the Warden of All Souls, he would gratefully accept it.1 This would keep the Oxford party all right / & together, & stifle some incipient intrigues agst. Mr Hardy, wh: the followers of Mr Gladstone, trusting to some discontent in the High Church ranks, have of late commenced.2 Mr Disraeli believes that / Dr Leighton is really an excellent 8man9; temperate & sound in his opinions, & much beloved at the University. With Yr Majesty’s permission, Mr Disraeli would, therefore, make this offer to the Warden / of All Souls, & the appointment wd., he believes, have the best effect. Mr Disraeli entirely agrees with Yr Majesty about Professor Wall, & Yr Majesty will perhaps / deign to observe, that, in the letter finally recommending the appointments of Dr Magee & Professor Mansel, he omitted the name of Professor Wall.3 5 With his 9 October reply (‘I believe you have made a grand hit in Magee’s appt. I hope to be in London next week.’), Mayo would enclose a copy of his 8 October letter to Northcote (‘which refers to a matter well worthy of your consideration’). He had advised Northcote to change the Duke of Edinburgh’s itinerary by having him visit India not in March 1869 (as planned) but on his return home in October, when ‘we could give him a right Royal reception ... [with] the greatest gathering of Native Princes and Troops.’ h b/xx/bo/83, 83a. 1 The new Bishop of Hereford, James Atlay, was a Cambridge man and Henry Mansel, the new Dean of St Paul’s, an Oxford man. Francis Leighton, warden of All Souls College, Oxford, and residentiary canon of Westminster Abbey 1868-81, would reply from London on the 31st to d’s 28 October letter (not found) accepting his ‘very gratifying offer’. h c/iii/a/24g. 2 At Balmoral on the 9th, Hardy would record: ‘Disraeli has made Magee Bp. of Peterborough, Mansel Dean of St Pauls, both unexceptional. What will Oxford say however? ... [John William] Burgon is in raptures with them & Leighton does not disapprove. He is anxious for the Westminster Canonry & Burgon recommends [William] Stubbs for Eccl. History. I have written to Disraeli for each.’ Hardy Diary 83. 3 For the Queen’s opinion of Henry Wall, see 5153n2; for d’s letter recommending Magee and Mansel, see 5152&n1.

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He will shortly submit to / Yr Majesty some names for the Ecclesl: History Professorship.4 Mr Disraeli gratefully thanks Yr Majesty for Yr Majestys condescending kindness in helping him in these Church appointments. / Yr Majesty’s aid to him has been invaluable. / Mr Disraeli with his duty, reopens the box to put in a letter just received, marked “Secret”; a letter from Colonel Loyd Lindsay, received some days ago:5 / a letter from Mr Colquhoun, the Leader of the Protestant party, agreeing, strange to say, with the Puseyite Guardian, wh: says 8last night9 that both Church appointments are “excellent”:6 and letters from the Dean & the Professor, 8but only9 in reply to proposals to recommend to Yr Majesty[.]7 / Mr Disraeli, with his duty, opens the box again to inclose a letter from the ArchB[isho]p of York,8 but written before he had heard of the appointments.9 to: THE DUKE OF ABERCORN

Downing Street [Friday] 9 October 1868

original: nipr d623/a/313/10 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5160

Private Octr 9 1868 His Excellency | The Lord Lieutenant | K.G. My dear Ld Lieutenant, By the appointment of the Dean of Cork to the Bishopric of Peterboro’, his previ-

4 See 5162n4 and 5177. 5 Col Robert Loyd-Lindsay had written to d on the 2nd from Lockinge House, Wantage, Berks. He had learned that Leighton, ‘a Rector of this Parish, Lockinge ... has been represented to you as holding decided High Church views ... such is not the case.’ He was ‘a sound Churchman, of moderate opinions, & entirely free from any Ritualistic tendencies ... a most efficient, and universally beloved and respected Parish Clergyman’. h c/iii/a/24a. 6 John Campbell Colquhoun had written to d on this day (8th) from 1 Whitehall Gardens expressing ‘serene satisfaction’ with d’s ‘two Church appointments.’ h c/iii/a/27. On 7 October, the Manchester Guardian had not used the word ‘excellent’ but in fact had expressed reservations about d’s choices: he had ‘selected two men whose names will, at least, not provoke the question – “Who are they?”’ Although Magee was ‘one of the most eloquent preachers of whom the Church can boast’, it considered Mansel ‘an able man, but ... at the same time a narrow and illiberal theologian.’ 7 These letters from Mansel and Wall have not been found. 8 William Thomson (1819-1890), ba 1840 and ma 1844 Queen’s College, Oxford, deacon 1842, priest 1843, college tutor at Oxford 1847, select preacher 1848, Brampton lecturer 1853, preacher at Lincoln’s Inn 1858, chaplain in ordinary to the Queen 1859, Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol 1861-2 and Archbishop of York 1862-90, was a moderate who had led the orthodox campaign against Essays and Reviews (1860) with his Aids to Faith (1861). His letter to d has not been found. 9 Replying from Balmoral on the 10th, the Queen would thank d ‘for his letter recd. this morning & the gratifying enclosures. The Dean of Lichfield is dead? Might not Dr. Leighton be appointed to this Deanery & then Mr. Prothero (whom Pss Christian wrote to Mr. Disraeli about 3 days ago) to the Stall at Westminster? The Queen is most anxious for Mr. Prothero – & he is a sensible, liberal minded man.’ On the 20th she would remind d that he had not answered her about the above proposals, ‘Nor has she heard from Mr. Disraeli relative to the Professorship of Ecclesiastical History at Oxford. The Queen hopes that Mr. Disraeli will use his influence to get Dean Stanley appointed a Trustee of the British Museum in the place of the late Dean Milman.’ rac d1 98; h b/xix/a/65. See 5175 and 5218n2.

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ous preferments, according to / etiquette in this country, & I suppose the rule, of course, prevails in Ireland, are in the gift of the Prime Minister.1 If they are to be distributed in Ireland, I shd. take the liberty of asking Yr Grace to / assist me in the matter, so that we may make an appointment, wh: may serve the Government, either in strength or reputation. But it has occurred to me, that as Ireland has presented us with an English Bishop, / it might be wise, at this conjuncture, that England shd. present Ireland with an English Dean. I am thinking of this a little, & I thought I wd. apprise you of it. Always Yr Excellys. | truly faithful | D.2

5161

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Friday] 9 October 1868

original: h b/xx/d/105 publication history: Shannon 53 and 56, the third paragraph and extracts from the first paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

9 Oct :68 An excellent letter from Henry: nothing cd. be better.1 Taylor will now be Lan: Chanr: but what then? After my interview, with his intended / successor, I am frightened out of my wits. He must consider the situation immediately, & decide whether, or no, he can undertake it. You must speak to him in / confidence. If he have not sufficient self-reliance, however painful, he had better resolve to remain as he is.2 Another Deanery!3 The Lord of Hosts is with us! Is the Lord Cr. in / town? If so, let me see him to day. Is Cr. of Exr in town? The Treasury Minute rê the D of E. requires revision perhaps; 8& presses.94 I hope to be at D.S. at ½ past 2 – as there is much to attend to. D.

5162

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 9 October 1868

original: rac d1 97 publication history: lqv B i 541-2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

October 9 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He is greatly distressed, that he shd. have written to Yr Majesty yesterday on

1 See 5158&n4. 2 See 5165. 1 See 5154&nn1-3. 2 Gerard Noel would succeed Taylor as parliamentary secretary to the treasury on the 24th and serve until 1 December. The Times (24 Oct 1868). 3 Henry Edward John Howard, Dean of Lichfield since 1833, had died on 8 October. See 5159n9. 4 See 5156&n2.

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Church appointments without any reference to / Yr Majesty’s wish, expressed in a letter from H.R.H. The Princess Christian.1 But Yr Majesty’s box, from some mistake of the Messengers, was mislaid, & did not reach him until / a late hour. This never happened before. The personal wishes of His Sovereign must always, under any circumstances, have great influence with Mr Disraeli; but expressed, as in / the present instance, by One, who has extended to him not only constitutional confidence, but has deigned to aid him by Her wise experience, & to animate him, under very great difficulties, by Her condescending kindness – those wishes become / commands – & commands of that kind, which it is delightful to obey. He withdraws, therefore, at once the advice he offered to Yr Majesty respecting the Westminster Canonry,2 & / places it entirely at Yr Majesty’s disposal. As the state of affairs, connected with the representation of the University of Oxford, is at this moment, very critical, in consequence of the unexpected, & / not very friendly, retirement of Sir Wm. Heathcote,3 Mr Disraeli would ask, as a favor from Yr Majesty, that Yr Majestys wishes as to the Canonry should not be announced, but reserved entirely to Yr / Majesty & himself.4 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Sunday] 11 October 1868

original: rac a77 32 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5163

October 11 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He begs permission to recommend to Yr Majesty to appoint Colonel Taylor, at present Secretary of / the Treasury, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.1 Colonel Taylor is member for the County of Dublin, & has been in the House of Commons for many years. / He is a thorough gentleman, of noble family (Headfort) & very good estate.2 As Manager of the House of Commons behind the scenes, 1 See 5159. The Princess Christian’s letter has not been found. 2 See 5159&n1. 3 The retirement of Heathcote, who (with Hardy) represented Oxford University, was announced on this day (9th) at the noon-hour convocation. In his 2 October letter of resignation to Oxford’s vice-chancellor, Francis Leighton, published in The Times on the 12th, Heathcote had stated he was stepping down due to ‘a long and very serious illness, from which my approaches towards recovery ... have alternated with frequent relapses’. Hardy had written to Corry on the 6th that Heathcote’s ‘retirement just now is a terrible business & with [high churchman] Roundell Palmer ready I really hardly know what can be done ... [Hunt] fears Palmer will be too strong.’ Hardy and John Robert Mowbray would be elected for Oxford unopposed at the 18 November election. h b/x/b/9; The Times (10, 12 Oct 1868). 4 Replying from Balmoral on the 12th, the Queen would thank d for ‘his letter received yesterday morning wh. crossed with hers [5159n9]. She trusts that in this manner Dr Leighton & Mr Prothero may be satisfied. Everyone speaks most highly of Dr Leighton.’ She would mention possible candidates ‘for the Professorship at Oxford ... viz: Mr. Church (of Oxford) & Mr Bradly, Head Master of Marlborough School’, the latter ‘supposed to be peculiarly suited’ for the post of professor of Ecclesiastical History ‘from his great power of teaching young men.’ rac d1 99. 1 See 5154&n2. 2 Taylor, mp (c) for co Dublin 1841-83, was the eldest son of the Rev Edward Taylor, fifth son of Thomas Taylor, 1st Marquess of Headfort, whose seat was the 1,000-acre Headfort Hall estate in co Meath.

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8or,9 in language too familiar to use to / Your Majesty, & for which, therefore, he humbly apologises, as “Chief Whip”, Colonel Taylor has rarely been equalled, & his duties are those, which require great virtues; knowledge of / mankind, extensive acquaintance with society, good temper, patience, energy. 8& skill.9 His health has broken down under the anxious labors of many disheartening years, & it would be not only just, but most / pleasing to the whole Conservative party, that he shd. be placed, now, in a position of high distinction, & of very moderate duty. Mr Disraeli is aware from Col. Wilson Patten, that / he had engaged, & very properly, to meet Yr Majesty’s wishes respecting the appointment to the next living in the gift of the Chancellor of the Duchy. Mr. Disraeli will arrange, with / Yr Majesty’s permission, that this understanding shall continue – without giving Yr Majesty any trouble in to a to notice the promise. In case Yr Majestys approves / of Colonel Taylors appointment, he would recommend, that the Hon Gerard Noel, now a Lord of the Treasury, shd. become Secretary of that Department. He has been formed under, & by, / Colonel Taylor; & has this advantage over his master, that he is an English member, &, therefore, his absence from this country, at critical periods, will be avoided.3 A new Lord of the / Treasury should also be appointed. He must be an Irishman; & Mr Disraeli would recommend to Yr Majesty Lord Claud John Hamilton, son of the Ld. Lieutenant of / Ireland,4 & a young man of considerable promise.5

5164

to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Monday] 12 October 1868

original: h r/i/a/217 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential October 12 1868 Philip Rose Esq My dear Rose, One or two have asked me to whom their subscriptions shd. be paid? It’s a difficult question, & involves many considerations. It was always intended, that / their subscriptions shd be kept apart from the general one, & used as a reserve. If they were paid to any general Treasurer, there would be less stimulus to exertion, & the fulfilment / of, what is at all times, a disagreeable office. What do you think of their being paid to you, at Rutland Gate?; so that they shd. not be mixed up with business & the firm.1 Or are / there objections to this scheme? And can you devise a better?

3 See 5161&n2. 4 Abercorn’s son, Lord Claud John Hamilton, would be appointed a lord of the treasury on 2 November. The Times (3 Nov 1868), reprinting from the London Gazette of that day. See 5165&n4. 5 The Queen would reply from Balmoral on the 20th, approving the appointments of Noel, Hamilton and Taylor. She advised d to ‘impress upon [Taylor] the importance of continuing in the same course wh. Col Wilson Patten had so wisely begun, for the Duchy has been very ill managed.’ h b/xix/a/65. 1 Malmesbury on the 14th would send a registered letter to Rose at 59 Rutland Gate: ‘According to orders I send you a draft for £300 leaving £100 to be paid a month hence wh is the amount I promised. If I can

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I am here, if you have a moment disengaged, & shall be till latish. Yrs ever | D. to: THE DUKE OF ABERCORN Downing Street [Tuesday] 13 October 1868 original: nipr d623/a/313/15 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5165

Confidential October 13 1868 His Excellency | The Lord Lieutenant | K. G. My dear Duke, By all means, do what you like about the Deanery of Cork.1 I had no person in my eye, & only thought, that the English / appointment might seem, & serve, as a fresh proof & instance of the identity of the two Churches. But, I think, your impression is much more likely to be the case. In / a day or two, I expect to send you authority to notify his impending Knighthood to the Mayor of London[derr]y.2 Its not impossible that I shall have to remodel the Treasury a little. If so, I shd. have an Irish Lordship vacant / – who shd. also be a Whip. Its a capital post for a young fellow of brains, & the finest school for the study of human nature. I was thinking the other day of Claud – wo[ul]d he like it? But he must work & be the soul of my staff.3 Ever yours sincerely | D.4

get a man to stand for the second seat in South Hants the Comm[issione]rs must refund the £300 for that purpose.’ Rose would reply on 3 November: ‘When I received your note of the 14th October, I immediately reported your subscription of £300, with the condition attached to it of there being no contest in S. Hants. my object being to prevent its hypothecation to other objects. In reply I was told that there must be some misunderstanding on my part as the subscription of £300 was intended to be absolute and only any addition conditional upon a S. Hants contest ... I subsequently received the enclosed Memorandum which appears to confirm the expression of my informant. If however your Lordship wishes to have the £300 returned in order to devote it to S. Hants, I will at once apply in the proper quarter.’ Malmesbury would reply on 31 October requesting a refund of his £300, which Rose would send on 3 November. d had sent Rose an undated note from Malmesbury stating ‘I will add to this [£300] if I am not obliged to subscribe to a Christchurch & South Hants Election wh: may not be the case this year.’ See 5180&n1. h r/i/a/218a,b,c,e,g. 1 See 5160. 2 See 5125&n2. 3 See 5163&n4. 4 Abercorn would reply from the Vice Regal Lodge on the 16th: ‘I am extremely obliged by your kind letter, which I was compelled to delay in answering because, I expected Claud last night up from the Country. He is very much flattered and grateful for the hint you have thrown out about him. He goes to London tonight, and will take the liberty of calling upon you while there in reference to it. Colonel Patten has shown me his letter in respect of the proposed new attorney and Solicitor General, in which I entirely concur. I believe, from what we can gather, that Ball’s appointment can well be a very popular one, as the Church Party know he is the only man competent to undertake the defence of the Church among all our available lawyers.’ h b/xxi/a/17. See 5163n4.

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5166

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 13 October 1868

original: rac a37 58 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

October 13 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: There is a very general wish, that Yr Majesty shd. be advised to confer the honor of knighthood on the Lord Provost of / Glasgow; Mr Lumsden. He is a Liberal in politics; but a man of large property, great public spirit; & beloved.1 The Ld. Lieutenant of Ireland is anxious, that / the same distinction sho[ul]d be conferred on the Mayor of Londonderry.2 Mr Disraeli feels, that he has often to trouble Yr Majesty on the subject of knighthoods: but / he would presume to remind Yr Majesty, that Yr Majesty has no order of merit in this country by which social distinction & esteem can be recognised. And he is glad to observe, that the distinction of / knighthood is now much appreciated by persons of considerable 8substance &9 character. He wd. also presume to observe, that, heretofore, the Ld. Lieutt. was supposed to possess, & perhaps / does legally possess, the privilege of himself conferring this distinction. But Mr Disraeli wishes, that every honor in Yr Majesty’s realm shd. flow directly from Yourself, / & has, therefore always discountenanced the suggestion, that the representative of the Sovereign shd. enjoy this faculty. He humbly trusts, therefore, that the wish / of His Excellency, as well as of the citizens of Glasgow, may both be graciously accorded by Yr Majesty.3

5167

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 13 October 1868

original: rac a37 59 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: lossed.

October 13 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He must beg Yr Majestys attention to the enclosed Copy of a letter from the Earl of Mayo to / Sir Stafford Northcote.1

1 James Lumsden (1808-1879), after studies at Glasgow University, had joined the family firm, James Lumsden & Son (stationers), running the firm with his brother George following their father’s retirement in 1852. He was a director 1849 and chairman 1871 of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company, a director of the Clydesdale Bank, a founder of the Glasgow Benevolent Society, lord dean of guild, dl of Lanarkshire 1867 and of Dumbartonshire 1869 and lord provost of Glasgow 1866-9. Lumsden had entertained the Prince and Princess of Wales during their visit to Glasgow to lay the foundation stone of the new university buildings at Gilmorehill on 8 October. He would be knighted by letters patent on 3 November and by the Queen on the 22nd. John Tweed and James Smith Barr Biographical Sketches of the Hon. the Lord Provosts of Glasgow (Glasgow 1883) 257-60. 2 See 5125n2. 3 The Queen would reply from Balmoral on the 16th approving d’s recommendations and suggesting the men ‘be knighted on some early occasion when the Queen returns to England.’ h b/xix/a/64. 1 See 5158&n5.

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It would be a great pity, if the Prince’s visit to India were so timed, that half its effect shd. be lossed. Mr Disraeli has seen H.R. Highness on the subject, / who shares this feeling strongly. H.R. Highness has been to the Admiralty, & they at once offered to alter the programme of his voyage, so that he shd. / visit Australia first, then China & Japan, before India & H.R. Highness seemed satisfied, & pleased even with the arrangement but Mr Disraeli could not / sanction it witht. Yr Majesty’s approval.2 There is one quarter (£300.) of the annual pension fund, wh: has now accrued & / Mr Disraeli encloses a programme for Yr Majesty’s approbation. He has endeavoured, with these limited resources, to carry out Yr Majesty’s wishes. / The Cabinet to day was called somewhat suddenly by the Cr. of the Exchequer, in consequence of the continued decline in the Revenue, & the necessity, if possible, of / preventing a deficit by some immediate reductions. A necessary, but very difficult, task.3 to: LORD STANLEY

Eridge Castle, Tunbridge Wells [Thursday] 15 October 1868

5168

original: dbp Box 12/3/77 editorial comment: Eridge Castle paper. Sic: phrace; d may have meant to write ‘praise’.

Right Honorable | Secy Lord Stanley1 Oct 15 1868 Dear Stanley, I cannot doubt, that we shd. at once recognise the Governmt, apparently established, at Madrid;2 though without phrace. Ever yours, | D. to: LORD ORMONDE

Downing Street [Saturday] 17 October 1868

original: h b/xiii/56 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. A draft in d’s hand.

Confidential | Confidential | Conf

5169

October 17 1868

2 The Queen would reply from Balmoral on the 16th that ‘In consequence of Ld Mayo’s letter & of what Mr. Disraeli & Pce Alfred have said the Queen consents to the alteration in his voyage. She is only doubtful whether his going straight back to Australia is advisable – but perhaps it is as well to. Mr. Disraeli shd however tell the Duke of Buckingham that the People there shd be informed as well as those in the Colonies where Pce Alfred has been to lately, that they were not expected nor was it indeed wished, that they shd receive him in State, or go to any expence for that purpose.’ h b/xix/a/64. See 5174. 3 The Queen (n2) ‘grieves to learn that the effects of the Commercial pressure are still being felt & that the falling off in the Revenue still continues. The Queen trusts that in attempting reductions the g[rea]test care will be taken not to lessen the efficiency of the Army & Navy.’ 1 Stanley had written to d from the foreign office on the 14th: ‘Do you see any reason for delaying the recognition of the de facto government of Spain? We may get something out of them in the way of improved commercial relations, and it is clear now that there will be no general reaction, such as might put Isabelle back again on the throne. Of course we should not, like the Americans, say anything in the way of congratulations: simple recognition is all that can be required. There are some inconveniences in keeping this question long open. What do you think?’ h b/xx/s/826. 2 See 5119n2 and 5197n2.

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The | Marquess of Ormonde1     De Dear Lord Ormonde, I sympathize with your desire to receive the title of an illustrious ancestor;2 & I am pleased that you should associate 8contemplate9 its restoration with your connection with 8by9 the great historical / party 8with wh: you are connected &9 which justly reveres his memory. I would remind you the condition of that party is now critical, & its future power 8to accomplish yr purpose or wish9 depends on the result of the struggle now impending. As you have addressed me with so much frankness, pardon me if I enquire whether / you yourself are alive to this conjuncture; whether you are exerting your influence & devoting your resources to the its advancement of its fortunes; & whether, under these circumstances you show, as I trust you do, something of that energy & resolution which distinguished the famous / Duke of Ormonde for the cause to wh: he consecrated his life & fortune[.]3 I have &c

5170

to: GEORGE BUCKLEY MATHEW

Downing Street [Saturday] 17 October 1868

original: dbp 47/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

His Excellency | G. Buckley Mathew October 17 1868 Dear Mr Mathew, I have been wishing to write to you for months, & always put your letter into my box

1 James Edward William Theobald Butler (1844-1919), 3rd Marquess of Ormonde 1854, pc of Ireland 1902, ll of Kilkenny 1878-1919, vice-commodore 1885 and commodore 1901 of the Royal Yacht Squadron and capt 1st Life Guards 1868 (retiring 1873), had written to d on 10 October from Cavalry Barracks, Windsor: ‘My Grandfather, James, Earl of Ormonde, was strongly advised by Lord Liverpool (the Prime Minister of that day) to apply for the restoration of the Dukedom to his Family, promising that it would be necessary, in the first instance, that he should obtain the Marquisate. In compliance with this suggestion my grandfather made the Application, which was immediately granted in 1825. The seizure which terminated Ld Liverpools official career occurred shortly afterwards in 1827, and my grandfather took no further steps in the matter. My father resolved not to put in his claim, unless any other Peer should be raised to a Dukedom, but that in the event of such a creation being made, he would make application for the restoration of the highest Title borne by his Family. That case has now arisen ... I am not asking for the Creation of a new title, but only for the Restoration of one which would not have been unworthily borne had my father or my grand father been Dukes of Ormonde. The rank I now hold was given as a stepping stone to that borne by my great Ancestor, who, it is unnecessary for me to say, spent his life and fortune in defence of his King and Country.’ h c/i/a/78a. 2 Distinguished statesman and soldier James Butler (1610-1688), Marquess of Ormonde 1642 and Duke of Ormonde 1660 (Ireland), Earl of Brecknock 1660, 1st Duke of Ormonde 1682 (uk), kg 1649, ll of Ireland 1643-6, 1648-9, 1662-8, 1677-85, lord steward 1660-88 and chancellor of the University of Oxford 1669-88. At his death, he was £100,000 to £150,000 in debt. 3 The Dowager Marchioness would write from Kilkenny Castle on 25 October, thanking d for his ‘Fatherly letter’ to her son and assuring him that ‘no more Staunch Conservative exists than he is’; given the opportunity, he would ‘distinguish himself in the same spirit which made his great ancestor so illustrious.’ On 30 November she would ask d for ‘a few lines of encouragement in reply’ to her previous letter and ‘a favorable answer to my Son’s Application to you’. h c/i/a/78b,c. The dukedom has not been to date restored.

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when I travelled; but I have really never been able to find the occasion, & / finally send you these lines with as much on my shoulders, as a man can well bear.1 The brilliant beetles had flown round Mrs Disraeli’s neck, before I had received yr letter; but I guessed from whom they / came; not only from their native character, but from a memory of your repeated kindnesses. She was dressing, & wearing them with great delight for the first time, going to the Duchess of Sutherlands,2 when I came into her room with yr letter, wh: only explained what I / had happily conjectured. I must congratulate you on your advancement to a great post, which you have obtained entirely by personal merit.3 Yours sincerely, | D. to: LORD LONSDALE

Downing Street [Saturday] 17 October 1868

original: cro d/lons/l [3] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5171

Private October 17 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Lonsdale My dear Lord, I have just come up to town from Eridge Castle, where I have been spending a couple of days,1 & find on my table a note / from the Admr:, informing me, that Commander Lowther is promoted, as you wished.2 All my energies are given to the great struggle at hand, in wh: we have resolved to / win. There must be a contest for every seat where there is a fair prospect of success. But this is a bold game, that requires resources, & ours, always too limited, are now very low. / I have given to the good cause all I receive from the country – but others have not followed my example as fully as I could wish. I know, that you have helped us, for you are, always, the most generous of men,

1 Mathew (iv 1445n2), former British minister to Argentina and, since September 1867, minister to Brazil, had written to d from Rio de Janeiro on 20 April: ‘Before I left Buenos Aires, I sent an ostrich feather rug ... to Mrs Disraeli, whose recovery from illness I had the pleasure of learning from the papers. I was not aware that I was taking the liberty of addressing this little “recuerdo” to the wife of the Premier!’ He had written on 7 June, enclosing for ma ‘a small animal specimen ... a decided curiosity’, and on 6 November would ask d whether it had arrived. h b/xxi/m/242-4. 2 Possibly the Dowager Duchess (2nd Duke) of Sutherland (who would die on 27 October), but probably the current Duchess. The 3rd Duke of Sutherland in 1849 (as Marquess of Stafford) had married Anne (1829-1888), only child and heiress of the late John Hay-Mackenzie, Esq, of Newhall and Cromartie, Countess of Cromartie 1861 and sometime mistress of the robes. Peerages (1869, 1920); The Times (27 Nov 1888). 3 On 20 April (n1), Mathew had informed d of his ‘recent change to this Court ... a very welcome one to me’ and had praised the Emperor, whose ‘great desire is, to be enabled to carry out the abolition of slavery, as soon as the miserable war [1864-70], forced upon him by ... Paraguay, is at an end’. 1 The ds had left London on the 14th for Eridge Castle (Abergavenny). The Times (16, 19 Oct 1868). 2 For Marcus Lowther, see 4981n1.

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&, therefore I do not like to press you – but think of me in my struggle, & / aid, if you deem fit[.]3 Your obliged & ever | attached, | D.

5172

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 19 October 1868

original: rac a37 61 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

October 19 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: With reference to Pensions, he would ask leave humbly to remind Yr Majesty, that before Yr Majesty quitted England / for Lucerne, Yr Majesty apportioned the remaining balance of the late Pension year 1867-8; ending with the month of July, & in so doing allocated a pension of £100 pr annm. / to Yr Majestys Engraver, Mr Doo; & one, of equal amount, to Mrs. Oliphant. And they have been in the receipt of these amounts ever since.1 Mr Disraeli believes, that / there is no suggestion, which Yr Majesty has been pleased to make respecting pensions, wh: has not, now, been fulfilled.

5173

to: LADY STANHOPE

original: kcr Stanhope mss 690(7)5 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Tuesday] 20 October 1868

October 20 1868 Dear Lady Stanhope,1 We should be delighted to pay you a visit for a couple of days, if you could receive us on Wednesday, 28th. Inst:. On Saturday, the / Cabinets commence,2 & after that, there will be little peace. You can give us no society half so agreeable, as that of yourself & Lord Stanhope. I have done all I / could to rectify the Leominster malaise, but in vain, having to deal with very obstinate, & headstrong, people. All I hope now is, that Mahon will be my colleague in the next / House of Commons[.]3 Ever yours sincerely | D. We could come on Tuesday 27th. if more convenient to you.4 3 Lonsdale would write to d from Carlton Terrace on 5 November, having ‘returned to London after a lengthened sojourn in the County’ and wishing ‘to call on you & communicate what I hear & know of our northern election prospects.’ h b/xxi/l/296. 1 See 4950n1 and 4959n3. 1 Lady Stanhope had written to d from Chevening on the 18th ‘to repeat our hope that you & Mrs Disraeli will pay us a visit ... I will do my best, to make up a pleasant party, but you know that is not easy just now. ¾ of an hour of Railway journey will bring you from London to our Sevenoaks Station.’ h b/xxi/s/517. 2 See 5186&n2. 3 According to Lady Stanhope (n1), ‘Poor Mahon is labouring away at Leominster with two opponents, Mr Arkwright, and a Certain Dr Spinks famous in the Divorce Court! Neither an agreeable or an inexpensive pleasure.’ At the Leominster, Herefordshire, election on 17 November, Richard Arkwright (c) would defeat Dr T. Spinks, qc (l) 432-147 for the seat held since April by Viscount Mahon. 4 Lady Stanhope would reply on the 21st, ‘very glad indeed at the prospect of seeing you & Mrs Disraeli here on Wednesday 28th to stay we hope certainly till Saturday ... I enclose you a Card of the Trains ... & if Mrs Disraeli will let me know which train you choose our Carriage shall meet you.’ h b/xxi/s/518.

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to: THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS Downing Street [Tuesday] 20 October 1868

5174

original: hunt stg Box 107(26) editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

October 20 1868 His Grace | The Duke of Buckingham | & Chandos Dear Duke of Buck[in]g[ha]m. I would request Yr Grace to obtain from the Admiralty a copy of the new Programme of the route of the “Galatea”, / & frame & forward your instructions to the authorities accordingly.1 Her Majesty repeats her desire, that there shall be no repetition of ceremonies in the Colonies, wh: H.R. / H. the Duke of Edinburgh has previously visited, so that Her Majesty’s subjects, under these circumstances, should not have to incur any further expence.2 Yours sincerely, | D.3 to: [MONTAGU CORRY or CHARLES FREMANTLE] [London, after 20 October 1868]

5175

original: ps 650 publication history: John Wilson Catalogue No 24, p 21, described as: ‘ALS (“D.”, without salutation) to an aide, 2 pages 8vo, undated.’ editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.

The Queen wishes me to use my influence for the election of the Dean of Westminster as a trustee of the British Museum1 ... Lord Palm[ersto]n proposed me.2 Is it in the power of the P[rime] Min[iste]r[.] D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 21 October 1868

original: rac r50 109 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5176

October 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Mr Disraeli is much pressed, at this critical moment, to recommend Yr Majesty to confer honors. He / hopes, however, not to be under the necessity of laying before Yr Majesty the claims of any person for a peerage. 1 See 5156&n2. 2 See 5167. 3 Buckingham on 5 November would send d copies of a 4 November telegram from General Grey (‘“The Prince of Wales has written to the Queen about the Duke of Edinburgh going to Australia and New Zealand. Do you know of any reason why he should not go?”’) and Buckingham’s reply: ‘“The Duke of Buckingham having read all his Australian and New Zealand letters for the year, knows no reason why the Duke of Edinburgh should not go.”’ h b/xxi/b/1263. 1 See 5159n9. 2 See viii 3801&n1.

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But he will be much assisted in a very difficult situation, if Yr Majesty will allow him to recommend Yr / Majesty to make some Baronets. He will place no names before Yr Majesty but those of gentlemen of character, &, in many instances, of colossal fortune: in all, of very ample & adequate means. / Nor does he wish to follow the usual custom of making what is called a “batch” of these dignitaries. He wo[ul]d prefer being permitted to do it gradually. At the present moment, he would humbly request Yr / Majesty to confer the honor of a Baronetcy on Mr Charles Mills; & on Mr Robert Bateson Harvey of Langley Park, Bucks;1 Mr Disraeli’s present colleague in the County, & the representation of 8which9 / he has only resigned in consequence of the Minority clause; being the Junior member. Mr Disraeli had the honor, when at Balmoral, of laying the name of Mr Charles Mills before Yr Majesty for consideration in / this respect. Mr Mills is a man of the very highest character in the city of London; the senior partner of the great banking house of Glyn; his family have been for 92 years continuously in / the Home Government of India, & he has just resigned the office of Vice-President of the Council of India. 8His fortune is of the highest class.9 The successful working of the Council of India is mainly to be attributed to the experience of Mr Mills. His son2 is ministerial candidate for the County of Kent[.]3

5177

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 21 October 1868

original: rac d1 100 publication history: lqv B i 543-4 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Protheroe.

October 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: With reference to Ecclesiastical appointments, he now submits the following programme to Yr Majesty, wh:, he thinks, at this critical period, will / reconcile every legitimate claim. Canon Champneys for the Deanery of Lichfield;1 & if he accept that post, his canonry, which is one of the richest, & is in Yr Majesty’s gift, to be conferred / on Mr Protheroe.2 The Canonry of Westminster to be conferred by Yr Majesty on Dr Leighton, War-

1 Baronetcies for Charles Mills and Robert Bateson Harvey would be announced in the London Gazette on 10 November. The Times (11 Nov 1868). 2 Charles Henry Mills (1830-1898), 2nd Bt 1872, Baron Hillingdon 1886, only son of Charles Mills, had entered his father’s banking firm in 1852. He would become senior partner in 1872 (on his father’s death) and eventually one of the wealthiest private bankers of his day. He would be mp (c) for w Kent Nov 186886. 3 The Queen would reply from Balmoral on the 23rd, sanctioning ‘the 2 Baronetcies being conferred on Mr C. Mills & on Mr R.B. Harvey of Langley Park.’ rac d1 102. See 5212. 1 See 5039n3. 2 Prothero (4951n8) would be appointed a canon of the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster, and Robert Gregory canon of St Paul’s. The Times (23 Nov 1868).

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den of All-Souls,3 & the Revd. Willm. Bright, Fellow & Tutor of University Coll: / Oxford, to be appointed Professor of Eccles: History. Mr Bright has made ecclesiastical history his special study, & has written a brilliant book on the history of the first three centuries of the Church.4 It is very true, that Mr Church5 / & Mr Bradley6 are 8also9 greatly distinguished in this lore – but no one pretends, that they are superior to Mr Bright. But there are other considerations, wh: necessarily blend in these decisions. Mr Bright, tho’ a high Churchman, / is perfectly constitutional in his Church views, & was, & is, a warm & influential supporter of the Conservative party. Mr Church, &, it is believed, also Mr Bradley, strongly opposed Mr Hardy at the last election – & there is / scarcely a doubt will oppose Messrs Hardy & Mowbray in the impending important University contest.7 They are, in short, devoted to Mr Gladstone. Mr Disraeli in Church appointments is never inclined to take narrow views, & would never / willingly for party considerations, recommend Yr Majesty to appoint to very responsible offices secondrate men: but in a case, like the present, when an individual, certainly not surpassed for the special learning in / question, can be supplied from the ranks of his own followers, it would have a most injurious effect, if such an individual were overlooked. He, therefore, humbly trusts, that Yr Majesty will / graciously consider his suggestions on this subject, & if Yr Majesty approve them, sanction them by Your Majestys pleasure. to: WILLIAM FEILDING

Downing Street [Thursday] 22 October 1868

original: fei [1] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Fielding.



5178

Oct 22 68.

3 See 4905n7. 4 William Bright (1824-1901), ba 1846 and ma 1849 University College, Oxford, deacon 1848 and priest 1850, dd 1869. Fellow of University College 1847-68 and hon canon of Cumbrae Cathedral 1865-93, Bright would succeed Henry Mansel as regius professor of ecclesiastical history and canon of Christ Church in December. His many works include A History of the Church, from the Edict of Milan, A.D. 313, to the Council of Chalcedon, A.D. 451 (1860) and Chapters of Early Church History (1878). Replying from Balmoral on the 23rd with her approval of Champneys, Prothero and Leighton, the Queen would ‘not oppose Mr W Bright’s appointment ... but as he is a high Church man the Queen would prefer if Mr Disraeli could find some one whose views were not so high, on account of the harm it might do the young men who would naturally be influenced by him.’ rac d1 102. 5 Richard William Church (1815-1890), ba 1836 Oxford, fellow of Oriel College 1838, deacon 1839, priest 1852 and a confidant of John Henry Newman (whose departure from the Church of England in 1845 caused a 19-year rift in their friendship). Gladstone would appoint him Dean of St Paul’s 1871-90 (succeeding Henry Mansel). A prolific writer, Church is best known for his influential The Oxford Movement: Twelve Years, 1833-1845 (1891). 6 George Granville Bradley (1821-1903), ba 1844 and ma 1847 University College, Oxford, deacon and priest 1858 and head of Marlborough College 1858-70, examining chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury 1874, select preacher at Oxford 1874-5 and hon chaplain to the Queen 1874-6. Gladstone, over objections from the Queen, would appoint him Dean of Westminster 1881-1902. 7 See 5162n3.

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Colonel / Hon. W. Fielding My dear Colonel, I duly received No. 5, & thank you.1 You will let me know, at the convenient time, what I am in yr debt, & I will see that all is right.2 Very much yrs | D.

5179

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Friday [23 October 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/110 editorial comment: C of Ex paper, imprint crossed out. Endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘Oct –?’ and by aes: ‘?1868’. Dating: by d’s week-long notice for summoning cabinet and Lady John’s letter; see n1.

Friday Telegraph to Lady John Manners St Mary’s Tower Dunkeld, & ask after Lord John: also / request that she will 8likewise9 write to me by Post.1 Summon Cabinet for Saturday 31 Inst. There shd. be, I think, a / weeks notice.2 I enclose letter 8from Smith Child,9 wh: will require attention.3 D. Rather doubtful, whether I shall go out to day. If anything stirring send. How was last night?

5180

to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Saturday] 24 October 1868

original: h r/i/a/218d editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential

October 24 1868

1 E.B. Trelawny had written to Feilding from Limerick on the 20th. Headed ‘Irish S Corresp. 5.’, his letter related his disappointment at learning that Richard O’Brien (4712n5), Dean of Limerick, lived 25 miles away, at Newcastle West, ‘where there is no single pretext for a tourists presence.’ However, as there was ‘a R.C. charitable Bazaar going on here, at which, I am informed, the Dean is certain to be present’, he had written to O’Brien requesting a meeting. h b/xxi/f/86. 2 Feilding would reply from Dublin on the 23rd: ‘Herewith No. 6 & its enclosure. I return you many thanks for your promise contained in the last paragraph of your letter of yesterday’s date. I will let you know the amount, as soon as Mr T shall have terminated his mission, which I presume will be just prior to the Elections in this country. Mr T seems, by the tone of No 6 letter to fancy that I doubt his integrity. I am writing by this post to assure him to the contrary.’ Trelawny’s ‘Irish S. Corresp. 6.’ of the 22nd, again from Limerick, had included O’Brien’s 21 October reply inviting him to stay at Newcastle with him on the 26th and 27th. Trelawny had accepted the invitation (‘zeal and alertness shall not be wanting on my part’) and, denouncing ‘the Power and Craft of Rome’, assured Feilding that ‘I side, politically, against my church’. h b/xxi/f/87, 87a,b. 1 Lady John Manners would write to d on this day (23rd) from St Mary’s Tower, Dunkeld, with ‘a favourable report of John. Should he continue improving, he hopes to attend the Cabinet.’ h b/xx/m/298. 2 Manners would attend cabinet on Saturday 31 October. It would be reported on that day that Manners ‘continues to progress favourably, although the severity of his illness will preclude the possibility of his meeting the constituents [of Leicestershire n] before the day of nomination.’ The Times (31 Oct, 2 Nov 1868). 3 See 4996n1. On 11 November Child would write to Charles Fremantle asking to be alerted as soon as the Queen’s pleasure was known regarding a baronetcy for him. On the 28th he would send d a newspaper clipping about his being gazetted a baronet on the 17th. h c/ii/a/80p; h b/xxi/c/204.

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Philip Rose Esq My dear Rose, You will perceive from the enclosed original mem: of Ld. Malmesbury, that his payment to you does not in any way depend on the event of a S. Hants Election. As that event has / now occurred, I thought it best to write to you.1 Take care to repay nothing to any body. Have you received any more? I must be cautious, as I have already given 500£ to a secret ally,2 & have promised George Lennox, who is in great straits, some considerable / assistance.3 Middx:, I fear, hangs fire. The person you suggested is a “shabby b lot” rather? Why cd not Ld. George stand alone?4 Yrs ever | D. to: ROBERT BATESON HARVEY

Downing Street [Saturday] 24 October 1868

5181

original: ps 821 publication history: Sotheby’s catalogue (24 Jul 1978) item 272, described as: ‘A.L.S. (“B Disraeli”), 3 pages, 8vo, 10 Downing Street, 24 October 1868, to Robert Bateson Harvey’.

[informing him that he is to recommend to the Queen that a baronetcy be conferred on him] ... it will afford me sincere gratification to revive an old County title, & to show my regards for a friend & colleague1 to: ROBERT JOHN HARVEY

original: bry [8] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private

Downing Street [Sunday] 25 October 1868

5182

October 25 1868

1 See 5164&n1 and, for the election results, 5101n2. At a meeting of South Hampshire Liberal electors in Southampton on the 21st, it had been resolved to invite Clement Milward to become the second Liberal candidate (with William Cowper-Temple). Returns from all polling districts showed ‘a very large Liberal majority in the division.’ The Times (22 Oct 1868). 2 Possibly William Feilding; see 5178. 3 Lennox had written to d on 24 September reminding him ‘of the efforts I have made for the interests of our party, and of the amount my mother and myself have spent in promoting them ... My anxiety to secure some appointment must be my excuse for troubling you ... I mentioned to you that my eldest brother does not contribute one shilling towards my subscriptions on my election. On one occasion he certainly offered me £50 which, of course, I did not accept. If I could obtain an appointment with a seat in the House, it would be serviceable to me in various ways. I am sure I shall not appeal to you in vain.’ At the 18 November election for Lymington, Hants, Lennox would retain his seat, defeating Daniel Pratt (l) 330-199. h b/xxi/l/148. 4 At the 21 November election for Middlesex, a Liberal stronghold since 1847, Lord George Hamilton, the only Conservative candidate, and Viscount Enfield (l) would win seats. 1 Harvey (v 1910n1) was the son of Robert Harvey (high sheriff of Bucks 1828), the illegitimate son of Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, 1st Bt 1789, of Killoquin, co Antrim. A report from Whitehall dated 9 November would announce that letters patent had been issued granting the dignity of a baronet to Harvey. The Times (11 Nov 1868), reprinting from London Gazette (10 Nov 1868).

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Robert J. Harvey | Esqre. M.P.1 Dear Mr Harvey, I have considered your claims to the honor of a Baronetcy, as set forth in your letter of the 16th. July: & it is my opinion, that on the grounds of family, fortune, & service to the Conservative cause, / they authorise me in recommending Her Majesty to confer on you that distinction.2 It has always been the wish of Lord Derby, & myself, to sustain the influence & importance of the order of Baronets; & it has been our duty, on / several occasions, to recommend to Her Majesty, for that hereditary title, gentlemen of the highest character, & largest fortune, in the country[.] If Her Majesty generously signify Her pleasure, your elevation will / take place in the course of the ensuing month.3 Believe me, | dear Mr Harvey, | Yours faithfully, | B. Disraeli

5183

to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Monday] 26 October 1868

original: h r/i/a/219 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Philip Rose Esq October 26 1868 My dear Rose, I really cannot get into correspondence, or indeed any business relations, with the young gentleman enclosed.1 If you do not take him in / hand, the seat will be lost. We have no security that any advances will be dedicated to the public cause. I have got all yr letters & send you, as / usual, 1000 thanks. I burnt the mem:2 instantly, & regret that I was so precipitate, as it deserved a little more study. Yrs ever | D.

5184

to: SIR ANDREW BUCHANAN

original: not bu 23/70 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private

Downing Street [Monday] 26 October 1868

Octr 26 1868

1 Robert John Harvey (1816-1870), 1st Bt 1868, high sheriff of Norfolk 1863 and mp (l-c) for Thetford 1865-8 (disenfranchised 1868), would shoot himself in July 1870 at Crown Point, near Norwich. The Norwich Crown Bank, of which Harvey was the principal partner and which had recently suffered from ‘heavy commitments resulting from the operations of Sir R. Harvey upon the Stock-Exchange’, would collapse in 1871. 2 In his 16 July letter, Harvey detailed ‘the high military services’ of his late father, General Robert John Harvey, who had three times declined a baronetcy, ‘preferring the honour appertaining to his military Rank.’ He reminded d that he represented ‘a very ancient family in Norfolk’ and had inherited ‘a considerable fortune’, to which he had added a large ‘estate acquired by myself’. h c/ii/a/74. 3 Harvey would reply on the 27th, hoping to show himself worthy of d’s ‘flattering & kind opinion’ of him. As per his own request, Harvey would be styled ‘Robert John Harvey Harvey, of Crown Point, in the parish of Trowse, in the county of Norfolk’. h c/ii/a/104; London Gazette (27 Nov 1868). 1 Possibly the “shabby lot” referred to in 5180. 2 See 5164n1.

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His Excellency | Sir Andrew Buchanan | G.C.B. My dear Sir Andrew, The first Lord of the Admiralty was absent when I received your letter, but I took an early opportunity of / expressing the strong interest I took in the fulfilment of your wishes. He has, since, promised to bear in mind the case of Lieut. Buchanan; but he adds; that the Lieutenant / has so many Seniors, & with longer service, that he is obliged to speak more vaguely, than he could wish.1 Yours sincerely, | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Monday 26 October [1868]

original: h b/xx/d/106 publication history: Shannon 59, the second paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. Docketed by aes ‘?1868’. Sic: Moncton. Dating: by context; see n2.

5185

Monday 26 Oct: 1 I enclose some important Election Letters. Give a hint to the “Standard” to castigate the insolence of the “Times” article of this / morning – that is to say, if it be wise to do so?2 I can blow the proper note at the Lord Mayor’s dinner – but its a fortnight till then: & our people may / be disheartened in the interval.3

1 The letter from Buchanan, ambassador to St Petersburg, has not been found. His son, James Buchanan (1840-1901), 2nd Bt 1882, lieut 1861, lieut-comm 1867 and eventually commander in the Royal Navy, would retire in 1873. 1 d was receiving numerous letters on election matters at this time. Sir Daniel Gooch, mp for Cricklade 1865-85, had written on the 23rd from London informing him of matters in his borough. Sir Charles Locock had written on the 25th from the Isle of Wight, acknowledging d’s letter of the 23rd (not found) and thanking him for ‘the inducements you are pleased to hold out to me to again come forward for the Isle of Wight ... I have reason to believe that I should be again defeated.’ Locock, who would not run, had been defeated 786-710 in 1865 by Sir John Simeon, who would be re-elected at the 25 November election. h b/ix/g/30-1. 2 The Times on this day (26th) had noted that when elected, d had ‘declared he was prepared [to act] with a “truly liberal” policy’, one ‘so repugnant to the feelings of the stanchest Conservatives that it could be carried only with Liberal support ... It was disowned before it was fairly born, and now there is nothing which is so vehemently deprecated by Protestant constituencies as the scheme of concurrent endowment ... No one’s moral sense would be shocked if Mr. Disraeli were to meet his supporters at the opening of the new Parliament with the suggestion that as the destruction of the Irish Establishment was determined on he and they had better, perhaps, undertake it; nor can we think this an unfitting sequel to the course hitherto pursued by the new Protestant Hero.’ 3 At the Lord Mayor’s Day banquet at Guildhall on 9 November, in a much-cheered speech, d would speak optimistically of the government’s foreign policy toward France and Prussia (‘animated, as I believe, by no aggressive feeling’), of British-American relationships (Reverdy Johnson had also spoken) and of the financial crisis of 1866 (‘the severity of suffering has passed away’). He would conclude by announcing that ‘The great combat will soon be fought. It has been said of Her Majesty’s Ministers that they have no policy. But their policy is a very simple one. It is to maintain the Constitution of their country.’ The Times (10 Nov 1868).

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I hope, today, to hear, that young Moncton has been launched for Notts:4 & other good things. We must exert ourselves more / than ever. Spare nothing for Ireland: its a rich mine, I can’t but think. D.

5186

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 27 October 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/78 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Letter courtesy of Liverpool Record Office, Liverpool Libraries.

Private Octr. 27 1868 Secy | Lord Stanley Dear S. I never could fill up returns, &, therefore, I am sure, you will permit me to reply in the ordinary manner[.]1 The principal subject in Cabinet on Saty / next will be the course to be pursued with respect to the Irish Church.2 If it be not decided on that day, the Cabinets will be continuous, but I do not anticipate any great delay in our / own decision. This wd. be the only subject before the Queen’s Speech 8a month hence,9 were it not, in consequence of the appeals, necessary to consider the day of Dissolution. But I apprehend that will / be the 11th:8;9 & Boro’ elections, wh: 8require9 four full days after the receipt of the writ, may take place, &, in most instances, probably will, on Tuesday 17th Inst.3 Yours ever | D.

4 George Monckton Arundell, 23, would not run in 1868; he would be elected for n Nottinghamshire in 1872. 1 Stanley had written to d on this day (27th) from the foreign office: ‘I shall have shortly to go down to Lynn, and want to arrange my visit so as not to make more than one journey each way. Can you tell me when the elections will be? I suppose it is settled. To save trouble I enclose form of answer. I have also another question which I need not say I don’t press if there is any reason for not answering it.’ The enclosures read: ‘The principal subjects discussed at the Cabinet of Saturday will be’ and ‘Writs will go down on the | | and elections take place’. h b/xx/s/829,a,b. 2 See 5198. 3 The Times on 18 November would report on recent elections at London City, London University, Ashtonunder-Lyne, Hackney, Southwark, Westminster, Lambeth, Marylebone, Greenwich, Finsbury, Tower Hamlets, King’s Lynn, Colchester, Dorchester, Great Marlow, Lewes, Birmingham, Leicestershire n and Lancashire n.

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to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Tuesday 27 October 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/107 editorial comment: A note at the bottom of a letter from Corry dated Tuesday 27 October 1868 and written on 10 Downing Street paper.

5187

What on earth are we to do? I am in despair!1 I keep back the Queen’s lre & the Wardens.2 D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 27 October 1868

original: rac d1 103 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Protheroe.

5188

Octr. 27 1868 1 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Canon Champneys has accepted the Deanery of Lichfield.2 Mr Disraeli has not written / to Mr Protheroe, because he thought Yr Majesty might like to have the gratification of being the first to inform him of his happier fortunes.3 /

1 Corry had written to d on this day (27th): ‘It seems pretty evident, from the enclosed, that the Deanery [of Lichfield] will have to be reduced in value. Pray send me back Chalk’s letter tomorrow morning, and I will at once enquire further. Should the Deanery be reduced to £1000, I think it is clear Champneys will decline it. This may affect the other appointments, so I send your letter to H.M. & to Dr Leighton, in case you should wish to detain them. Perhaps it will be well to send Chalk’s letter back at once, as I shall begin work very early tomorrow morning.’ There is in h an undated letter to d from James J. Chalk, secretary (1849-71) to the ecclesiastical commission established in 1835 to determine the distribution of revenues of the Church of England and its members’ episcopal duties; it is docketed by Corry: ‘Oct 27 /68 Mr J. Chalk. On Deanery of Lichfield (on question raised in Canon Champney’s letter)’; and by Charles Fremantle: ‘N.B. This letter was never sent to Mr. D., but was given to C.F. after Canon C’s appt. had been made.’ Chalk reminded d that, legally, ‘no future Dean of a Cathedral should accept or continue to hold any benefice with cure of Souls not situate within the Cathedral City nor any benefice at all producing a net income exceeding £500. This will of course raise a question as to the capacity of a future Dean of Lichfield to continue to hold Tattenhill R[ectory] even though it has been “united and annexed to” the Deanery. And there is ... a complication to be disposed of as to the operation of the Order of Her Majesty in Council regulating at £1000 per annum the income of the Deans of Lichfield. Under these circumstances it may be found necessary to obtain an authoritative declaration as to what were the intentions of Parliament in this case and to have regard to such a necessity in making an appointment to the Deanery.’ h b/xx/d/107; h c/iii/a/35a. 2 For d’s letter to the Queen on this day (27th), see 5188. d’s letter to Francis Leighton, warden of All Souls College, has not been found. See 5192. 1 d would send this note on the 28th; see 5192. 2 Champneys (5039n3) had written on 24 October from St Pancras Vicarage thanking d ‘for the honor you have done me’ and asking for ‘a short time for consideration’. He had informed d on this day (27th) that he was ‘quite prepared gratefully to accept your kind offer’, but cautioned ‘that I have heard that it is proposed to make a new arrangement with respect to the Deanery. Were this so, it might make a difference in my decision, as in the first place the prospect of parochial work has been a great attraction to me; & in the second any very great reduction in the income would make it difficult for me, with my family, to enter upon the position’. He had asked d to let him know ‘if any change will be made; &, if so, on what basis the preferment will stand for the future.’ h c/iii/a/51d,e. See 5193&n1. 3 For Prothero, see 4951n8.

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Mr Disraeli thanks Yr Majesty for your gracious kindness about the Baronetcies.4

5189

to: [MONTAGU CORRY?]

Downing Street [Tuesday] 27 October 1868

original: ejm [13] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Oct 27 1868 1 The enclosed must be attended to immediately[.] Higgins of Bosbury is a pillar of our cause in his County: one of that class of men who brought Peel in (1841). He carried the 3rd. mem: for / Herefordshire2 – & is prime counsellor of the Gresleys.3 I have mentioned this matter before – & gave H’s original letter to you or F.4 H’s letter &c to be returned / to James Disraeli, Esqr | D.

5190

to: [SIR THOMAS FERMOR-HESKETH] [London, after Tuesday 27 October 1868] original: h b/xiii/104a editorial comment: A draft on the verso of a letter to d, dated 27 October 1868, from Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh.

I am 8feel9 deeply honored & gratified by the wish of the Associ[ati]ons of C.W.M., that I shd attend 8be present at9 their demonst[rat]ion at Preston, & I regret the impossib[ilit]y of my going there on a visit at the present moment. I congratulate you on the high spirit shown, at this crisis in the history of our country critical moment, by the County & / towns of Lancashire. They will be proud hereafter of their triumphant effort to uphold the constitution of the country.1 4 See 5176&n3. 1 The Rev Edward Higgins of Bosbury House, Hereford, had written on 24 August 1868 to James Disraeli (who had forwarded the letter to d in September) with recommendations for the deanery of Ripon. He had also mentioned that ‘My friend Sir Thos Gresley has come out boldly to fight South Derbyshire & he will turn out Evans or Colville or both, he is so popular. He consults me throughout, & acts upon my advice. I hope Dizzy will get my grand friend Francis Gresley a Clerkship before the meeting of Parliament ... Send this to Dizzy.’ h a/i/d/29, 29a. 2 At the 5 July 1841 election for Herefordshire, the three seats had been won by Kedgwin Hoskins (l), T.B.M. Baskerville (c) and Joseph Bailey, Jr (c). 3 See 5059n2. 4 Presumably Charles Fremantle. 1 Sir Thomas George Fermor‑Hesketh (1825-1872), born Thomas George Hesketh (having changed his name to Fermor‑Hesketh by royal licence on 8 Nov 1867), 5th Bt 1843, a dl for Lancashire 1846 and high sheriff of Lancashire 1848, col 2nd Lancashire Militia 1852-72 and lieut-col 6th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers 1861, was mp (c) for Preston 1861-72. Fermor‑Hesketh had written to d from Rufford Hall, Ormskirk (Lancs) on 26 October 1868 requesting d’s presence at Preston to ‘address a meeting at which all the Borough county candidates on our side (as far as possible) would be present’. On the 27th (see ec) he had written with a request from the Association of Conservative Working Men for d to attend ‘a monster demonstration in the Corn Exchange at Preston, at which the members and Conservative Candidates for several Divisions of the County and many of the Boroughs of Lancashire together with deputations for their respective Conservative Associations have agreed to be present.’ At the monster meeting on 14 November, there would be speeches by Wilson Patten, Frederick Stanley, Fermor-Hesketh and Edward Hermon. h b/xiii/104a,b; The Times (16 Nov 1868).

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to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Wednesday] 28 October 1868

original: h/b/xx/d/108 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. Sic: Hilyard.

5191

Oct 28 1868 You must get me out of this. Hilyard,1 tho’ somewhat eccentric in his opinions & conduct is a sort of public man; 8& thinks himself famous;9 & a gentleman certainly both by family & fortune.2 What / a Secretary you have given me! I always thought so. D And what a style to any one!3 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 28 October 1868

original: rac d1 104 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Protheroe.

5192

October 28 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: After writing the enclosed note, dated yesterday, circumstances occurred, wh: induced him to detain the box.1 He had made enquiries / of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, in consequence of the tone of the Canon’s letter; & received their answer in the evening. There is no legal difficulty in the Canon entering into the Deanery & / large parish attached to it, which would be a becoming scene for his labors & particular talents: the whole income about, or above, £1500 pr annm:, which, with the dignity, would be an adequate compensation for the £2000 per ann the / Canon forfeits by the acceptance of the higher dignity. But, tho’ there is, at present, no legal difficulty, it appears, that very many years

1 James Hildyard (1809-1887), deacon 1830, priest 1834, ba 1833, ma 1836 and bd 1846 Christ’s College, Cambridge, Hebrew lecturer and tutor 1840, senior proctor 1843, Cambridge preacher at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall 1843-4, rector of Ingoldsby, Lincolnshire 1846-87, had a reputation as ‘a university politician who relished acrimonious disagreement.’ odnb. 2 Hildyard had written to d on this day (28th) from 1 Whitehall Gardens: ‘As I am not an Esq but have three times written to you as a Clergyman not undistinguished in my profession, I cannot help thinking this letter has been sent without your knowledge or participation ... however unworthy I may be considered of patronage, I am at least too independent to be treated with contempt.’ Hildyard had received a letter (addressed to ‘Sir’) on 10 Downing Street paper and dated 27 October, from one Mr Murray (evidently a ‘secretary’ to d), in reply to Hildyard’s ‘letter of yesterday’, expressing d’s ‘regret that he is so pressed by engagements that he is unable to give you the interview which you desire.’ h b/xx/d/108a. 3 Hildyard would write again to d on this day (28th): ‘If you had offered me the archbishopric you would not have healed my wounded spirit more than by the kind act of sending Mr Corry to explain that unhappy mistake about the address. I was quite aware of the intense pressure on your time, & was only hurt by what seemed to be a repulse agst all future approach ... I named to your secretary the vacant canonry at Westminster as an object of my ambition. The Deanery of Lichfield I should not like so well, but at 58 we must not be choosers.’ h c/iii/a/48h. Hildyard would not be preferred by d. 1 See 5188 and 5187&nn1&2.

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8ago9, Mr Disraeli believes at the very origin of the Church Commission, an order / in council was passed providing payments out of the Capitular Estates until the Dean of Lichfield received £1000 pr ann: & lawyers hold, that the inference is, that it was intended, on its next voidance, that the living / in question should be detached from the Deanery; & that legislation to that effect would be expected, & called for. This state of affairs disturbed, & suspended, all Mr Disraeli’s arrangements; as it might then be necessary / to prefer our Mr Protheroe to the Canonry of Westminster instead of St. Pauls. The letter to the Warden of All Souls, fortunately, had not left Downing St. In the midst of these perplexities, a letter / arrived, at ten o’ck: last night, from a member of the family, informing Mr Disraeli, that the Archbishop of Canterbury was given over, had taken his last Communion, & it was doubtful, whether he wd. survive the night.2 / Under these circumstances, Mr Disraeli will altogether pause in the clerical appointments, & take the liberty of communicating again on the subject to Yr Majesty.

5193

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 28 October 1868

original: rac d1 105 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Protheroe [twice].

Oct 28 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He writes this, at the Station, to say, that Canon Champneys has accepted the Deanery without conditions.1 / Mr Protheroe will, therefore, be Canon of St. Pauls,2 wh:, Mr Disraeli 8hears9 is better than Westminster: but Mr Disraeli will not formally apprise / Mr Protheroe until the end of the week.

5194

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 28 October 1868

original: rac a37 62 publication history: Blake 512, extract from the seventh paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

secret October 28 1868 On his return from Balmoral, Mr Disraeli applied to Mr Ludlow of Manchester, a very eminent Solicitor, & reputed to have the most accurate & extensive electioneering knowledge in England, & Mr Disraeli requested / him to undertake an estimate, from his personal knowledge & enquiries, of the probable result of the ensuing general Election.1

2 This letter has not been found. Charles Longley (4694n6), Archbishop of Canterbury since 1862, had died of bronchitis at 11:30 pm on the 27th. The Times (29 Oct 1868). 1 Champneys had replied from St Pancras Vicarage to a letter (not found) from d on this day (28th) accepting his offer to place his name before the Queen for the deanery of Lichfield. h c/iii/a/51f. 2 See 5177&n2. 1 John Ludlow (d 1871) was a solicitor with the firm of Ludlow and Hinde, of Manchester and Altrincham. The Solicitors’ Journal & Reporter (1871) 104.

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Mr Disraeli gave him a month for the labor, & / Mr Disraeli received Mr Ludlow’s Report yesterday, of which he gives a Summary in this note.2 The Summary is, that Her Majesty’s Government may reasonably calculate on the return of 320 Supporters; but / there still 8remain9 besides 22 seats, 8of9 which, from a variety of complicated considerations & circumstances no human judgment can foretell the fate. It will be remarked, that this Summary substantially agrees with the estimate made by the / Committee of Elections, & wh: was sealed up at Balmoral more than a month ago.3 Mr Ludlow says, that if the Country collectively had any correct idea of the general local feeling, Her Majesty’s Government would at / once have a decided majority: but the timid & the waverers are cowed by the bluster of the Opposition. He says, that in Lancashire, with wh: he is intimately acquainted, that three members of the last Cabinet; Mr Gladstone, Ld. Hartington, & Mr Milner Gibson, will / all lose their seats; that the towns of Lancashire are more conservative even than the County; that, irrespective of Liverpool which will return two Cons: & Manchester wh: will certainly return one, all the second class great / towns, to wit, Blackburn, Bolton, & Preston, now represented by two members each, will return both members Conservatives.4 He says, that throughout England generally, the new County Constituency (£12 rating) is conservative; that / there is more variety of opinion in the Householders in towns, but that the Conservative feeling is more predominant in the humbler portion of the Householders: & that, generally speaking, there appears to be nothing to dread from this franchise, if / their natural leaders do not desert them. Mr Ludlow says, that the gen result of the General Election will surprise the Country. That, in the event of a change of Government, his opinion is, that the then Opposition will become so strong, / that they will win almost every single election that occurs, as Sir Robert Peel did in the two or three years before 1841;5 & all in consequence of the Conservative party taking heart from finding their strength so much more formidable, than they anticipated. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Thursday] 29 October 1868

original: h b/xx/d/109 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Secret

5195

Octr. 29 1868

2 Ludlow’s report and note have not been found. 3 See 4997&n3. 4 At the November election, Gladstone (sw Lancs), Hartington (n Lancs) and Milner Gibson (Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs) would lose their seats; Liverpool, two seats prior to 1867, would return three Conservatives; Manchester, also formerly two seats, would return one Conservative and two Liberals; Blackburn, Bolton and Preston would each return two Conservatives. 5 At the 1841 election, Sir Robert Peel’s Conservatives had defeated Viscount Melbourne’s Whigs 367-271, gaining 53 seats.

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You did right in not sending the box to the Queen or the Warden’s letter.1 The Archbishop of Canterbury is given over, & will scarcely survive the day. D. I got the news at ten o’ck last night[.]2

5196

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

[London, Thursday] 29 October 1868

original: rac d1 107 editorial comment: Sic: Mr York.

October 29 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He would call Yr Majesty’s consideration to, perhaps, the most difficult subject on wh: it has hitherto, been his privilege to advise / Yr Majesty: namely the fitting successor to the late excellent Primate of all England.1 That successor sho[ul]d be one in Mr Disraeli’s humble opinion, not mixed up with the Church / controversies of the day, which hitherto, from the vacillation, ambiguity, & rash violence exhibited, have damaged all that have interfered in them. He should be one not intimately connected, / &, by no means identified, with either of the two great parties in the Church; yet not viewed with suspicion or distrust by either; a man with a clear conception of his course; with tact & adequate knowledge of human nature; / conciliatory, yet calm & determined. With these views, Mr Disraeli would lay before Yr Majesty’s consideration the name of the Bishop of Glo[uce]ster & Bristol. That prelate was appointed by Yr Majesty on / the advice of Lord Palmerston, &, therefore, probably, was assumed to tend, if not to belong, to the Low Church school of religious feeling & thought: but, if so, Dr Ellicott very soon detached himself from that narrow party, tho’ / studiously refraining from any connection with the High Church Confederacy.2 No one has more encouraged the late ArchBishop to resist the fatal influence of the Bishop of Oxford, than Dr Ellicott; & he was in correspondence with / Dr Longley on the necessity of the Episcopal Bench, if they wished to save themselves, introducing on their own authority, a measure to control the Ultra-Ritualists. The The late ArchBishop was also of this opinion, & the Bishop of Glo[uce]ster had / appealed to Yr Majesty’s Government to confirm His Grace in this determination, fearing the counter influence of the Bishop of Oxford. In consequence of His Grace’s illness, Mr Disraeli refrained from doing so, wh: he does not / regret, as he really believes that Dr Longley died of ecclesiastical anxiety. Should Yr Majesty deign favorably to consider this suggestion, Mr Disraeli believes, that Yr Majesty would do well to raise to the / Episcopal Bench, Dr Dun-

1 See 5188&n1. 2 See 5192&n2. 1 See 5192&n2. 2 Shaftesbury once described Charles Ellicott, Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, as a ‘moderate highchurchman’. odnb.

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combe, the present Dean of York;3 a man much beloved, & justly so from his genial mind & manners; of high Church views originally, but having seceded from the Church Union on Constitutional grounds / & studiously disconnected himself of late from all profession of extreme opinions. Mr Grantham Yorke, tho’ the brother of Lord Hardwicke,4 is a working Clergyman in the heart of Birmingham, & has gained / golden opinions by a devotion, in that wearing scene, of many years. It is well, that the Dean of York shd. be a gentleman of breeding, if he possess the other qualifications. Mr York is of very temperate opinions, originally perhaps rather / inclining to the Low Church, but may, Mr Disraeli believes, be now fairly described as representing that great central body of thought & feeling in the Clergy, on whose moderation & good sense, the tranquillity / of Yr Majestys Realm at this conjuncture greatly depends.5 to: [LORD STANLEY]

Chevening [Friday] 30 October 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/79 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Chevening’ written in.

5197

Chevening. Oct 30 :68 This is an able & interesting letter,1 but the whole of the speculations are inconsistent with the 8unqualified9 statement, that the Elections to the Constituent Cortes can be “manipulated” by the Government.2 D.

3 Augustus Duncombe (1814-1880), dd, younger son of 1st Baron Feversham, was Dean of York 1858-80. 4 Grantham Yorke and 4th Earl of Hardwicke. 5 The Queen would reply from Balmoral on the 31st: ‘The Queen has read Mr Disraeli’s letter of this morning. She cannot alter her opinion, wh: she believes to be shared by everyone, except the extreme parties on both sides, that the Bishop of London is the only fit man to succeed the Archbishop. The Bishop of Gloucester & Bristol, tho’ a very good man, has not the knowledge of the world, nor the reputation and general presence (wh: is of so great importance in a position of such very high rank, constantly called upon to perform all the highest functions in connection with the Sovereign & Royal Family).’ The Queen would write again on that day: ‘The Queen wrote in such a hurry this morning that she did not say all she wished. She has had opportunities of inquiring about Bishop Ellicott, & while he is generally admitted to be a scholar and an intelligent man, he is considered not to possess any weight with other men, or to have a large mind, – all which is of the utmost importance in the high position of Archbishop. He would not command the confidence of the Church or the Country.’ rac d1 108. 1 This letter has not been found. 2 The most recent of the many leaders published in October in The Times on the Spanish insurrection was a report on this day (30th) from Madrid (dated the 27th) stating that Italy had ‘formally recognized revolutionised Spain ... Every question, whether of person or principle, will have to be settled by the Constituent Cortes ... The Provisional Government, a body consisting only of nine members, has been at work for days simply in settling some minor matters respecting the electoral law. The object, as I am told, is merely so to alter the boundaries of the old electoral districts as to increase the number of representatives at the Constituent Assembly ... The mere definition of some of the essential principles, said to have been established by popular acclamation, ought to engage the Cortes for months.’ See 5168&nn1&2.

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5198

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 31 October 1868

original: rac a37 63 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

October 31 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty. Is it Yr Majesty’s pleasure that the Council shd be summoned for Saturday, the 7th. Inst., at Windsor?1 There was a Cabinet today, but nothing to report; &, / unless there be special causes, it will not meet again until after the General Election.2

5199

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY?]

Downing Street [late October 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/121 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see n1.

I must insist upon Baxter, Rose & Norton & Co making Ld Bateman withdraw his man. I hear from another quarter, that / it is quite impossible for Ld Mahon to come in under the circumstances. We cannot afford to lose seats like / Leominster. If so, we shall be no where.1 Ys D.

5200

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Sunday] 1 November 1868

original: rac d1 109 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

November 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He has received Yr Majesty’s letters of the 29th & 31st Ulto:, relative to the successor of the late Primate.1 Mr / Disraeli will give to these letters his deepest consideration.2

1 See 5201n5. 2 Hardy would note on 1 November that cabinet on this day (31st) had ‘confirmed the never varied intention to issue writs on the 11th.’ d’s last cabinets would be on 28 November and 2 December. The Times (29 Oct, 30 Nov, 3 Dec 1868); Hardy Diary 84. See 5213&n2. 1 For Mahon, mp (c) for Leominster since April, and the Greenwich election on 18 November, see 5217n4. Mahon would write to Corry on 27 October that he was retiring from the Leominster contest after learning that he did not have, as he at first believed, ‘a considerable majority over Arkwright ... Dr. Spinks the liberal candidate has ... no chance of success, but as he might have if I continued, I at once retire.’ The Times on 30 October would announce Mahon’s withdrawal, noting that Spinks ‘will gain many votes in consequence.’ At the Leominster election on 17 November, Richard Arkwright (c) would be re-elected, defeating Thomas Spinks 432-147. The candidate put up by Lord Bateman has not been identified. h b/ ix/g/39. 1 The Queen’s 29 October letter has not been found; for her two letters of the 31st, see 5196&n5. 2 See 5206.

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to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Monday] 2 November 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 67-8, omitting the last five paragraphs and the postscript editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: well to work.

5201

Secret Nov 2 1868 Rt Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, Returning from Balmoral, I was disappointed in the opportunity of consulting you on two important matters: the Church appointments then pending, / & my address, of wh: I would have brought you the draft. However, I got thro’ those difficulties, & pretty well. Now comes a greater one: the ArchBishop. My Church policy was this: to induce, if possible, the / two great & legitimate parties to cease their internecine strife; & to combine against the common enemies: Rits & Rads. This could only be done by a fair division of the patronage, & tho’ at first beset by great difficulties, / arising from 8party9 jealousy & suspicion, I think I have now succeeded in getting them well to work together. I am so anxious to write to you by this post, but am so interrupted & so pressed for time, that tho’ / I am resolved to succeed in my purpose of writing to you, you must pardon an uncouth communication. As I did not want a very High Churchman, or an Evang[elica]l for ABisp, the materials from wh: / I cd. select were very few. I was disposed in favor of the Bishop of Gloucester, whom I don’t personally know, but was pleased by his general career since yr accession to office, & also by a correspondence, wh: he / held, subsequently, with me, arising out of the Ritual Commission.1 It seemed to me very desirable, that the new Primate should not be mixed up with all the recent controversies, & clerical fracas, wh: have / damaged all concerned in them. I sent my proposal, with well digested reasons: the boxes crossed; & one came to me saying, that there cd. be no doubt what was to be done, as there was only one man fit for the position: the / Bishop of London.2 Then came another box, mine having been received, still more decided, if that could be. Now I think the Bishop of London an appointment, wh: will please no one neither of the great parties / – & only a few clerical freethinkers, who think, & perhaps justly, he may be their tool – 8& some Romanisers, for he supports sisterhoods as strongly, as Oxford or Sarum.93 I wrote in reply, acknowledging the two letters, & saying merely they shd. have my

1 For Charles Ellicott, see 5109n3. 2 For Archibald Tait, see viii 3438n3. 3 Wilberforce, Bishop of Oxford, and Walter Hamilton, Bishop of Salisbury, also known as Sarum (or Old Sarum). The first sisterhood in the Church of England since the Reformation had been founded in London in 1845. See 5206&n3.

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most serious attention; & I have / been applied employed all this morning in drawing up a statement touching the whole case, which will be received, by the person to whom it is addressed, on her arrival on Thursday.4 That will be followed, probably / 8by an audience9 on Saturday5 – & before that time I shd. feel deeply obliged, if you would give me, thro’ the ever faithful Secretary, some hints, & your general impressions. I will write soon very / fully about other matters – perhaps tomorrow.6 I am hopeful about the elections, notwithstanding the leading article in the “Times” of this morning.7 I think we have 450 candidates out: we never / had such a force in any previous Election.8 We have sent out twelve good candidates since Friday – one of them to Ripon, the eldest son of Sir Digby Cayley; & he writes to day / most encouragingly.9

4 See 5200&n1 and 5206&n4. 5 d, Marlborough, Mayo and Wilson Patten would attend a council at Windsor on the 7th. The Times (9 Nov 1868). 6 d’s next extant letter to Derby is dated 12 November; see 5215. 7 The Times on this day (2nd) had noted that although the Conservatives, ‘when their prospects are as unpromising as can be imagined ... are cheerful, and even boastful ... nowhere can we discover the promise of a Conservative triumph ... More than half the seats in the coming Parliament are undisputed ... the Liberal majority of uncontested seats is more than ninety ... There are many more uncontested seats than are included in this calculation. Wherever there are three candidates, two of one party and one of the other, standing for a place which elects two members, there is an uncontested seat for the party which has the two candidates.’ Thus there were ‘about 34 uncontested Liberal seats overlooked in the computation to which we have referred against only five or six uncontested Conservative seats of a similar character.’ The lengthy leader ended by predicting ‘the dismissal of the Ministry’ and ‘the triumph of the Opposition’. 8 A ‘list of the candidates who seek to be elected to serve in the next Parliament’ appeared in The Times on this day (2nd). 9 Sir Digby Cayley (1807-1883), 7th Bt 1857, of Brompton, Yorkshire, educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, was a jp and dl for the North Riding of Yorkshire. His eldest son, George Allanson Cayley (1831-1895), 8th Bt 1883, educated at Eton, lieut Yorkshire Hussars, a jp and dl for the North Riding of Yorkshire, a jp for Denbigh and Flint counties and high sheriff for Denbigh, would be defeated by Liberal Lord John Hay 554-408 at the 17 November election at Ripon, Yorkshire. George Cayley’s letter has not been found.

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I have spoken to Stanley, & shall again. I am very nervous about 8him9, & it adds much to my anxieties. A boutade at Lynn might cost us twenty seats.10 Ever | D. Seal your letter[.]11 to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street, Tuesday 3 November 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/80 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Stanley on the fourth page: ‘Mr. Disraeli November 3. 1868 Alabama Clauses To meet at 3.30. Could Lord Chancellor come.’

5202

Tuesday | Nov 3 1868 Dear S. ½ past three o’ck tomorrow here: Perhaps the Ld Cr. could come – & it may be four o’ck, if that would / suit him better. 8Perhaps you will arrange this.9 I shall keep myself clear from ½ pt 3 to ½ past 5 – for this business.

10 See 5223nn2&3. 11 Derby would reply (via amanuensis Lady Derby) from Knowsley on the 3rd with a letter marked ‘Confidential’: ‘I am afraid that I can do but little towards relieving you from the difficulty in which you are now placed. As I told you in my last, though I had thought much on the subject of the Archbishopric, I had never been able to come to a conclusion satisfactory to my own mind, and further reflection does not seem to diminish the difficulty. I agree in your general principles of dealing in respect to patronage ... and you have been fortunate in having at your disposal a succession of appointments which has enabled you to distribute your favours with some appearance of impartiality. But the appropriation of the highest prize of all can hardly be hoped to give general satisfaction, and you must be satisfied if it does not produce general discontent. Your range of choice is limited, and your materials by no means first rate. I cannot agree with H.M. that the Bishop of London would be either a popular or a judicious selection. I am perhaps prejudiced against the man, but I must confess that I have no confidence in his judgement. If you should be finally driven to promote him, which I hope will not be the case, the Bishop of Oxford, though ineligible for the Primacy, would make a very good and useful Bishop of London. With the Bishop of Gloucester, whom you name, my acquaintance is only slight. He is undoubtedly a learned man, & I believe a sound Churchman, rather inclining to the High school. But I should doubt his having much strength of character, and he has a foolish voice and manner which make him appear weaker than I believe he really is. He is said, and I believe with reason, to be entirely under the influence of the Bishop of Oxford. Of the other Bishops, has the name ever occurred to you of my Bishop of Rochester, [Thomas] Claughton? If his opinions are not too High Church, he has many qualifications for the office – and I think that you might do worse. Harold Browne, the Bishop of Ely, is a man of very high reputation – but I do not know him personally, even by sight. I wish I could give you more assistance, and shall be very anxious to hear the decision to which you arrive. It is a matter of the deepest importance, both political and Ecclesiastical. I have just received the List of Candidates corrected to the present date, and am sorry to see so many seats abandoned without a struggle, and so many more, of which the Representation is now divided, and in which we are bringing forward only one Candidate against the enemy’s two, thus incurring the risk of loss without the possibility of gain. I hope you will be able to induce Stanley to abstain from committing himself too deeply at Lynn. I know that he cannot see his way to an agreement in the Cabinet on the subject of the Irish Church, and looks to a Parliamentary defeat, which he considers inevitable, as the only solution of the difficulty. But even this would be far less injurious to the Party than an open declaration before the Elections of an irreconcilable difference, among the Leaders, on a vital question. I presume the Queen’s Speech will be delivered on Tuesday the 15th of December, which will give ample time for the final battle being fought before Christmas. I shall hope to be up for the decisive week, though I do not suppose that the House of Lords will have much to say upon the matter.’ h b/ xx/s/503.

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Thank you for all your letters: much prized.1 I wd. write more, having much to say, but am really exhausted with labor & anxiety. We have shoals of candidates cropping up: the sirens of / 8war9 not so numerous plentiful, but all in very good heart.2 Yours ever | D.

5203

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Tuesday] 3 November 1868

original: h b/xx/d/111 publication history: m&b v 89, omitting the postscript editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private Nov 3. 1868 Might not these two queries lead to a solution of the difficulty – perhaps the fallacy – of yesterday’s speculations on the General El[ecti]on?1 1: Was there ever a General Election in wh: / half the seats were not uncontested?2 2: Is it not a fact, that the winning side always, or generally, gains 2/3rds: of the contests.3 For illustration, examine Palmerston’s two dissolutions!

1 Stanley had written to d from the foreign office on 29 October, 2 November and twice on this day (3rd). On the 29th: ‘I see you have a big prize to dispose of, in the shape of an archbishopric. May I, without meddling in what does not concern me, suggest an arrangement which seems likely to be popular? ... The Abpric of Canterbury is £15,000 a year: a reduction to £12,000 will not materially affect the value or importance of the office – will be agreeable to those (and they are not few) who being friends to the church think the highest places in it overpaid: and with a little help from the Ecc. Commissioners, or from local sources, will enable you to create a new diocese, in Cornwall or anywhere else ... The Abp of York has only £10,000: therefore the pre-eminence of the primacy would still be maintained under the plan I suggest.’ On 2 November: ‘Beust is here ... I have made up a dinner for him, chiefly diplomatic, at the Clarendon tomorrow. Is there a hope of your being induced to join the party?’ On the 3rd he had asked d to ‘read the enclosed’ and to meet with d at Downing Street at 3 pm on the 4th. ‘Cairns also ought to be consulted.’ The enclosure is a ‘Memorandum of the result of a conference between Lord Stanley, Mr. R Johnson, and the Attorney General, held at the Foreign Office. November 3 1868’. In it Johnson proposed that the two governments ‘name Commissioners, two on each side’, who would ‘have power to adjudicate upon the so-called Alabama and other similar claims’ and who would ‘agree on an arbitrator to whose final decision shall be referred any claim upon which the Commissioners differ’, including compensation to be awarded. In his second letter of the 3rd, Stanley would write: ‘All the world is talking of the vacancy at Lambeth ... As far as I can gather, the most popular choice ... would be that of Tait. He is thought safe; he is popular in his diocese: he has come out very sharply, and at some sacrifice of party ties, in favor of the Irish Church: (which is enough to obviate objections on the score of his being originally of Whig politics), and the position in his case being less than if he were taken from a smaller diocese, less envy is likely to be provoked. Also, this choice leaves you the great post of London available to reward a friend.’ h b/xx/s/830-3. 2 Stanley on the 4th would send d a note: ‘Cairns can’t come till 3.55. I will be with you 5 minutes earlier’. h b/xx/s/834. 1 See 5201n7. 2 Fewer than half the seats in the elections of 1832, 1835, 1837, 1852 and 1865 had been uncontested. In the 1868 election, there would be 140 uncontested seats in 420 constituencies. bhf 142-3. 3 At the 1847 and 1852 elections, results had approached 50/50. In 1868, the results would be 382 (l) to 276 (c) seats, a 58% Liberal victory. bhf 139-40.

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China / – & 1865 – and then Peel’s in 1834 when he gained 100 vot seats – & Dissol[uti]on of 1841 when he gained 80.4 These are materials from wh: an Expert might / deduce instructive results. If I cd. have them by before my audience I shd be glad[.] D. I suppose in yr absence Noel will attend to Ld Shrewsbury.5 to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

[London, Wednesday 4 November 1868]

original: h c/ii/a/108 editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on the recto of a letter from the Duke of Richmond docketed by Fremantle: ‘ansd verbally – Mr. D. will recommend. Nov. 4.’ Dating: by docket and context; see n1.

5204

This must be settled to day. | D1 to: [NESTOR MARCHAND?] original: cib [2] editorial comment: Hughenden paper.

Hughenden [Wednesday] 4 November 1868

5205

Nov 4 1868 Mr Disraeli presents his complim[en]ts to Mr Marchand, & thanks him for his thoughtful volumes, & the kind, but too flattering, words, wh: he has inscribed in them.1 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 4 November 1868

original: rac d1 112 publication history: lqv B i 548-51; Blake 510, extracts from the ninth and tenth paragraphs editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: embarassments [twice]; idiosyncracy.

5206

Secret November 4 1868 Mr Disraeli with his duty to Yr Majesty, humbly entreats Yr Majesty, whatever Yr Majesty’s ultimate decision on the subject,1 to which he will bow, to deign to read 4 Parliament in 1857 had dissolved over the late-1856 Arrow incident; see vii 2916n1. Palmerston: at the 1857 elections, results were 373 (l) to 281 (c); in 1865, 360 (l) to 298 (c). Peel: in 1835, 383 (l) to 275 (c); in 1841, 290 (l) to 368 (c). bhf 138-40. 5 Charles Chetwynd-Talbot had succeeded his father as 19th Earl of Shrewsbury in June. 1 Writing from the board of trade on 3 November 1868, Richmond had reminded d ‘of an application I made to you some time ago that you should advise the Queen to confer the honor of Knighthood upon Mr. [Louis] Mallet C.B. for his services in connection with several foreign negotiations.’ h c/ii/a/108. See 5241. 1 Possibly Nestor Léon Marchand (1833-1911), pharmacist, botanist and md (Paris), whose most recent book was Du Croton Tiglium. Recherches sur L’organisation des burséracées (Paris 1868). There is in Hughenden library a copy of Satyre Ménippée, de la vertu du Catholicon d’Espagne (1711, 3 vols), a satirical attack, first published in 1594, on the excesses of the Catholic League (formed in 1576 to eradicate Protestants, ie Calvinists or Huguenots, from Catholic France during the Protestant Reformation), edited by Prosper Marchand (1675-1756), possibly an ancestor of Nestor. 1 For d’s letters to the Queen and to Derby (and their replies) on these matters, see 5196&n5 and 5201&n11.

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these remarks with indulgent / patience, in which he will attempt to express, with the utmost concinnity he can command, his views on the most important matter on which it has ever been his duty to offer counsel to Yr Majesty. / He presumes to hope they may contain some suggestions, wh: may, perhaps, contribute to Yr Majestys welfare, & may be not altogether useless to Yr Majesty when he may be not so near the Throne. When / Mr Disraeli received Yr Majesty’s command to attempt, under Yr Majesty’s pleasure, to carry on the public affairs, he found those of the Church in a distracted & critical state. While the two great parties in the Church still / indulged in their inveterate & traditionary rivalry, two sections had gradually arisen among the Clergy, one of which was viewed by the country generally with aversion, & the other with extreme alarm: the Romanists & / the Freethinkers. The anarchy, wh: under amiable, but not directing, hands, had too long prevailed, had, in a considerable degree, tended to direct this aversion & alarm against the Establishment itself. It / seemed to Mr Disraeli, that the only mode by which anything like strength & order could be brought about would be by inducing the two great Church parties to drop their emulous animosities & act together, & to discourage as much as / possible the Ritualist & the Neologian. Without the presumption of offering to Yr Majesty, a single observation, wh: might be construed into being controversial, Mr Disraeli would make, on each of these sections, one remark. / He will only say of Romanism, that, tho’ its patronage & progress may bring convulsions in the State, he feels assured, that Yr Majesty’s people will never ultimately succumb to it. Of Neology, he will only remark, that he looks upon / it as he would on “the Music of the Future”. Whether it be destined that coming generations may find consolation & charm in either, he stops not to enquire: but those, who have to gratify the public taste, or to assist Yr / Majesty in the business of government, must be practical men & deal with the present, & there only find the materials for managing mankind. Adopting, then, Mr Disraeli’s opinion, that there is only one safe Church policy to pursue at this dangerous / crisis, with any due regard to the interests of Yr Majesty’s throne, & that is to unite, as much as possible, in common action the legitimate High Church & Evangelical parties, discountenancing to the utmost Romanism, & not patronising Neology, / it may be asked: Is the Bishop of London a fit coadjutor for Yr Majesty’s Minister, whoever he may be, in this difficult state of affairs? Acknowledging his abilities & virtues, Mr Disraeli finds him, as an ecclesiastical statesman, obscure / in purpose, fitful & inconsistent in action, & evidently, tho’ earnest & conscientious, a prey to constantly conflicting convictions. It is true he behaved with courage on the question of the Colonial Bishops, but he favored the Synod, the origin of / all these embarassments;2 & he is, at this moment, from some 2 For the Colonial Bishops Bill, see ix 4104n2 and 4137n3. At the first (1867) Lambeth Conference, where one of the topics discussed had been synodical authority, Tait had prevented the Bishop of Cape Town from deposing the controversial John Colenso, Bishop of Natal.

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influence wh: Mr Disraeli cannot trace, as much compromised, with respect to religious sisterhoods,3 as the Bishops of Salisbury & Oxford themselves. This is to be observed of the Bishop of London, that, / tho’ apparently of a spirit somewhat austere, there is in his idiosyncracy a strange fund of enthusiasm, a quality which ought never to be possessed by an ArchB[isho]p of Canterbury, or a Prime Minister of England. The Bishop of London sympathises with everything that is earnest; but / what is earnest, is not always true; on the contrary, error is often more earnest than truth. But what Mr Disraeli deems the most dangerous feature in the Bishop’s character is the peculiar influence wh: Neology has had upon his mind; not / one of elevation & cheerfulness, but one wh:, while it fascinates, disheartens, him, & which is likely to involve him in terrible, & perhaps fatal, embarassments. A few years ago, the Bishop of London possessed the respect of both the great parties in the Church, & even the confidence of the / country generally. There are rare instances of a leader of men having so gradually, but so surely, lost his great following; & at a time when it is assumed the Primate should combine both the great parties, repress the Ritualists, & leave the Neologians to themselves, the / Bishop of London has forfeited the confidence of the High Church & the Evangelicals, & is only looked up to with curious & unquiet hope by the Romanising, or the Freethinking, Clergy. Is this the Prelate who can lead the Church? The Church must be led: gently, but firmly & consistently. It / will not do any longer merely to balance opposing & conflicting elements. Mr Disraeli wishes not to conceal the infinite pain with wh: he thus seems to differ on so great a question, from a Sovereign to whom he is not only bound by / every tie of personal devotion, but whose large, & peculiarly experienced, intelligence he acknowledges & appreciates, & whose judgment on many occasions would have more influence with him, than that of all / his colleagues. All that he desires is, that his views should be placed before Yr Majesty, & that they sho[ul]d be considered. Whatever Yr majesty’s final judgment under such circumstances, he is disposed to believe the / best: nor is there anything, that he would more deprecate, than that Yr Majesty should ever, on any subject, give a constrained assent to any of his counsels. That would cause a cloud between Yr Majesty & himself, / than which nothing could be more injurious to the satisfactory government of Yr Majesty’s realm. His idea of the perfect relations between the Sovereign & Her Minister, is, that there sho[ul]d be; / on Her part, perfect confidence; on his, perfect devotion. In

3 Having lost five young daughters to scarlet fever in 1856, Tait was adamant that parental permission be obtained before a daughter entered a convent and also forbade the Roman Catholic practice of taking lifelong vows. See Rene Kollar ‘A Death in the Family: Bishop Archibald Campbell Tait, the Rights of Parents, and Anglican Sisterhoods in the Diocese of London’ The Journal of Religious History 27.2 (June 2003) 198-214.

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the blended influence of two such sentiments, so ennobling & so refined, he sees the best security for Yr Majesty’s happiness, & / the welfare of the Realm.4

5207

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE] Downing Street [Saturday] 7 November 1868 original: h a/vii/d/1a editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Nov. 7 68 Write to Mr Clubbe that I have no sort of idea of removing the Vicarage, & that he had, therefore, better get on with his repairs.1 I shall / come to D.S. from Windsor, & expect, at the usual time, a Report from the Committee.2 Probably, Corry will have / returned in time to attend it. D

5208

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Saturday 7 November 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/81 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Stanley: ‘Mr. Disraeli November 7. 1868 [?]’.

Private You need not go. General affairs look well. D.

4 Replying from Windsor on the 6th, the Queen would thank d ‘for his long letter which She found on arriving here yesterday. She has read with the most careful attention all the objections made by him to the promotion of the Bishop of London; but is still of opinion that he would be the proper Person – indeed the only proper Person – to succeed the late ArchBishop, & She cannot agree in the opinion given by Mr. Disraeli of the fading estimation in which he is held. The Queen herself wd feel much more confidence in his dealing wisely & prudently with the existing difficulties of the Church, & at the same time with more firmness & decision, than any other Bishop on the Bench. Under no circumstances, however, wd the Queen approve of the promotion of Dr Ellicott – and should Mr. Disraeli still object to the Bishop of London, She would more gladly see the Bishop of Ely, or the Bishop of Lincoln, or the Bishop of Lich­ field promoted than the Bishop of Gloucester. She has always heard these Bishops were spoken of, as men distinguished for piety, & learning, & moderation of opinion. The Queen has had a most grateful delighted letter from Mr. Protheroe [sic].’ rac d1 115. 1 Clubbe had written to d from Hughenden Vicarage on the 5th that he expected to be ‘instituted to Sigglesthorne on the 14th inst[an]t, when this Living will become vacant’ and would ‘be responsible for the Duty here up to & including Sunday Decr 6th ... It is reported here that you intend to take down the Vicarage and rebuild it upon another site ... I had ordered the out-buildings to be put into thorough repair for my successor, and it would only be a waste of money to have this done if they are to be taken down.’ h a/vii/d/1. Fremantle would reply to Clubbe on this day (7th) that d ‘has no idea of removing the Vicarage at Hughenden, and that there can be no objection therefore to your proceeding with the repairs.’ ric [044q]. 2 d would attend a council at Windsor on this day (7th). The Times (9 Nov 1868). For the Election Committee, see 4997&n3.

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to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[Grosvenor Gate, Tuesday] 10 November 1868

original: h b/xx/d/112 publication history: m&b v 89, the first paragraph; Shannon 75, the first paragraph.

5209

Nov 10/68 Send me a line of news. Our men seem to be running away.1 Ld Lonsdale comes to here at two o ck & after him I shall come to D.S.2 D to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Tuesday] 10 November 1868

original: h b/xx/d/113 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5210

Nov 10 1868 I will see yr father & Hunt at four o’ck: in D.S.1 I had not heard any of the news: but see in the papers, that Tomline starts as “a Radical.”2 I / have never spoken to Lord Devon, or even seen him, since we came into office.3 D. to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 10 November 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/82 publication history: m&b v 91; Shannon 53, the third sentence editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: supprise.

5211

confidential Novr 10 1868 Right Honble | Secy Lord Stanley My dear S. I should like to have seen you, for a moment, before you departed.1 I shall have 1 d had been reading the ‘Election Intelligence’ reports in the press. See, eg, 5210. 2 Lonsdale had written to d from Carlton Terrace on the 9th: ‘There is a circumstance regarding the appointment of Arch Bishop that you should know. I should prefer talking to writing. I have no engagement & will be at your call any hour you may appoint.’ h b/xxi/l/297. 1 G.W. Hunt had written to d from Wadenhoe House, Oundle, on the 8th: ‘A note from Fremantle received this morning does not give me a clear idea of what you want but I interpret it to mean whether any thing can be said of the prospects of the Revenue at Guildhall ... “Customs” have improved a little but then “Excise” is rather worse. But a recovery on Malt is confidently expected. Income Tax comes satisfactorily & will I believe be better than the Estimate ... Trade is supposed to be sound tho’ not very active. We are, I am sorry to say, to have a heavy supplementary bill for Abyssinia.’ Lowry-Corry had not attended the Lord Mayor’s Day banquet at Guildhall on the 9th due to ‘a severe domestic affliction’. h b/xx/hu/42; The Times (7 Nov 1868). 2 The Times on the 11th would announce that George Tomline ‘has appeared as a Conservative candidate in opposition to Mr. J. Fildes, the Liberal sitting member. Mr. Tomline is prosecuting an energetic canvass, and will prove a formidable opponent to Mr. Fildes.’ On the 12th it would note that Tomline ‘shares the views of the Liberal party upon the Irish Church question’ quoting from his address that ‘“Nothing remains but disestablishment, and with it I hope that all religious questions and quarrels will cease in England and Ireland.”’ At the 17 November election for Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Tomline (l) would defeat incumbent John Fildes 1537-1328. 3 Lord Devon, president of the poor law board (not in cabinet) since 21 May 1867. 1 Stanley had written to d on 27 October that he had ‘shortly to go down to [King’s] Lynn’. h b/xx/s/829.

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sleepless / nights, until I have read your Lynn words. Pray don’t stab me in the back after all the incredible exertions I am making for the good cause. And don’t believe newspapers, and newspaper writers, too much. The result of the / general Election rest assured, will supprise all the students of that Literature.2 Ever | D.

5212

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 10 November 1868

original: rac r50 112, 113 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper. Sic: embarassment.

Nov. 10 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He would presume to ask Yr Majesty’s gracious attention to the embarassment in which he finds himself with respect to advising Yr Majesty to grant honors, & / to entreat Yr Majesty to assist him in what, he trusts, Yr Majesty may not deem an unreasonable request. To carry such a measure as the Reform Act, it was necessary to hold out many hopes: & to stimulate the energies / of the Conservative party, at such a critical general Election, as the present, it is necessary to sympathise with many expectations. During the last three months, Mr Disraeli has experienced great difficulty in / contending against the claims of those, who thought they ought to have been rewarded for their services by a recommendation to Yr Majesty for the Peerage. But with pains & patience, he has not been unsuccessful in this / respect, & he does not think that any material injury has accrued to the party by his reserve, except in the case of the County of Wilts, where Mr Long retired, & so lost a seat.1 It may be interesting to Yr Majesty to understand, that, / since the accession of the Conservative party in 1866, Yr Majesty has created fourteen peerages, & that ten have become extinct; so that there is only an increase of four, & 8all9 those not party peerages, as they include Ld. Napier & Ld. Bridport.2 / Mr Disraeli does not solicit Yr Majesty to make any peer, but he hopes, that, under these circumstances, considering the measures passed, & the impending general Election, Yr Majesty will support him so far as to consent to create six baronets. / Mr Disraeli never wishes to urge his personal vie considerations on Yr Majesty, who has been ever too gracious to him, but he would venture, with great humility, to

2 For Stanley’s reply and his speech at King’s Lynn on the 13th, see 5223nn1&2. 1 For Richard Long’s resignation, see 5216. Sir George Jenkinson (c) and Lord Charles Bruce (l) would be elected for n Wiltshire on 21 November. 2 There had in fact been sixteen peerages: Earl of Dartrey (12 Jul 1866), Baron Monck (12 Jul 1866), Baron Hartismere (13 Jul 1866), Baron Lytton (14 Jul 1866), Baron Strathnairn (31 Jul 1866), Baron Penrhyn (3 Aug 1866), Baron Brancepeth (31 Aug 1866), Baron Colonsay (26 Feb 1867), Baron Cairns (27 Feb 1867), Baron Kesteven (15 Apr 1868), Baron Ormathwaite (16 Apr 1868), Baron Fitzwalter (17 Apr 1868), Baron O’Neill (18 Apr 1868), Viscount Bridport (6 Jul 1868), Baron Napier of Magdala (17 Jul 1868) and Earl of Feversham (25 Jul 1868). The extinct peerages were Baron Glenelg (1866), Baron Bayning (d 5 Aug 1866), Baron Ponsonby (d 11 Sep 1866), Baron Kingsdown (1867), Baron Keith of Banheath (1867), Baron Llanover (d 27 Apr 1867), Earl of Pomfret (d 8 Jun 1867), Baron Wensleydale (d 28 Feb 1868), Baron Dunfermline (d 12 Jul 1868) and Baron Cranworth (d 26 Jul 1868).

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say, that his power to keep / the party together, & to infuse fire into their efforts at this critical moment, must depend on this mark of Yr Majesty’s confidence & favor. He has made a note of the six names he would / wish to place before Yr Majesty. They are those of gentlemen, who have all conferred great parliamentary obligations on the Yr Majesty’s Ministers, & are all of high character & very considerable wealth. / Proposed Baronets Novr. 7 1868 3 1 Colonel Knox Gore, Yr Majesty’s Lieutenant of the County of Sligo. 2. Smith Child4 Esqre of Hallington Hall, the former, &, in all probability, future member for Staffordshire[.] / 3. James Walker5 of Sand Hutton in the County of York Esq: a Parliamentary family, & a great estate: £30,000 pr ann: in land 4. 5. 6. Mr Harvey,6 M.P. for Thetford Mr. Buckley,7 M.P. for Newcastle u. Lyme Mr Humphery8 late M.P. for Andover, / have had their names, & the particulars of their position, already placed before Yr Majesty. They are gentlemen of vast wealth. Indeed the united incomes of the six proposed Baronets could scarcely be placed much under £200,000 pr annm. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Wednesday] 11 November 1868

original: h b/xx/d/114

5213

Nov 11./68. Everybody’s bus: is nobodys bus:1 Have orders been given for the Writs to be ready for tonights Post?2

3 Francis Arthur Knox Gore (1803-1873), Bt 5 Dec 1868, of Belleek Manor, co Mayo, jp, dl and high sheriff 1840 for co Mayo, col Sligo militia, ll and custos rotulorum for co Sligo. 4 For Smith Child, see 4996n1. 5 James Walker (1803-1883), Bt 9 Dec 1868, of Sand Hutton, Yorkshire. His eldest son, James Robert Walker (1829-1899), had been mp (c) for Beverly 1860-5 (disenfranchised 1868). 6 For Robert Harvey, see 5182n1. 7 Edmund Buckley (1834-1910), Bt 1868 and mp (c) for Newcastle-under-Lyme 1865-78. Born Edmund Peck, he had assumed the name Buckley by royal licence in 1864 when inheriting vast estates in Lancashire and Wales. That year he had established the Hendre Ddu Slate and Slab Co in Wales, manufacturing slate slabs for billiard table beds. d (in 5219) would call him ‘more than a millionaire’. 8 William Henry Humphery (1827-1909), Bt 1868, of Penton Lodge, Southampton, ba 1850 and ma 1853 Wadham College, Oxford, a barrister (Inner Temple 1852), lieut-col 1st Hants Rifle Volunteers, a jp for Hampshire and high sheriff of Hampshire 1872-3, had been mp (c) for Andover 1863-7. 1 Proverbial. Everybody’s Business Is Nobody’s Business; or Private Abuses, Public Grievances (1725) is a brief tract by Daniel Defoe. 2 At a council at noon on this day (11th) at Windsor, a proclamation was ordered to be issued dissolving Parliament ‘and directing the immediate issue of writs for the election of a new House of Commons, the writs to be returnable on Thursday, the 10th of December next.’ Following the council d had an audience with the Queen. The Times (12 Nov 1868).

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5214

to: ARCHIBALD TAIT

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 12 November 1868

original: lpl tait Vol 85 ff203-4 publication history: Randal Thomas Davidson and William Benham Life of Archibald Campbell Tait Archbishop of Canterbury (1891) vol 1, 535 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Confidential November 12 1868 Right Honorable | The Lord Bishop of London My dear Lord, It is my desire, if it meet your own wishes, to recommend Her Majesty to elevate you to the Primacy.1 I can assure you, in so doing, I feel a / responsibility as grave, as any your Lordship can experience, if you accept this paramount trust: but, I believe, I am taking a course which will be the most serviceable to the Church, especially / at this critical moment in its history.2 I have the honor to remain, | my dear Lord, | faithfully Yours, | B. Disraeli

5215

to: LORD DERBY

[London, Thursday] 12 November 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 69, omitting the last paragraph; Blake 507, extract from the first paragraph.

Secret November 12 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, Harold Browne1 is offered as a compromise. But what do I gain by Harold Browne? While H. M. will only be annoyed, I could win, if I had a man. I don’t know personally / the Bp of Gloucester2 – & you can’t fight for a person you don’t know. I proposed him as one appointed by Palmerston, & yet not an evangelical, & certainly, from his correspondence, not a follower of the Bp of Oxford. The Bp of Oxford is quite / out of the running; so great is the distrust of him by the country. That is the great fact, that has come out of the canvass of England.3 I thought, last night, of taking the Bp of London, & countervailing his neological tendencies, wh: / I think form the great objection to him, & of course, his great recommendation in the eyes of H. M., by raising Jackson to London. He is orthodox & Protestant.4

1 See 5196n5. 2 Tait would reply from Stonehouse, Thanet, on the 13th: ‘I have this morning received your letter of yesterday. I accept with deep feeling of responsibility the offer which you make in terms so kind and considerate, and I pray that, by the Divine blessing, I may be guided aright in these difficult days.’ ph 535-6. 1 Edward Harold Browne (1811-1891), ba 1832, ma 1836, bd 1855 and dd 1864 Emmanuel College, Cambridge, deacon 1836 and priest 1837, Norrisian Professor of Divinity at Cambridge 1854, Bishop of Ely 1864-73 and of Winchester 1873-90. 2 Charles Ellicott (5109n3). 3 See 5206&n4. 4 John Jackson (1811-1885), ba 1833 and ma 1836 Pembroke College, Oxford, deacon 1835, rector of St

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What do you think?5   Ever | D. to: RICHARD PENRUDDOCKE LONG Downing Street [Friday] 13 November 1868

5216

original: ps 823 publication history: Sotheby’s catalogue (July 1981) item 108, described as ‘Autograph letter signed with initial (“D”), 3 pages, 10 Downing Street, 13 November 1868, to R.P. Long’.

[elaborately apologising for not writing before to express his regret over Long’s retirement from Parliament] ... I have been wishing to write to you every day since the receipt of yr letter1 – & every day I have been prevented ... I very much regret your leaving the House of Commons; & I particularly regret the cause; but I hope, in Mrs Long’s2 entire restoration to health, that cause may be, if not soon, eventually removed... to: LORD DERBY

original: dbp Box 146/2 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Downing Street [Friday] 13 November 1868

5217

Private November 13 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, I have not neglected writing to you about the Elections, but I ordered some papers to be prepared for you by the Experts, wh: wd. have met the / points you raised, & some others.1 But the truth is, every hand is now so busy, that they have not been able to perform their task. Their returns would have shown, that on no occasion within our experience has ever more / than a moiety of the seats been fought, &

James’s, Piccadilly 1846, chaplain to the Queen 1847, hon canon of Bristol Cathedral 1852, Bishop of Lincoln 1853-69 and of London 1869-85. 5 Derby would reply from Knowsley (via amanuensis Lady Derby) on the 14th: ‘I am sorry for your perplexity about the Archbishopric ... I have personally a dislike and distrust of the Bishop of London, and perhaps am prejudiced against him. But if he is pertinaciously urged upon you in high quarters, I could not point to the one Man whose claims you could pre-eminently urge against him. Jackson’s appointment to London would be what Brunnow would call inodore [odorless]. He is a good man and was a good Parish priest in London, but I do not think he is very strong-minded, and should doubt his having sufficient firmness to control the Clergy of such a Diocese as London.’ 1 Long had written to d on the 7th from Rood Ashton House, Wiltshire, to bid him ‘very respectfully Farewell. I cannot deny that I do so with great regret; nor would any cause less important than a wife’s health have induced me to leave Parlt. at such a time.’ He went on to describe at great length how ‘the claims derived from the long & faithful services of my family’, which had represented Wiltshire ‘at intervals since 1430 – nearly 4 centuries & a half!’, had ‘hitherto been passed over.’ Derby having left office before recommending him for a peerage, Long hoped that ‘before many weeks you will do this tardy justice to my Father’s, my own, & my family’s services’. h c/i/a/81. See 5234. 2 Long in 1853 had married Charlotte Anna (1830-1899), only child of William W.F. Dick. 1 For Derby’s letter to d of 3 November, see 5201n11.

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2ndly, that we have, on the present occasion, a considerably larger number of candidates, than we ever yet started.2 I do not see my way to an absolute majority, except by runs of luck scarcely / to be hoped for, & I am always afraid, that some unexpected loss may turn up in Ireland. Scotland daily improves; we may count surely on 15 seats there: & a chance, varying in degree, of 7 more. The Duke of Portland has / been of great use to us in this country.3 I confine my speculations to England, &, in my estimate, I always place Ireland & Scotland united as 60. I think, England may give us 260; but it may be 250 & it may be 270. I / really believe this is as fair a view as can be furnished, of the great event. Generally speaking, the affairs have been well-managed; except in Lincolnshire, Notts, & Cornwall. From these, we ought to have picked up, / at least, three seats more. At present, our attention is much given to Greenwich, &, they say, Mahon is flourishing there.4 They want money, & we have supplied him as well as we could: but Gerard Noel, who is / at my side, tells me, there is now not a shot in the locker; & his letters of appeal are not noticed, wh: happens sometimes, under such circumstances. I hope Lady Derby is well.5   Ever, | D.

2 At the 1865 elections, 289 out of 406 Conservatives had won seats; in 1868, 271 would win out of 436. The Times on 11 November had published a complete list of candidates seeking election in 1868. 3 At the 1865 election, overall results had been 298 (c) and 360 (l), with Ireland 50 (c) and 55 (l), Scotland 12 (c) and 41 (l). Overall results for 1868 would be 276 (c) and 382 (l), with Ireland 40 (c) and 65 (l), Scotland 8 (c) and 52 (l). bhf 140. For the Duke of Portland, see 5000n2. 4 Mahon had written to Corry on 2 November that he had ‘accepted to engage on a contest at Greenwich ... I am going to fight Gladstone!! do you think the “little David” can fight the “Goliath”?’ At the 18 November election at Greenwich, Kent, Mahon and Sir Henry Watson Parker would be defeated by Gladstone and incumbent David Salomons. h b/ix/g/50. 5 Derby would reply to 5215 and to this letter from Knowsley (via amanuensis Lady Derby) on the 14th: ‘I hope you may be right in your calculations as to the [election] result; and they tally very closely with that which is sent to me by Herbert Murray, probably derived from the same sources. But, in comparing it with the List of the Candidates sent to me two days ago by Spofforth, I fear you are too sanguine with regard to England – for Scotland I think your calculation is a very fair one – For Ireland, I should have taken credit for three more Seats than you do. But in England, looking at all the Seats in which we have a fair prospect of success, I cannot bring the numbers up to above 242. Of course there may be cases, and I hope there are, in which local knowledge may justify taking a more sanguine view. But if my calculations are right, your Numbers will not exceed 305 at the opening of the Session – a number not sufficient to carry on a Government, but ample for a strong Opposition, which perhaps under present circumstances will be best both for the Country and the Party. Waiting before the Morning Papers are come in, I have been much pleased with the summary of Stanley’s Speech at Lynn, which appeared in the Liverpool Paper of this morning. He seems to have been very cautious upon the point which I apprehended difficulty, and I now see nothing to prevent unanimity in the Cabinet as to the Paragraph in the Queen’s Speech relating to the Church in Ireland ... We are very sanguine as to our Elections in this part of the world. Gladstone’s Speeches have done him more harm than good, and ... he is to make six speeches in three days, [which] is thought to be beneath his position, and to indicate a sense of conscious weakness. I heard only this morning of a bet being laid in Manchester of £3000 to £1000 against his return. I cannot think that you have a chance of being able to keep him out of Greenwich.’ h b/xx/s/504.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 13 November 1868

original: rac d1 118 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5218

Nov 13 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Mr Disraeli will publish the new Church arrangements as soon as possible: but / he has not yet received any answers. It would hardly be seemly to announce them provisionally. If possible, it would be desirable, that all shd. be announced / together: but there shall be no unnecessary delay for this.1 Mr Disraeli will make arrangements, that Yr Majesty is supplied / during the Elections with fresh & constant information. Mr Disraeli omitted to tell Yr Majesty, that he had taken steps to insure the Election of the Dean as / a Trustee:2 but it seems, that no election can legally take place without the presence of what are called the three principal Trustees: to wit, the Lord Chancellor, / the ArchBp of Canterbury, & the Speaker of the House of Commons: &, at this moment, strange to say, there is neither an ArchBishop of Canterbury, / nor a Speaker of the House of Commons!3 Perhaps, this never happened before[.] to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 13 November 1868

original: rac r50 119, 120 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Childe [four times]; Humphrey [twice]; Edward Buckley.

5219

November 13 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: In accordance with Yr Majesty’s permission, he will make a succinct note of the circumstances, under which he has solicited Yr Majesty to confer the honor of a / Baronetcy on several gentlemen. During the passing of the Reform measure, in answer to numerous requests for honors in the shape of peerages & baronetcies, Lord Derby was in the habit of replying, that, before the appeal to / the new Constituency, he should advise Your Majesty to confer honors, & that he would, in the interval, candidly consider the claims[.] There were two exceptions to this rule; arising from the fact, that the individuals, not being / then in Parliament, had communicated directly with Lord Derby, & had received his personal promise to recommend them.

1 The Times on 10 December, under the heading ‘Mr. Disraeli’s Patronage’, would list all of d’s appointments, including ecclesiastical ones, made over the last nine months. 2 The Queen in October (see 5159n9) had asked d to use his influence to get Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (5089n4), Dean of Westminster, appointed a trustee of the British Museum in place of the late Dean of St Paul’s, Henry Hart Milman. 3 Charles Longley, Archbishop of Canterbury, had died on 27 October. John Evelyn Denison would be re-elected Speaker on 10 December.

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These were Mr Smith Childe, once M.P. for Staffordshire; & Mr Walker of Yorkshire; both gentlemen of great position.1 Lord Derby retired from / office suddenly & unexpectedly: Yr Majesty was graciously pleased to create four peerages on his recommendation;2 but, overcome by illness, he entirely omitted to mention the subject of Baronetcies[.] This omission, in the instance of Mr Childe especially, eventually involved / Lord Derby in painful circumstances, as his personal honor was concerned in recommending Mr Childe to Yr Majesty. He, therefore, assured him, by the hand of Lady Derby, that his illness must be his excuse for this defeasance, & that he had requested Mr Disraeli to fulfil his / promise to recommend. And Mr Disraeli wrote to Mr Childe to that effect.3 With regard to the other four names, three of them were placed before Yr Majesty at Balmoral.4 Had it not been for Mr Harvey of Thetford, the Lord Advocate would never / have had a seat in Parliament, & by wh: the Scotch Reform Bill would have greatly suffered; & it was the self-sacrifice & example of the same gentleman by which the seven members from England, for Scotland, were ultimately obtained[.]5 The same considerations, tho’ / in a less degree, apply to Mr Buckley & Mr Humphrey.6 Mr Disraeli will never presume to enter into controversy on the subject of honors, which he never wishes to place on the basis of precedent, but on Yr Majesty’s free favor; but he begs permission to make a / brief remark on two passages of Genl Grey’s letter.7

1 For Smith Child, see 4996n1; for James Walker, see 5212n5. 2 Sir John Trollope, 1st Baron Kesteven, Sir John Walsh, 1st Baron Ormathwaite, Sir Brook Brydges, 1st Baron Fitzwalter and Sir William Stirling Maxwell. The Times (17 Mar 1868). 3 See 4996&nn1-3. 4 See 5212. 5 Robert John Harvey (5182n1) and Lord Advocate E.S. Gordon (ix 4365n1). The Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill (ix 4436&n1) had created 7 additional Scottish seats: Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities (new); Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities (new); Glasgow (raised to 3 members); Dundee (raised to 2); Hawick Burghs (new); Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire (1 additional member each, split in half); and Peebles and Selkirk (1 member, formed by merging Peeblesshire and Selkirkshire). These seats had been created at the expense of seven English constituencies, which were disenfranchised: Arundel, Ashburton, Dartmouth, Honiton, Lyme Regis, Thetford and Wells. 6 For Edmund Buckley and William Humphery, see 5212nn7&8. 7 Replying on the 10th to d’s letter of that day (5212), Grey had written that the Queen had ‘some considerations as regards a distribution of Honours ... for the purpose of influencing Elections wh. are to determine the fate of a Ministry’. Wishing to avoid ‘doing anything in support of those views which might have, in any degree, the appearance of Partisanship’, she felt ‘bound to consider carefully what the effect might be, as a future precedent, of consenting to a large grant of honours at such a moment as this. When Ld Russell left Office, he asked the Queen to allow him to make several Peers, but H.M. refused, on the ground that it might prove a most inconvenient Precedent, if every outgoing Minister shd think himself entitled to claim a similar privilege. Now she would ask you yourself to consider, whether it wd not be a still more inconvenient precedent, & even a dangerous one, were a Minister, appealing to the Country ag[ain]st an adverse House of Commons, & staking his Ministerial existence on the issue of the Elections, to claim, as it were a right, established by precedent, the power of trying to influence those elections by the distribution of Honours, as a proof, at such a critical moment, of the Sovereign’s favour & support. This seems to the Q. a very different thing from giving her Minister, whoever he may be, every constitutional proof that he possesses her confidence in conducting public affairs ... At the same time the

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1. He would observe, that Yr Majesty in 1859, after Ld. Derby was defeated in the House of Commons, & on the eve of a consequent dissolution, did graciously create not only Baronets, but Peers. & 2. / Mr Disraeli would humbly observe, that he is not willing to acknowledge any similarity in his present position with that of Lord Russell in 1866, when defeated in his own Parliament, & having resigned, Lord Russell improperly advised / Yr Majesty to confer hereditary honors of both kinds. Mr Disraeli has never been defeated in his own Parliament: he is now, by Yr Majesty’s favor appealing to the new Constituency; & he has not resigned his trust. Under all these circumstances, Mr / Disraeli humbly hopes, Your Majesty will deign to deem his request not unreasonable; &, in that case, Mr Disraeli will publish Yr Majesty’s pleasure with discretion. [enclosure:] 1. Charles Mills Esqre. Late Vice-Chairman of the Indian Council; head partner in the great Banking firm of Glyn & Co. His father & himself have been for 92 years in the direction or Council of / Indian affairs. Of vast wealth.8 2. Mr. R.J. Harvey, M.P. for Thetford, son of the late General Sir Robt Harvey.9 Mr Harvey’s father died in 1860 bequeathing to him not only his estates in / Norfolk, valued at £200,000, but also £350,000 personalty to be laid out in land. To this Mr Harvey has added a considerable estate acquired by himself, & £220,000 of wh: has been invested in ag acreage in Norfolk[.] His letter enclosed. 3 Mr Humphrey, late M.P. for Andover. He married the daughter & heiress of Aldn. Cubitt, twice Lord Mayor, & inherited the greater portion of Mr Cubitts vast property.10 4. Mr Harvey, brother of the Duchess of Buckingham11 & Member for that County[.] / There is a great demand for a Welsh Baronet: the Whigs having made seven in the Principality, & the Conservatives only one during the last twenty years.12 Mr Disraeli would recommend / to Your Majestys consideration in this respect Edward Buckley Esqr M.P. He has a vast estate in Merionethshire: is a most public spirited man; building docks, railways, working slate quarries; & more than a millionaire.



Queen is unwilling altogether to refuse your request, & would not object to those whose names you had before submitted to her, receiving Baronetcies, tho’ it would be well, H.M. thinks, to postpone them till after the Elections.’ rac a37 64.   8 See 5176nn1&2.   9 General Sir Robert John Harvey (1785-1860), cb, kts and kcba, had distinguished himself in numerous battles and served as assistant-quartermaster-general of the British and Portuguese armies in Portugal, Spain and France 1809-14, and as liaison between the Duke of Wellington and the Portuguese troops 1811-14. For his son, see 5182n1. 10 William Humphery (5212n8) in 1850 had married Maria (1827-1897), youngest daughter of engineering contractor William Cubitt. 11 A baronetcy, of Langley Park, Bucks, would be created on 28 November for Robert Bateson Harvey, brother of Caroline, Duchess of Buckingham. 12 A baronetcy had been created on 28 July 1866 for Sir Pryse Pryse (1838-1906) of Gogerddan, Trefeurig, Llanbadarn Fawr, Cardiganshire, Wales.

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5220

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE?] Carlton Club, Saturday [14 November 1868] original: qua 153 editorial comment: Carlton Club paper. Dating: by context; see n1.

Saturday The Cabinet must not be summoned for Tuesday, our its members cannot attend on that or / other days; in consequence of having to vote at various important Elections.1 Write to Lord Stanley. D

5221

to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Saturday] 14 November 1868

original: h r/i/a/220 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Philip Rose Esq Transfer the £5000 at once. Its all right.1 Perhaps, I may see you to day? Yrs ever | D.

5222

Nov. 14 1868

to: LORD ABERGAVENNY Downing Street [Wednesday] 14 November 1868 original: h h/life editorial comment: From a ms copy. Sic: 11 Downing Street.

Private 11 Downing Street | Whitehall | Nov. 14. 1868. My dear Nevill, The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer the dignity of a Baronet on Mr. Walker of Sand-Hutton and I shall write to him to that effect tomorrow.1 My kind regards to Ly Abergavenny & all your circle and kiss for me the twins.2 Ever yours | D.

1 Most elections were held on 17 and 18 November 1868; see 5226nn1-21. See also 5225, where d notes the inconvenience of assembling a cabinet. 1 W. Layton Lowndes had written to Corry on 21 October from Linley, Bridgnorth, in Shropshire, having just learned ‘that Edward Corbett would come forward with great pleasure if £5000 be found for the Expenses. He is no doubt the best man we could have – but how about the money? ... I hear Corbett is a personal friend of General Herbert and would be a help to him. We must see if we can see our way to the money and then see if the General would coalesce.’ h b/ix/g/26. Corbett and Percy Egerton Herbert would be elected for s Shropshire at the 25 November election. 1 d’s letter to James Walker of Sand Hutton (5212n5) has not been found. 2 At this time the Abergavennys had ten surviving children, the youngest being twins Lady Violet (18661910) and Lady Rose (1866-1913), born 7 December 1866.

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to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Saturday] 14 November 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/83 publication history: m&b v 91 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5223

November 14 1868 Dear S. Perfect!1 I am told our own party are enthusiastic: but all praise it.2 It must do us great good.3 Yours ever | D. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 16 November 1868

original: rac d1 119 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5224

Novr. 16 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He has not received the definitive reply of the Bishop of Lincoln. In offering to recommend the Archdeacon to Yr Majesty for elevation to the / Bench, Mr Disraeli has not mentioned any particular diocese.1 Mr Disraeli goes to his County tomorrow for his election2 – very early – & if, on his return, there be no answer from the Bishop, Mr Disraeli will / venture to write to him again. Mr Disraeli very earnestly recommends Mr Gregory, Vicar of Lambeth, for the vacant Canonry.3 He is a distinguished man: a devoted Parish priest; & the solicita-

1 Replying to d’s 10 November note (5211), Stanley on the 11th had assured him, ‘I shall be very cautious. Don’t be alarmed. I understand your uneasiness and feel the awkwardness of the situation. I shall say as little as possible about I[rish] C[hurch].’ dbp 13/2/4 (72). 2 The Times on the 16th would comment that in his speech at King’s Lynn on the 13th, Stanley ‘did not pretend to anticipate a party victory at the elections, but he declared his belief that the difficulties of Mr Gladstone’s undertaking [to disestablish the Irish Church] could not be surmounted in the coming Session. But Lord Stanley does not understand the power of popular conviction. He has no sympathy with popular movements, and cannot measure the impulse and strength of national will.’ 3 Stanley would reply on the 15th from King’s Lynn: ‘Thanks. I am really glad you are satisfied. I only write to say that we here believe the second seat to be gained, unless there is more promise-breaking than can reasonably be expected ... Bourke (Mayo’s brother) does his work exceedingly well, and is popular with all parties.’ dbp 13/2/4 (73). At the Lynn Regis election on the 19th, Stanley (1265 votes) and Robert Bourke (1125) would defeat Liberal Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton (1012). 1 John Jackson (5215n4), Bishop of Lincoln, would succeed Archibald Tait as Bishop of London. Christopher Wordsworth (4905n5), Archdeacon of Westminster, would succeed Jackson as Bishop of Lincoln. 2 d would leave London on the 19th and arrive at the Aylesbury courthouse at 11 am. He would address his Bucks constituents for an hour and five minutes (his speech would be printed in The Times on the 20th and bh on the 21st), along with Caledon George Du Pré (c) and Nathaniel Grace Lambert (l). All three would be elected on that day. 3 The Times on 23 November would announce Robert Gregory’s (5083n4) appointment as canon of St Paul’s.

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tions on his / behalf, from the most eminent members of the Univy: of Oxford,4 very significant.5

5225

to: GEORGE WARD HUNT

Downing Street [Monday] 16 November 1868

original: nsr wh286 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Chanr of the Exr Novr. 16 1868 This appears to me a matter of grave importance, & I agree with the F.L. of the Admyr., that our decision involves a very grave responsibility.1 My impression is, that the experiment shd be tried – but if you can’t bring yr mind to this, wh:, I hope, on reading the papers, you may be able to do, that the question shd be submitted to the Cabinet – / tho’ their assembling at the present moment wd be inconvenient.2 D.

4 John Mowbray had written to d on this day (16th) recommending Gregory, who had ‘stood manfully by our party during two great contests, and I really believe we could hardly have won the Election if it had not been for the great influence he exercised sometimes in neutralising, but more frequently in gaining over both as voters & canvassers for us the moderate High Church Party.’ Sir Michael Hicks Beach would write to d on the 17th praising Gregory’s ‘invaluable services ... to us at this and the previous [Oxford] University election ... He writes letter after letter to leading High Churchmen, & to men who could not have been influenced in any other way, but who were readily persuaded by arguments coming from a man in his position. Their support brought us the votes of others: and to this I think we owe our success.’ Mowbray and Hicks Beach were Oxford graduates. h c/iii/a/24h, 38. 5 For the Queen’s reply, see 5231&n3. 1 Hunt had written to d on ‘17/11’ [sic] a letter headed ‘Whitehead Torpedo’: ‘In a time of profound peace, “without a cloud on our horizon” according to our Foreign Secretary, the Admiralty give the Treasury 24 hours to decide on promising an inventor £20,000 for the use of the secret of a destructive engine. I left town on Thursday evening with no intimation of such a question having been mooted. I was not summoned back on Friday as I might have been, but on Saturday I got the application, dated the day before, with an intimation that an answer by telegram was required by 1 ocl as this Inventor started that night for Paris to treat with the Emperor. What was the application? not to sanction the purchase of the exclusive use of the secret, but of the right to participate with Austria & any other Power that the inventor might agree with in the use of it. It appeared to me that the inventor wanted to get our undertaking as a screw to work on the French Government, just as he had asked the Austrian undertaking as a screw to work on us & that we could deal with him just as well after he had been to Paris as before. It is out of his power to grant the French the exclusive use of his [“]Secret” as Mr Corry is apprehensive of, for he has already sold it to Austria. The Admiralty, if they understand the meaning of financial responsibility must have known that I could not give assent on an hours notice. I sent the only reply I could under the circumstances. Now that time is allowed for deliberation I shall be very glad to discuss the matter with you & the F.L. of the Admty, or the Cabinet if need be.’ h b/xx/hu/43. 2 Engineer Robert Whitehead had presented his invention, the first self-propelled torpedo, to the Austrian imperial naval commission in December 1866. His ‘secret’, perfected in 1868, was a hydrostatic valve and pendulum that allowed the torpedo to maintain a preset depth. Non-exclusive construction rights were bought by Austria in 1868 and would be purchased by England in 1871 (production beginning in 1872), France 1872, Germany and Italy 1873, and, by 1900, by most European countries, China and Japan.

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to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 17 November 1868

original: rac a37 65 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: d is writing early on Wednesday the 18th. Sic: Blackburne.

5226

½ past one o’ck. | November 17 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Elections are proceeding very favorably to Your Majesty’s Government. Smith 8will be9 returned for Westminster by an immense majority!1 Conservative / candidates at the head of the Poll in Tower Hamlets, Lambeth by several hundreds.2 Accounts from the country, up to 11 o’ck:, highly favorable. Conservatives at the head of / the Poll in Manchester 23 Burnley 14 Preston 25 x 6 7 Hull 2 Coventry 2 Burnley Norwich 18 Oldham 2 x9 / Blackburne 210 Birkenhead 1 x11 Rochdale 112 Portsmouth 1 x13 14 15 Worcester 1 x Cardiff 1 Warrington 116 17 Whitehaven 1 x & where marked x by large majorities. / It is of course at so early an hour impossible to form a general result with accu  1 At the Westminster election on 18 November, William H. Smith, Jr (c) 7648 and Robert Wellesley Grosvenor (l) 6584 would be elected.   2 At the Tower Hamlets election on 18 November, Acton S. Ayrton (l) 9839 and Joseph D’Aguilar Samuda (c) 7849 would be elected.   3 At the Manchester election on 18 November, Hugh Birley (c) 15,486, Thomas Bazley (l) 14192 and Jacob Bright (l) 13,514 would be elected.   4 At the Burnley election on 17 November, Richard Shaw (l) 2620 would defeat Sir James Yorke Scarlett (c) 2238.   5 At the Preston election on 18 November, Edward Hermon (c) 5812 and Sir Thomas George Fermor Hesketh (c) 5726 would be elected.   6 At the Hull election on 18 November, Charles Morgan Norwood (l) 7282 and James Clay (l) 6874 would be elected.   7 At the Coventry election on 17 November, Henry William Eaton (c) 3781 and A. Staveley Hill (c) 3764 would be elected.   8 At the Norwich election on 18 November, Sir Henry Stracey (c) 4325 and Sir William Russell (l) 4313 would be elected.   9 At the Oldham election on 18 November, John T. Hibbert (l) 6140 and John Platt (l) 6122 would be elected. 10 At the Blackburn election on 18 November, William H. Hornby (c) 4907 and Joseph Feilden (c) 4829 would be elected. 11 At the Birkenhead election on 18 November, John Laird (c) 2921 would defeat Sherard Osborn (l) 2039. 12 At the Rochdale election on 18 November, Thomas B. Potter (l) 4455 would defeat F. Schofield (c) 3270. 13 At the Portsmouth election on 18 November, Sir James Elphinstone (c) 5306 and William Henry Stone (l) 3868 would be elected. 14 At the Worcester City election on 17 November, William Laslett (c) 2439 and Alexander Clunes Sheriff (l) 2063 would be elected. 15 At the Cardiff election on 16 November, James Frederick Crichton-Stuart (l) 2501 had defeated Sir Hardinge Stanley Giffard (c) 2055. 16 At the Warrington election on 18 November, Peter Rylands (l) 1984 would narrowly defeat Gilbert Greenall (c) 1957. 17 At the Whitehaven election on 18 November, G.F. Cavendish Bentinck (c) 1125 would defeat J. Stewart (l) 771.

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racy; but so far as we have proceeded, the estimate Mr Disraeli has had the honor of giving to / Yr Majesty will be realized. The last accounts from the City of London; at 11 o’ck: place two Conservatives at the head of the Poll.18 / Mr Disraeli has not noticed the smaller places, but Sir John Pakington19 is quite safe; & Charles Lindsay.20 The Lambeth return was a forgery,21 & Mr Di. therefore, has omitted it.

5227

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 17 November 1868

original: rac a37 66 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

November 17 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Two Conservatives certainly returned for the City: one for Westminster: one for the Tower Hamlets: / It is believed, that Two have been returned for Manchester,1 & Two for Salford:2 & the other Lancashire towns, Burnley, Preston,3 & Bolton,4 wh: are represented by two members, have, / in every case, returned two Conservatives. It is impossible from want of information, or from imperfect information, to make any precise estimate of the result of the day. From several places / no returns whatever have been received by either party: but taking a general view, Mr Disraeli is inclined to believe, that there should be a deduction of ten from the estimate / given to Yr Majesty. This, however, was by far, the most trying day of the General Election.

5228

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 18 November 1868

original: rac a37 67 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. ‘17’ is underlined twice.

Novr. 18 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The return of polls this morning has sustained the estimate: the great feature be18 At the London election on 16 November, George Goschen (l) 6520, William Lawrence (l) 6258, Robert Wigram Crawford (l) 6215 and Charles Bell (c) 6130 would be elected. 19 At the Droitwich election on 18 November, Sir John Pakington (c) 790 would defeat John Corbett (l) 603. 20 At the Abingdon election on 18 November, Charles Lindsay (c) 397 would defeat G. Lushington (l) 327. 21 At the Lambeth election on 18 November, James Clarke Lawrence (l) 15,051 and William McArthur (l) 14,553 would defeat Morgan Howard (c) 7043.   1 For the Westminster, Tower Hamlets and Manchester elections, see 5226&nn1-3.   2 Conservatives C.E. Cawley and W.T. Charley would be elected for Salford, Lancs, on the 18th, narrowly defeating Liberals John Cheetham and H. Rawson.   3 For the Burnley and Preston elections, see 5226&nn4-5.   4 Conservatives John Hick and William Gray would be elected for Bolton, Lancs, on the 18th, defeating Liberals Thomas Barnes and Samuel Pope.

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ing the / apparent success, by a large majority, at a late hour, tho’ the election was not finished, of the Conservative Candidates for Liverpool.1 Both the Conservative candidates / for the City of Dublin were considerably at the head of the Poll at 12 o’ck: this day.2 But after, long after, his despatch was forwarded to Yr Majesty last night, very / unfavorable accounts of unreported places, arrived from the Provinces, wh: further affect the Estimate in an injurious sense: he shd. say, at this moment, to the amount of 17. to: SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Downing Street [Thursday] 19 November 1868

5229

original: bl add ms 50016 f30 publication history: m&b v 91n1, extract from the second paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private Nov. 19 1868 Right Honorable | Sir Stafford Northcote Dear Northcote, I should like, very much, to forward Lady Rolle’s views, if it be in my power. She deserves every consideration from our / party.1 Our shadows, however, seem to grow very long, &, I think, you had better try the Lord Chancellor again. He has more Church preferment, than I have, &, therefore, / his chances are more numerous. But I may be lucky; & if so, I will remember Lady Rolle, after one or two engagements, which I / must fulfil. Yours sincerely, | D. to: PHILIP ROSE

Downing Street [Friday] 20 November 1868

original: h r/i/a/221 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

P. Rose Esq My dear Rose, What is the description of Mr Harvey, as a Baronet?1 I shall be at D.S. (if you have time to call) till ½ pt 6. Yrs ever | D.

5230

Novr 20 1868

1 Conservatives Samuel Graves, Viscount Sandon and William Rathbone would be elected for Liverpool (formerly 2 members) on the 19th. 2 Sir Arthur Edward Guinness (c) and Jonathan Pim (l) would be elected for Dublin City on the 19th, narrowly defeating David Plunket (c) and Sir Dominic Corrigan (l). 1 Lady Rolle may have asked d to find a church-related appointment for a friend. 1 See 5182&n3.

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5231

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Friday] 20 November 1868

original: rac d1 120 publication history: lqv B i 554 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Novr 20 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The High Church party are much enraged with the Episcopal appointments, & are endeavouring, in consequence, injuriously to / influence the County elections. It is thought, that the preferment, wh: Mr Disraeli solicited for Mr Gregory, of Lambeth, would be well-timed, & advantageous to Yr Majesty’s government.1 Mr Gregory is / a representative man: A high Churchman, but staunchly Conservative. It is believed by Mr Hardy, that the personal influence, & active interposition, of Mr Gregory mainly occasioned the recent withdrawal of Sir R. Palmer / from the University candidature.2 Mr Gregory is also a zealous & very influential Parish priest among the masses of Lambeth. Mr Disraeli, therefore, earnestly hopes, that Her Majesty will grant his request on this head.3

5232

to: WILLIAM FEILDING

Downing Street [Friday] 20 November 1868

original: wro [10] publication history: Kennedy Conspiracy 27, the second paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private November 20 1868 Colonel | The Hon: W. Feilding I have received your letter of the 15th. Inst:1 & thank you for it, & for all you have done. You possess, &, I doubt not, will / always possess, my entire confidence.

1 See 5224&nn3&4. 2 Palmer had withdrawn from the Oxford University contest on the 11th. On the 13th Hardy had noted that this indicated ‘that the Liberals even with such a candidate have no chance whatever.’ The Times (12 Nov 1868); Hardy Diary 85. 3 The Queen would reply to d’s letter of the 16th (5224) on this day (20th), ‘very glad to hear that the Bishop of Lincoln has accepted. She will consent to the Stall which will be vacated by Archdeacon Wordsworth being given to Mr Gregory but a difficulty has arisen with respect to Mr Prothero’s residence as Canon of St Paul, and the Queen would ask if this difficulty (viz: his residence being required just for those months when the Queen wants him at Osborne) cannot be overcome, which She hopes it may by some arrangement with the Dean of St Paul’s, that Mr Prothero might exchange his Stall at St Paul’s for the one at Westminster, the emoluments being the same. The Queen this moment received Mr Disraeli’s letter. She has above expressed her readiness to agree to Mr Gregory’s appointment to either vacant stall.’ rac d1 121. 1 Feilding had written to d on the 15th from Dublin: ‘Herewith Mr Trelawny’s last letter which accompanied his accounts ... I trust that you will allow me to tell Mr Trelawny that you are satisfied with his work, as he is a man who works much more willingly when he gets a little encouragement & occasional praise. With this letter my correspondance [sic] with you also ceases, unless at any future time you may require my services in aid of our Party ... In conclusion let me thank you for the confidence you have reposed in one so little known to you personally’. h b/xxi/f/96.

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Tell our friend,2 that I am well pleased with his labors, & that I think his views were perfectly well-founded. When he returns to England, / I shall be happy, at a convenient time, to make his acquaintance. Yours sincerely, B. Disraeli to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 21 November 1868

original: rac d1 123 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Protheroe’s.

5233

November 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He found that, owing to some technical reasons connected with the Deanery of Lichfield, Mr Protheroe’s appointment to / the Canonry of St Paul’s had not yet formally taken place; therefore, he has appointed Mr. Gregory instead; & has preferred Mr Prothero to Westminster.1 In expressing his gratitude / to Yr Majesty for Yr Majesty’s gracious promptitude in assenting to the preferment of Mr Gregory, Mr Disraeli is happy, that he has been enabled to make an / arrangement, wh: may conduce to the comfort & satisfaction of Yr Majesty. to: RICHARD PENRUDDOCKE LONG Downing Street [Saturday] 21 November 1868

5234

original: brn [46] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

confidential Novr. 21 1868 R.P. Long Esq My dear Long, During the passing of the Reform Bill, frequent applications were made to Lord Derby, by his supporters in the House of Commons, for hereditary honors of both classes. His / invariable answer was, that, before the appeal to the new Constituency, it was his intention to recommend Her Majesty to bestow such honors, & that every claim for them should, in the interval, be fairly considered. Among the claimants for / a peerage was your father, & I myself personally enforced his claim on Lord Derby’s notice. It must, however, be distinctly understood, that I never made any promise to your father, for I was not in a position to make one.1 Lord Derby retired from office very unexpectedly & / very suddenly; but, before he resigned, he requested H.M. to create some peers. It is unusual to create peers for a retiring Minister, & the granting of such honors, under the circumstances, 2 E. Brereton Trelawny; see 5090nn1,2&4. 1 See 5231&n3. 1 d had written to Long, son of former mp (c) Walter Long, on the 13th; see 5216&n1.

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might have been drawn into an inconvenient precedent: but they were granted, & on the specific allegation, that / they were rewards to some of those followers, who, by their influence, had materially assisted the Minister in carrying the measure. Lord Derby was in a prostrate state, & entirely omitted to mention the subject of Baronets, altho’, in the case of that distinction, he / had personally & specifically promised to exercise his influence in behalf of several gentlemen.2 Shortly after my accession to the chief post, I was placed in a minority & obliged to tender my resignation. Tho’ H.M. was graciously pleased not to / accept it, my position became in a certain degree provisional, & it was deemed expedient, that I shd. treat the exercise of the prerogative with great reserve. Tho’, in two instances, I successfully recommended promotion,3 no new creation was made, except for public / service, as in the instance of Ld. Napier.4 The case of the Baronets was peculiar. Their non-mention had been a pure inadvertence of Ld Derby, & H.M. has thought fit, after great deliberation, to sanction the creation of some members of that order.5 I regret / very much, that Lord Derby, who acted entirely witht. consultation with any individual, did not select your name among those he recommended to the Queen for a peerage. It is an ancient & honorable name, of an estate fully qualified for the distinction. But I have never been in / a possess position to remedy this course on his part. The country has not supported me; &, tho’ I have throughout my life made the interests of the party my first consideration, I have the mortification of feeling, that my career / as a Minister will close without gratifying the just ambition of several of my friends, whose support I have always appreciated, & whom I regard & respect. Believe me, | Sincerely yours | B. Disraeli

5235

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday] 21 November 1868

original: rac a37 68 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: unembarassed.

Novr. 21 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty. There are now four Irish peerages extinct; and Yr Majesty has the power on the extinction of three, & after a certain period, wh: has now lapsed, / to create a new Irish Peer. May Mr Disraeli recommend to Yr Majesty, Mr McClintock, Yr Majesty’s Lieutenant for the County of Louth, & for a long period, member for that County? He is a / gentleman of high character, & of extensive & unembarassed possessions, & a constant resident on his estate.1 2 See 5219n2. 3 Most likely Viscount Bridport and the Earl of Feversham. See 5212&n2. 4 Napier had been created Baron Napier of Magdala on 17 July. 5 See 5212&nn3-8. 1 John McClintock (1798-1879), high sheriff of Louth 1840, mp (c) for co Louth 1857-9 and ll of Louth 1867-9, on 21 December would be created Baron Rathdonnell in the co of Donegal. See 5276.

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Although the fury of the priesthood prevents Mr McClintock from now exercising his natural influence, / in ordinary times, he is esteemed & beloved by his Catholic neighbours, & was on the point of supporting Mr Preston,2 son of Lord Gormanston,3 the Premier Viscount of Ireland, & a Conservative altho’ a / Roman Catholic, for the County of Louth; but the turbulence of the present moment renders this impossible. In a more tranquil period, the McClintock family is something to rally round, & Mr Disraeli / feels sure, that the elevation of this gentleman to the Irish Peerage by Your Majesty will be viewed by all loyal subjects of Yr Majesty in Ireland with grateful respect. / The three vacancies in the Irish Peerage wh: enable Her Majesty to create a peer Earl of Clare Jan 10 18644 Visct. Palmerston Oct 18. 18655 Baroness Keith Nov. 12 18676 The fourth extinction Earl of Moira (Marq: of Hastings)7 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Tuesday] 24 November 1868

original: rac a37 71 publication history: m&b v 98-9; Blake 514, extract from the last paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: unfaultering.

5236

November 24 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: Pursuant to Yr Majesty’s gracious intimation, he will endeavour to succinctly state what passed in audience with reference to the condition of the Conservative / party after the general Election, & his personal relations to it.1 It was to be considered 1st.:, whether it was for Yr Majesty’s comfort & advantage to keep the party together, & / 2ndly, whether, if kept together, it was expedient, that Mr Disraeli shd. continue to attempt the task, or leave the effort to younger hands. 2 Jenico William Preston (1837-1907), gcmg, 14th Viscount Gormanston 1876, 60th King’s Royal Rifle Corps 1855-60, high sheriff of co Dublin 1865 and co Meath 1871, chamberlain to the ll of Ireland 1866-8 and governor of the Leeward Islands 1885-7, British Guiana 1887-93 and Tasmania 1893-1900. 3 Edward Anthony John Preston (1796-1876), 13th Viscount Gormanston 1860, sheriff of co Meath 1831 and co Dublin 1845, on 8 December would be created Baron Gormanston (uk) of Whitewood, co Meath. See 5239. 4 Richard Hobart Fitzgibbon (1793-1864), 3rd Earl of Clare 1851, ll 1831-48 and 1851-64 of co Limerick, mp (Whig) for co Limerick 1818-41. 5 3rd Viscount Palmerston. 6 Baroness Nairne and Keith (Madame de Flahault). 7 Henry Weysford Charles Plantagenet Rawdon-Hastings (1842-1868), 4th Marquess of Hastings 1851, Earl of Loudoun (Scotland) and Earl of Moira (Ireland), had died on 10 November, his English and Irish honours becoming extinct and his Scottish titles passing to his eldest sister, Lady Edith, now Countess of Loudoun. 1 The Queen on the 23rd had sent d a telegram from Windsor: ‘If not inconvenient would you come here to dinner this evening and remain till tomorrow.’ h b/xix/a/67. d had arrived at Windsor on the 23rd. The Times (24 Nov 1868).

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It seemed desirable, that the party should be / kept together, because altho’ not numerically stronger, its moral influence appeared to be increased from the remarkably popular elements of wh: the Conservative party was now formed under the / influence of the New Reform Act. Viewing England only, the Conservative party in the House of Commons will represent the majority of the population of that country.2 This is a strange & most unforseen result. / It did not appear, after great deliberation, that any person could guide this party for Yr Majesty’s comfort & welfare with the same advantage as Mr Disraeli, as no one could be so intimately acquainted with Yr Majesty’s wishes & objects as himself. It / had been the original intention of Mr Disraeli, on the termination of this Ministry, to have closed his political career, & to have humbly solicited Yr Majesty to have bestowed upon him some mark of Yr Majesty’s favor not altogether unusual under the / circumstances. When the Leader, or the Speaker, of the House of Commons, has been elevated by the Sovereign to the Peerage, the rank accorded to him hitherto has been that of Viscount.3 And on this ground: that, otherwise, his inferiors in political position, who / had been elevated, often by his advice, while he held either of these great posts, would take precedence of him, who had been their chief in the Commons, or who had presided over, & controlled, their debates. This was felt so / strongly by Ld Russell, that, when Sir Charles Wood was elevated, who tho’ an eminent, was still a subordinate, minister, Ld. Russell counselled Your Majesty to make him a Viscount: otherwise, in the House of Lords, he would have been in an inferior / position to Sir Benjamin Hall, Mr Vernon Smith, & others, who, in the House of Commons were immeasurably his inferiors, both in political rank & public reputation.4 Mr Disraeli might say, that at his time of life, & with the present prospects, / it is a dreary career again to lead, & form, an opposition party, but he does not say so: because, in truth, if in that post he could really serve Yr Majesty, & Yr Majesty really felt that, it would be a sufficient object & excitement in / public life, & he shd. be quite content, even if he were never minister again. But next to Yr Majesty, there is one to whom he owes everything, & who has looked forward to this period of their long united lives as one of comparative repose & / of recognised honor. Might Mr Disraeli, therefore, after thirty one years of parliamentary toil, & after having served Yr Majesty, on more than one occasion, if not with prolonged success, at least with unfaultering devotion, humbly solicit Yr / Majesty to grant those hon2 At the 1868 election, Conservatives had won a total of 276 seats, Liberals 382. For England alone, the margin was much narrower: 220 (c) and 243 (l). d may refer to the strong Conservative majority in English counties: 127 (c) to 45 (l). bhf 140. 3 For example, Sir Charles Manners-Sutton, speaker 1817-35, had become Viscount Canterbury upon retiring in 1835, and Charles Shaw-Lefevre, speaker 1839-57, had become Viscount Eversley upon retiring in 1857. bhf 99. 4 Sir Charles Wood, 1st Viscount Halifax 1866; Sir Benjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover 1859; Robert Vernon Smith, 1st Baron Lyveden 1859.

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ors to his wife, wh:, perhaps, under ordinary circumstances, Yr Majesty would have deigned to bestow upon him? It would be an entire reward to him, & would give spirit & cheerfulness to the remainder of his / public life, when he should be quite content to be Yr Majesty’s servant, tho’ not Yr Majestys minister. He would humbly observe, that no precedents are necessary for such a course; but there are several. When his friends, on the formation of a new government, wished, that / the elder Pitt, who only filled a subordinate office, should not leave the House of Commons, his wife was created a Peeress in her own right, as Baroness Chatham.5 When, in very modern times, indeed in Yr Majestys own reign, / Lord Melbourne wished to induce Sir John Campbell to remain in the House of Commons, & only as Attorney General, his wife was created Baroness Stratheden.6 Mr Disraeli is ashamed to trouble Yr Majesty on such personal matters, but he has / confidence in Yr Majestys gracious indulgence, & in some condescending sympathy, on Yr Majesty’s part, for 9with9 the feelings, wh: prompt this letter[.] Mrs Disraeli has a fortune of her own adequate to any position in wh: Yr Majesty might deign to place her. Might her husband then hope, / that Yr Majesty would be graciously pleased to create her Viscountess Beaconsfield, a town with wh: Mr Disraeli has been long connected, & which is the nearest town to his estate in Bucks, wh: is not yet ennobled?7 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 25 November 1868

original: rac a37 73 publication history: m&b v 100 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.



5237

November 25 1868

5 William Pitt the Elder had been secretary of state for the southern department 1757-61 (d’s ‘subordinate office’). As part of the settlement on his resignation as leader of the Commons in 1761, his wife Hester Pitt (1720-1803), Countess of Chatham 1766 (upon the elevation of her husband), only daughter of Richard Grenville and Hester Temple, was that year created Baroness Chatham in her own right, ‘a recognition of her own political acumen as well as of Pitt’s status and her membership in the Grenville dynasty. The award was unpopular, and she was called by the public Lady Cheat’em.’ odnb. 6 In recognition of attorney-general Sir John Campbell’s withdrawal of his claim to the mastership of the rolls – he had been twice overlooked and was about to tender his resignation – 2nd Viscount Melbourne in 1836 had created Campbell’s wife Baroness Stratheden. 7 The Queen would reply on this day (24th) that she had ‘much pleasure in complying with’ d’s request ‘as a mark of her sense of his services. The Queen thinks that Mr. Disraeli, with whom she will part with much regret, can render her most useful service, even when not in Office – & she wd. have been very sorry if he had insisted on retiring from Public Life. The Queen can indeed truly sympathize with his devotion to Mrs. Disraeli, who in her turn is so deeply attached to him – & she hopes they may yet enjoy years of happiness together. The Queen will gladly confer the title of Viscountess Beaconsfield on Mrs. Disraeli. The Queen cannot conclude without expressing her deep sense of Mr. Disraeli’s great kindness & consideration towards her not only in what concerned her personally but in listening to her wishes – wh. were however always prompted by the sole desire to promote the good of her Country.’ ma would write to the Queen on the 26th with ‘gratitude for the high honor Your Majesty has been pleased to confer on her, and her happiness at knowing she is indebted for that condescending kindness to Your Majestys appreciation of Mr Disraeli.’ rac a37 72, 78. See 5238&n2.

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Mr Disraeli, at Your Majesty’s feet, offers to Your Majesty his deep gratitude for Your Majesty’s inestimable favor; & for the terms – so gracious & so graceful – / in which Your Majesty has deigned to speak of his efforts, when working under a Sovereign, whom it is, really, a delight to serve.1

5238

to: [M ONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street [Wednesday] 25 November 1868

original: h b/xx/d/115 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Nov. 25 68 The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer a peerage on Mrs Disraeli by the title of Viscountess Beaconsfield.1 Take the necessary steps: I / wish no time to be lost, & that the honor shd. be gazetted, if possible, next Tuesday. Consult Fremantle, who is learned in these matters, & who will be glad to hear it: but / I want the thing kept as close as practicable; so that it should not get into the newspapers before it appears in Gaz:2 D. P.S. / If from form, she must also be created a Baroness, she must be Baroness Hughenden.

5239

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 25 November 1868

original: rac a37 74 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: developement.

Novr. 25 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: without wishing in the slightest degree to press unduly his views upon Yr Majesty, but as a matter of public duty & state wisdom, wishes to call / Yr Majestys gracious attention to the peculiar case of Lord Viscount Gormanston.1 Lord Gormanston is the Premier Viscount of Ireland; the antiquity of his title is more than 8nearly9 400 years; he is a nobleman of high / character & ample estate. But the peculiarity of his position is, that he is a Roman Catholic, & yet is, & always has been, a Conservative – upholding all the Institutions of the Country, the Protestant Church included. His / son, the Honble. Jenico Preston,2 is of the same views, & is not afraid of maintaining them. 1 See 5236&n7. 1 See 5236n7. 2 The Times on 2 December would reprint the announcement, dated 28 November and published on Tuesday 1 December in the London Gazette, that ma had been granted the dignity of ‘Viscountess Beaconsfield, of Beaconsfield, in the county of Buckingham’. 1 See 5235n3. 2 See 5235n2.

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Mr Disraeli has always be looked to this family, in the event of quieter times in Ireland, as one that might exercise a very beneficial influence in that part of Yr Majesty’s dominions. / It is a family greatly looked up to by the old Roman Catholic Aristocracy of Ireland, 8& indeed of England9, with many branches of wh: it is allied, & many of whom sympathise in general political opinion with the Prestons, tho’ they have not, at the present / moment, the courage, like them, to avow, & act upon, their convictions. The ambition of the Premier Viscount of Ireland (1478)3 is that Yr Majesty should deign to create him an English Peer, / & Mr Disraeli humbly submits it to Yr Majesty’s wisdom to decide, whether such a step, on the part of Yr Majesty, would not be encouraging to the Roman Catholic Aristocracy, who, it is known, view / with no satisfaction the democratic developement of feeling, which the Priesthood of Ireland, sanction for their purposes. to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 25 November 1868

original: rac a37 75 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5240

Novr. 25 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He asks Yr Majesty’s permission to prefer the Revd. Robt Twyford Mills, Vicar of Halse, a good & learned man, with £150 pr ann: / & several children, to the Vicarage of Stanford in the Vale, vacant by the promotion of Archdeacon Wordsworth[.]1 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 25 November 1868

original: rac a37 76 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5241

Novr. 25 1868 Mr Disraeli, with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: There are some distinctions, not connected with party politics, wh:, he thinks, deserve Yr Majestys consideration, & ought, perhaps, / to have been brought before Yr Majesty, at an earlier date. Colonel Wood, C.B. Inspector General of the Irish Constabulary: & Colonel Lake, C.B. of Kars, Inspector of the Dublin Metropolitan / Police; have done well in trying times; & it would be most gracious & highly encouraging, were Your Majesty to advance them to K.C.B.1 3 Sir Robert Preston (d 1503), 4th Baron Gormanston, Knight of St George 1472, deputy chancellor of Ireland 1461, deputy chief governor of Ireland 1478 and 1493, had been created Viscount Gormanston in 1478, making it the oldest viscountcy in Ireland. 1 Christopher Wordsworth (4905n5) would be consecrated Bishop of Lincoln on 24 February 1869. Robert Twyford Mills (d 1875), ba 1842 and ma 1844 Magdalen College, Oxford, deacon 1843 and priest 1844, was vicar of Halse, near Taunton, Somerset 1844-74. Crockford’s Clerical Directory for 1870 490. 1 Col John Stewart Wood (1813-1880), appointed inspector-general of the Royal Irish Constabulary in May

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There is, Mr Disraeli believes, one vacancy in / that class, but, he believes, a special statute wo[ul]d be necessary.2 The Lord Lieutenant is anxious to place before Your Majesty the name of Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster, for the companionship of the Bath.3 The inauguration / of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, as a Knight of St. Patrick, this year,4 would seem to call for some special recognition of the services of Ulster; otherwise a distinguished man[.] The / President of the Board of Trade would call Yr Majesty’s gracious attention to the great services of Mr Louis Mallet, C.B. Assistant Secretary of the Board of Trade; in his laborious & skilful negotiation of / the treaty of Commerce with Austria; a most important 8measure9, the success of wh: is mainly to be attributed to Mr Mallet’s patient ability & energy.5 He has also been successfully employed in similar negotiations with other countries. The / President of the Board of Trade is anxious that this gentleman should receive the honor of Knighthood. The se Secy. of State for the Home Department is anxious that Yr Majesty should confer the same distinction on Lt Col: Firth, who / has been the main organiser of the Volunteer force in the North of England.6

5242

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Wednesday] 25 November 1868

original: rac a37 77 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Novr 25 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: In requesting Yr Majesty’s sanction of three pensions, he would observe, with reference to the second: that this is the first time a pension has been / granted by

1865, would become kcb on 19 December 1870. Col Henry Atwell Lake (1808-1881), chief commissioner of Dublin Metropolitan Police, would become kcb on 25 March 1875. Lake, who had gone to Russia as a prisoner of war following the capitulation of Kars in 1855, had written Kars and Our Captivity in Russia (1856). See 5264. 2 See 5251&nn1&2. 3 Sir John Bernard Burke (1814-1892), cb 1868, a barrister (Middle Temple 1839), Ulster King of Arms 1853-92, Kt 1854 and lld (hon) University of Dublin 1862, had collaborated with his father, genealogist John Burke, in compiling numerous works, among them the second (1840) and third (1846) editions of A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Peerages of England, Ireland and Scotland, The Knightage of Great Britain and Ireland (1841) and The Royal Families of England, Scotland, and Wales, with their Descendants, Sovereigns and Subjects (2 vols, 1847 and 1851). He would be succeeded as editor of Burke’s Peerage and Landed Gentry by his fourth son, Ashworth Peter Burke. The announcement of Burke’s cb would appear in the London Gazette on 8 December. 4 See 4792n3. 5 See 5204. For the treaty with Austria, see ix 4196n2. See 5277n3. 6 Charles Henry Firth (1836-1910), of Heckmondwike, near Leeds, a dl and jp for the w Riding of Yorkshire, lieut-comm 1st West Riding Artillery Volunteers, would be knighted by letters patent on 1 December. Shaw 360; Debrett’s Baronetage and Knightage (1879). Hardy had written to d from the home office on the 21st that Firth’s claim had been ‘very much urged upon me & believing that he well deserves that honour, I called to say a word about him but found that you were engaged so did not come up.’ h b/xx/ ha/48.

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Your Majesty to a Parliamentary Reporter, but Mr Disraeli thinks that it is wise, that Yr Majesty shd. graciously recognize this important branch of literary labor. Mr. Neilson was well known to the Prince. He / had the honor of reporting all the Prince’s speeches & addresses, & His Royal Highness highly appreciated Mr. Neilson’s precision & general ability. Mr. Neilson, now in his wane, has been in his time, the most eminent of his profession.1 to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, after Wednesday 25 November 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/383 editorial comment: Written on the front of a cover addressed to ‘The Rt Hon: B. Disraeli | M. Corry.’ Dating: by context; see 5241&n6.

5243

Lt. Col: Firth may be recommended to H.M. for the honor of a knighthood, but some little delay must take place, as H.M. is not inclined to make the distinction common. D. to: GATHORNE HARDY

Downing Street [Thursday] 26 November 1868

original: h h/life publication history: m&b v 94, extract from the fourth paragraph editorial comment: From an incomplete typescript with manuscript heading: ‘To Gathorne Hardy’.

5244

R’t. Hon: Mr. Sec: Hardy. 10, Downing St., Nov. 26. ’68. My dear Hardy, Your letter from Windsor, this instant received, much distresses me.1 ... Every member of the Cabinet ought to be present on Saturday:2 the question before it being, what course we should take in consequence of the result of the General Election? There is a feeling among some of our colleagues, and those not the least influential, that, after all that was said on the subject by several members of the Government, we ought not to remain in our places and meet Parliament as a Ministry.

1 John Finlay Neilson, distinguished parliamentary reporter for The Times, ‘so skilled in his craft that special request was often made by eminent public men that he might be allowed to report their speeches’, would decline a civil list pension when The Times increased his salary. The Phonetic Journal (25 Feb 1882) 86, reprinting from London News. 1 Hardy had written to d from Windsor on this day (26th): ‘I have a summons to a Cabinet on Saturday but hope that my presence may [be] dispensed with. After a good deal of arranging it has been settled that Mowbray & I go for our round to return thanks that day at Oxford & as this involves Heads of Houses to accompany us it is not easy to make a change. I shall be at All Souls College tomorrow so that if you think it imperative that I should come to town I may hear. I am going this morning to Blenheim where Mrs Hardy is. If there is any special subject to be considered a line to Blenheim wd reach me in time to tell the Duke of Marlborough my views.’ h b/xx/ha/49. 2 At cabinet on Saturday the 28th would be d, Cairns, Stanley, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Buckingham, Pakington, Hunt, Lowry-Corry, Richmond, Manners, Wilson Patten and Hardy, who on the 29th would note that ‘We were unanimous in our view of what should be done & shall act upon it next week.’ The Times (30 Nov 1868); Hardy Diary 87. See 5258&n1.

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I am myself not disinclined to adopt this course, which, so far as our Parliamentary position is concerned, has many advantages: on the other hand, unless such a course is timed with some proceeding, which leaves no doubt, in the minds of our friends, in Parliament and the Country, of our determination to stand by our policy on disestablishment, the disastrous effects of such a course may be considerable. But what shall that proceeding be? What form shall it take? Is it possible, that it can take any form? You see at once what grave issues are at stake on Saturday, and I do not think that one of the principal members of the Cabinet should be absent.... I send this by special messenger, so that you should have more time to modify your arrangements at Oxford, provided, on reflection, you think you ought to be present in D.S.3 Ever yours, D. I have a good many despatches but nothing of interest. I

5245

to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street, Thursday [26 November 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/84 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed by Stanley: ‘Mr. Disraeli November 26 1868’.

Thursday Dear S. Difficulties arise – & great ones. Could you call on me this morning & consult? Pray do. Ever | D.

5246

to: CHARLOTTE, BARONESS LIONEL DE ROTHSCHILD Downing Street [Thursday] 26 November 1868 original: roth rfam c/2/12 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

The | Baroness de Rothschild November 26 1868 Dearest Baroness, As you have always taken so kind an interest in us, I should be sorry, if you first learnt, from another, a domestic event, which has occurred under / our roof. Her Majesty has been very graciously pleased to confer a peerage on my wife, who will be known hereafter as Viscountess Beaconsfield.1

3 Hardy would reply on this day (26th): ‘Everything must give way to what is really a peremptory duty & I shall therefore be in London on Saturday ... I am strongly for early resignation if it can take place without injury to the party & so that all necessary proceedings for the change can be legally taken ... There are difficulties but they may be overcome – by arrangement – I will discuss the matter with the Duke here.’ h b/xx/ha/49. 1 See 5236&n7.

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I do not change my / name; remaining nothing but your affectionate friend, | Dizzy2 to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Thursday] 26 November 1868

original: durg [22] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5247

confidential Nov. 26 1868 Genl | Hon: Chas Grey My dear General, After mature deliberation, I have resolved to effect the purpose by a letter to Lord Derby, & I intend to shut myself up tomorrow, / & write it.1 The Cabinet is summoned for Saturday,2 & I hope, & believe, that I shall bring affairs to a conclusion on that day: but, it is probable, from what I learn, that the definitive act will have to be postponed until / the early days of next week, for technical reasons, unnecessary now to dwell on. There will, however, be ample time to arrange everything. Ever yours, | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street, Thursday [26 November 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/124 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘?1868’. Dating: conjectural; see 5236&n7.

5248

Thursday 9 o’ck I think you had better go down to Windsor at once, & talk to Genl Grey about the matter we discussed yesterday. The Genl. spoke to me very fully about it, & repeatedly said, that it / must be accompanied with some public declaration – in some form. What did he mean? And has the Court any traditional mode? You had better ascertain / by tel: first, whether Genl Grey is at Windsor, as he talked of being away for a day, when he came up with me. Sl | D.

2 Charlotte would reply on the 27th from Gunnersbury: ‘It is indeed kind of you amidst gigantic labours and state affairs not to have forgotten the deep interest and warm sympathy with which I must always regard every circumstance that touches you and your admirably devoted wife. May the new Viscountess Beaconsfield live long in brightest health & happiness’. She would also write on that day to ‘Dearest Viscountess Beaconsfield’ that she was ‘privileged to be among the first to offer heartfelt congratulations upon your new honors.’ h d/iii/c/1860-1. 1 See 5249. 2 See 5258&n1.

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5249

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Friday] 27 November 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 94, extract from the fourth paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private Nov 27 1868 Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. My dear Lord, Let me, at least, congratulate you on your victories. They are without precedent, & have, at any rate, saved our honor.1 And / thanks for your kind letter.2 There seems a preponderant opinion in favor of immediate resignation, both as a matter of feeling & a matter of tactics. But such a step cannot be adopted, in my view, unless accompanied / by some simultaneous act, wh: should re-assure & satisfy the party – & the difficulty of such a course, when Parlmt is not sitting, is obvious, if not insurmountable.

1 Two Conservatives had been elected for each of the four Lancashire ridings (n, ne, s, sw), with Gladstone defeated in the sw riding. 2 Derby had written to d from Knowsley (via amanuensis Lady Derby) on the 22nd: ‘On looking over the returns, which are now mostly completed, I am sorry to see that our numbers will not only greatly disappoint your sanguine hopes, but will fall considerably below even more modest anticipations. Even taking the most favourable view of the Elections which are yet to take place, I cannot make out that Gladstone’s majority will be less, and probably more, than a hundred. I am happy to think however that my County at least has done its duty ... We have lost Wigan [Lancs] by sheer mismanagement, and Warrington [Lancs] temporarily by rascality, the Mayor’s poll clerk, who has absconded, having omitted 50 or 60 of [Gilbert] Greenall’s supporters, whose votes appear on the books of both parties ... In the midst of our disasters, let me congratulate you ... on your Speech at your Nomination. It was perfectly suited to the occasion, calm, temperate, and dignified, and a striking contrast to the balderdash & braggadoccio in which Gladstone has been indulging on his stumping tour and which, I am happy to say, has done him more harm than good. The fate of the Government however is, I apprehend, decided; and the only question left is how to fall most gracefully. I have heard a suggestion that you should resign before the Meeting of Parliament, but I think that course would be undignified, and very distasteful to the body of your supporters ... I trust that you will accept an Amendment upon the Address on a vital point as a Notice to quit. Knowing what must be the result, I should strongly advise your framing the Paragraph on the Irish Church, if you can obtain the consent of your Cabinet, in such a way as to invite rather than to evade, an Amendment, and I think this may be effected by holding out the principle of Reform against Abolition, to which Stanley can not object, as it is in entire accordance with his own speech at Lynn. If I am not mistaken, you will find in the preamble to my Church Temporalities Act of 1833 words which may be useful to you, as indicating our motives of action.’ h b/xx/s/505.

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The Cabinet is to meet tomorrow: to / consider, &, perhaps, decide.3 Ever, | D. to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Friday] 27 November 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/85 publication history: m&b v 101, omitting the postscript editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5250

Nov 27 1868 Dear S. She was very much pleased with yr note; & still more, that you were destined to be the Secretary of State, who performed the function. There seemed a dramatic unity & / completeness in the incident; bringing her memory back to old days, wanderings over Buckinghamshire commons, when, instead of a great statesman, you were only a young Under Secy[.]1 Ever | D. I will send in an hour (’tis now copying) the drt of the letter.2 Be most critical in its consideration[.] Pray ask H.M. about the honors you mention. to: CHARLES GREY

original: durg [23] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

General | Hon: Chas Grey

Downing Street [Friday] 27 November 1868

5251

Nov 27 1868

3 For the cabinet, see 5258&n1. Derby would reply from Knowsley on the 28th: ‘I am sorry to find that the prevailing feeling of the Cabinet is in favour of immediate resignation, and that the question will probably be settled today. I wrote to Stanley yesterday, giving my reasons for taking very strongly the opposite view; and I requested him to show you my letter [not found], which I hope he has done, and if he has had no objection, to let the rest of his Colleagues see it also. If you were not certain to be relieved at once from the responsibility of Office, and had to propose a measure on the subject of the Irish Church, I should have acquiesced, reluctantly, in the course now recommended; but as your defeat is certain, I cannot see why a Queen’s Speech should not be framed so as to keep all internal difficulties out of sight. I shall be anxious to hear from Stanley what the decision has been. I have had, as you may suppose, many requests to “use my influence” in favour of applicants for title, office and Church preferment; to one and all of which I have returned an invariable negative.’ He asked d for ‘a favour for one who has made no application for himself ... because I think you have an opportunity of greatly gratifying the Conservatives of this district, who, I think you will acknowledge, have done their duty by you. Mr Edwards[-]Moss, of Roby Hall, in this immediate neighbourhood, is a Gentleman of ample means, with a fair landed property, and an only Son, a fine lad at Eton. He was, and I believe still is, a personal friend of Gladstone’s; and, as a Conservative, supported him at the Election of 1865; but it is hardly too much to say that on the present occasion there is no one to whose influence and indefatigable exertions we owe more of our success in Borough and County than to him ... if you could ... authorize me to offer him [a baronetcy], I am sure that it would be taken as a Compliment by the whole body of the leading Conservatives of this district. I see that you have paid off my old obligation to Smith Child, who has however, on the present occasion, established a new claim. Pray let me be among the first to congratulate “Lady Beaconsfield” on her new Honor. She will, I am sure, receive it as a graceful acknowledgement, on the part of the Crown, of your public services’. h b/xx/s/506. See 5259. 1 Stanley, under-secretary for foreign affairs from May to December 1852, would sign the warrant issuing the patent for ma’s peerage. His ‘note’ has not been found. 2 See 5271&ec.

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My dear General, They were to be civil Knights (K.C.Bs)[.]1 I have just been informed, that, in consequence of the promotion of Sir John Young to / G.C.B.,2 there are now two civil K.C.Bs vacant, so no statute would be required. But I shall, of course, not act upon this without further command. Ever yrs sinly | D.

5252

to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

Downing Street, Friday [27 November 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/116 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: docketed by Corry: ‘Friday Nov 27 viz. Draft of letter to Lord Derby, giving reasons for resignation of the Ministry. M.C.’ and by aes ‘? 1868’.

Consider this drt. very critically, & then come to me.1 D.

5253

to: LORD STANLEY

Friday

Downing Street, Friday [27 November 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/86 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed by Stanley: ‘Will draft letter to Ld D. on course to be pursued. S. Nov. 28.’ Docketed in another hand on the second page: ‘Mr. Disraeli Nov. 28. 1868 Draft of letter to Lord Derby on course to be pursued.’

Friday I was obliged to send the copy to Ld Chanr. This is my rough drt. but you are a brother of the pen, & can make out anything. Be most critical: both as regards conception & expression.1 Ever | D.

5254

to: ARTHUR HELPS

Grosvenor Gate, Saturday 28 November [1868]

original: deb [5] editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.



Grosvenor Gate | Saturday Nov 28.

1 See 5241&nn1-3. Writing to the Queen on this day (27th) about ‘the two proposed K.C.B.s’, Grey suggested she ‘wd. wish to know just whether it was promotion to the Military K.C.B. that was proposed, or the appt. of Civil K.C.B. If the former it shd hardly be done without the concurrence of the Commr in Chief – for other Officers might have a stronger Military Claim’. rac a37 80. 2 Sir John Young, 2nd Bt, kcb 1859, had been made gcb on 13 November. He would be appointed governor-general of Canada in December, assuming office on 2 February 1869. 1 See 5271&ec. 1 See 5271&ec.

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Arthur Helps | Esqr1 My dear Philosopher,2 I shall be ready to see you here, at one o’ck:3 Yrs siny, | D. to: [LORD STANLEY]

Downing Street, Saturday [28 November 1868]

original: dbp Box 12/3/87 publication history: m&b v 95, omitting the first sentence editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Endorsed in another hand on the third page: ‘Mr. Disraeli November 28. 1868 Draft of letter to Lord Derby on course to be pursued.’

5255

Saturday I return you the letter.1 It does not alter my opinion. However, the Cabinet will consider, & decide. If you think it expedient to read it, postpone its / sending until we have ascertained the unbiassed sentiments of our colleagues. D. to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street Saturday [28 November 1868]

5256

original: qua 95 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Unknown catalogue description includes: ‘(watermark 1868)’. Dating: by context; see n2.



Saturday

1 Helps had written to d on this day (28th) from the privy council office: ‘Could you see me if I were to come to your house at one o’clock? The Queen has written a letter to me which I have just received, in which She expresses a wish that I should see you and consult with you about something ... H.M. speaks very warmly of the pleasure it has given her to confer the honour of a peerage on Mrs Disraeli, to whom, or rather to Lady Beaconsfield, for I suppose the patent has been made out by this time, please present my congratulations.’ h b/xxi/h/446. 2 Helps on the 19th had sent d ‘a copy of a book I have just published, for I should not like you not to have one of the earliest copies. If you ever read it, (which I do not think I should advise you to do, as the book is somewhat dull) there are things in it you will find which I fear will not please you. I cannot, however, help sending it to you, as it gives me another opportunity of expressing to you my gratitude for all your kindness.’ h b/xxi/h/445. Most of Helps’s political novel Realmah (2 vols, 1868) is written in dialogue form. The Times on 2 January 1869 would call it ‘a treasury of graceful thoughts and suggestive ideas.’ 3 On 1 December Helps would ask d ‘before quitting office to recommend to Her Majesty to nominate a few Privy Councillors ... whom we can be sure of laying hold of when the Ministers are, for the most part, out of town.’ h b/ix/b/9. 1 Stanley had written to d on this day (28th): ‘The enclosed [not found] came this morning. It is unlucky, but does not alter my views. I cannot see that by appearing to hold on to power to the last, we should improve our position with the party.’ h b/xx/s/840.

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Mr. Kent’s1 order was returned to D.S. Probably in one of M. Corry’s boxes. Perhaps you had better send up another order; but from / what I hear, our opponents will not kiss hands on Monday.2 D.

5257

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street Saturday [28 November 1868]

original: qua 148 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Unknown catalogue description includes: ‘(watermark 1868)’. Dating: by context; see n1.

Saturday The Queen approves of the two Irish Functionaries being made Civil K.C.Bs. provided it is clearly understood, that there are two vacancies & / no statute is required.1 Take steps accordingly | D.

5258

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Saturday 28] November 1868

original: rac a37 81 publication history: m&b v 95, the first two paragraphs; lqv B i 558. editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: the cabinet was on Saturday, not Friday; see n1. Sic: November 27; combated.

November 27 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: The Cabinet is over, & has arrived at the conclusion he wished, tho’ after much criticism, & great apprehension, / that the Conservative party, not only in Parliament, may be offended & alienated.1 Assisted by Lord Stanley, & by the Lord Chancellor, Mr Disraeli successfully combated these fears, & adopted / several suggestions, wh: were made, sensible & ingenious, which are calculated to prevent their occurrence. The Cabinet is very desirous, that the most profound secrecy shd. / be observed, in wh: case, they think, much advantage to their interests may accrue; & they expressed a very strong desire, that, unless absolutely necessary, Mr Disraeli shd. not

1 Possibly prolific writer and journalist Charles Mark Kent (pseud. Mark Rochester) (1823-1902), a barrister (Middle Temple 1859, but never practised) and at this time editor of the Sun (until the paper ceased publication in 1871). Kent had written to Corry on 11 November: ‘I have a communication to you from Lord Vane which I am very desirous to place in your hands at as early a time as may suit your own convenience ... As a friend of Lord Vane’s I trust you will excuse my asking you therefore if you will kindly by one line let me know when and where I may have the chance of seeing you. My one excuse is the urgency of time. By our promise beforehand, that when we meet I will detain you but a very few minutes.’ h b/ xx/a/174. 2 See 5258n3. 1 See 5241&n1 and 5264&n3. 1 See 5244n2. Stanley on this day (28th) would note that ‘all agreed, without one dissentient voice, in the policy of immediate resignation.’ Disraeli, Derby 337.

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go to Windsor 8to night,9 as only one interpretation / tomorrow 8could be placed9 on his visit. Knowing Yr Majesty’s gracious indulgence, wh: he ever experiences, & recollecting Yr Majesty’s considerate telegram, for wh: he humbly thanks Yr Majesty, he ventured to / postpone his visit until the critical day, wh:, with Yr Majesty’s permission, shall be Tuesday.2 Your Majesty may then, if it please Yr Majesty, summon his successor to attend in audience on / the following Wednesday,3 & Mr Disraeli calculates, that Yr Majestys comfort & convenience, ever present to him, will be thus secured. The Cabinet did not approve of an address or a / manifesto addressed to any individual, & finally, after many suggestions, it was agreed, that it shd take the form of the circular addressed, at this period of the year, by the Leader of the House of Commons to his adherents about to assemble.4 to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street [Monday] 30 November 1868

original: rac c32 138 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: embarassed.

5259

Novr. 30 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He encloses a confidential letter received from Ld Derby, from wh: Yr Majesty may gather what has taken place with respect to the resignation of the Ministry. Ld. Derby’s letter to / Ld. Stanley, referred to,1 was drawn up with much elaborateness, & written with all his incisive strength & fire, but if 8it9 failed to convince Ld. Stanley & Mr Disraeli, that the Conservative party would be injured by Yr Majesty’s Government not meeting Parliament, & Mr / Disraeli took upon himself the responsibility of suppressing the letter. Your Majesty has been so gracious & so good to Mr Disraeli on the subject of granting honors, & indeed upon all subjects, that he cannot presume to express any further wish or opinion upon such / matters; but he confesses, that, considering his peculiar relations with Ld Derby, he feels much embarassed by the request contained in the enclosed communication.2 Mr Disraeli by this messenger writes to General Grey to enquire, when it will be convenient to Yr Majesty to receive him tomorrow.3

2 The Queen (whose telegram has not been found) would reply on this day (28th) from Windsor that she ‘quite approves Mr. Disraeli’s not coming down this Evng: – as his doing so cld only have one interpretation.’ h b/xix/a/72. d’s visit to Windsor on Tuesday 1 December was apparently not reported in The Times. See 5264. 3 Gladstone would kiss hands at Windsor on Thursday 3 December, arriving in the afternoon and remaining until 6 pm. The Times (4 Dec 1868). 4 See 5271. 1 For Derby’s two letters, see 5249n3. 2 For Thomas Edwards-Moss, recommended to d by Derby (n1), see 5263&n1. 3 See 5260.

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5260

to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Monday] 30 November 1868

original: durg [24] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Private November 30 1868 General | Honble. Charles Grey My dear General, I reciprocate all your feelings, & shall cherish your friendship, wh: I highly esteem.1 Your conduct to me, during my tenure of office, / has been admirable; &, in quitting my post, it is a consolation to me to know, that Her Majesty has near her a gentleman in whose abilities, experience, judgment, honor & devotion, She may place implicit reliance. / Let me know, when Her Majesty would wish to receive me tomorrow;2 & believe me, Yours sincerely, | B. Disraeli

5261

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE?] Downing Street [before 1 December 1868?] original: qua 146 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Unknown catalogue description includes: ‘(watermark 1868)’. Dating: by context; see n2.

Virginia Edger1 Widow Bute Villas, Stowe Road Hammersmith. Lady Beaconsfield wishes £20 pr annm. to be granted to the 8above person9 from R. Charity Fund.2

5262

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE?]

[London] Tuesday [December 1868]

original: qua 147 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. Unknown catalogue description includes: ‘(watermark 1868)’. Dating: by context; ma had been Lady Beaconsfield since 28 November 1868. Sic: it general.

Private | Tuesday Strange to say, & very provoking – I have mislaid my Banking Book. Examine the drawers of my table, & it general entourage. Its not my / own book (London &

1 This letter from Grey has not been found. 2 See 5264. 1 Virginia Edger, sister of Eliza Gregory (iii 859n4) and ma’s former companion and secretary. 2 Edger would write to ma from Hammersmith on 1 December 1868 at 5 pm: ‘Your most welcome note has only this moment reached here, & it is now too late, to go to Grosvenor Gate. I shall be there tomorrow by 12 o’Clock to receive your orders. What a happy Christmas we shall all spend thro’ your generous goodness! I can never thank you enough.’ h d/iii/c/696. ma had been Lady Beaconsfield since 28 November 1868; see 5238n2.

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West[minste]r) that I have, & my cheque book – but Lady Beaconsfield’s book at Drummonds; tho’ it practically is my own. Let me / hear something about it, if you can. Yrs | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Tuesday [1 December 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/385 editorial comment: Dating: by context: see n2. Sic: Edwards Moss.

5263

Tuesday The Queen approves of a Baronetcy to Mr Edwards Moss of Roby Hall in the County of Lancaster.1 Take immediate steps, so that it may appear / in Friday’s Gazette.2 Telegraph instantly to Lord Derby from me “Approved: make offer; & telegraph answer”[.] / I go to Windsor by one o’ck: train, & if there be a return train at 4, shall come up by it – & to D.S.3 D. to: LORD STANLEY

Downing Street [Tuesday] 1 December 1868

original: dbp Box 12/3/88 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Docketed in another hand on the fifth page: ‘Mr. Disraeli December 1. 1868 ... Mr Edwards Moss will have a Baronetcy.’

5264

Private Decr 1 1868 Right Honorable | Secy. Lord Stanley Dear S. I am going to Windsor now, for the coup de grace.1 There are no civil K.C.Bs 8left.9 I have been obliged to cancel the two I thought I / had obtained for the C.B. heads of the Constaby. & Metrop Police of Ireland,2 finding that Pakington & Corry were compromised by very strong promises in their several respective departments.3

1 Born Thomas Moss, Thomas Edwards-Moss (1811-1890) had assumed the surname Edwards by royal licence in 1855 following his marriage in 1847 to Amy Charlotte Edwards, daughter of Richard Edwards of Roby Hall, Lancashire. He would be created a baronet on 23 December. For Derby’s request, see 5249n3. 2 The announcement, dated 1 December, would appear in the Gazette on Friday the 4th. The Times (5 Dec 1868). 3 d would be at Windsor on the 7th, but newspapers did not report his visit on the 1st. The Times (8 Dec 1868). 1 Grey on 4 December (see 5266n4) would note that on this day (1st) d ‘came down to Windsor ... and tendered his resignation to the Queen. It was accepted, and her Majesty at once wrote to Mr. Gladstone, and directed General Grey to take the letter to him, as he had done in 1866 to Lord Derby’. 2 See 5241&n1. 3 Rear admiral James Craufurd Caffin and vice-admiral Robert Spencer Robinson would be created kcb on 7 December. Haydn 783.

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Sir Ed: Lugard, / War Under Sec for 10 laborious years,4 & Mr. Hamilton, permanent Secy of Treasury, & other members of the civil Service, are pressing for Privy Councillors – but in vain! The Queen will not grant the P.C. as / an honorary distinction. She regrets the precedents of Waddington & even of Hammond.5 Yrs ever | D. I shall call the Cabinet tomorrow at three o’ck: our last.6 I have got the Liverpool result.7

5265

to: QUEEN VICTORIA

Downing Street, Tuesday 1 December 1868

original: rac a37 82 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Colonel.

6 o’ck: Tuesday | December 1 1868 Mr Disraeli with his humble duty to Yr Majesty: He found, on his return to town, a letter from Lord Lonsdale resigning his Lieutenancies for Westmorland & Cumberland.1 This / letter ought to have reached Mr Disraeli yesterday. He will esteem it the greatest, & most gracious, favor, on the part of Yr Majesty, if Yr Majesty will / sanction the appointment to these Lieutenancies of Colonel Lowther, the heir to the estates & titles of the Earl of Lonsdale.2 There is really no proprietor, in either County, / qualified, by family & property, for the posts in question, except the chief of the House of Lowther.

5266

to: LORD DERBY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 2 December 1868

original: dbp Box 146/2 publication history: m&b v 95, the first two paragraphs and part of the third editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Right Honorable | The Earl of Derby | K. G. December 2 1868 My dear Lord, The Cabinet were unanimous on the subject of resignation – not so much from

4 Sir Edward Lugard (1810-1898), kcb 1858, gcb 1867, pc 1871, adjutant-general for the Punjab 1848-9, deputy-adjutant-general 1854-7 and adjutant-general 1857 at Bombay, col 31st Regiment of Foot 1862-81 and col East Surrey Regiment 1881-98, had served with distinction in the Afghan War in 1842 and the Sikh Wars in 1845-9, leading the 2nd Division of Infantry into battle in 1858 to rescue the garrison at Lucknow. He was permanent under-secretary for war 1861-71. 5 Horatio Waddington and Edmund Hammond had been made pc in 1866. 6 See 5266&n1. 7 d’s last word is extremely indistinct. 1 This letter from 2nd Earl Lonsdale has not been found. 2 Henry Lowther (1818-1876), 3rd Earl Lonsdale 1872, 2nd Earl Lonsdale’s nephew, educated at Westminster School, London and Trinity College, Cambridge, mp (c) for w Cumberland 1847-72, had entered the 1st Life Guards in 1841 and retired as captain in 1852. He would become ll of Westmorland and Cumberland on 2 December. The Times (4 Dec 1868).

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any sentimental feeling of personal honor, wh: would / not bear discussion, but from a conviction, that the course was more advantageous for the party.1 I enclose you a copy of the circular, which I propose to forward to every member of / the Party in both houses, & wh: will, of course, appear in all the newspapers.2 I tendered my resignation yesterday:3 General Grey telegraphed to Gladstone in the afternoon to say, that he was the bearer of a letter from the Queen, & / wd. come to Hawarden, or meet him in London.4 I have heard no more. Lord Lonsdale has resigned his two Lieutenancies, & I have obtained them for his heir.5 I hope Lady Derby is well. You know, from experience, what I am going thro’: I find some consolation in your being spared it. Ever, | D. to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Wednesday] 2 December 1868

original: durg [25] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

5267

General | Hon: Chas Grey Decr 2 1868 My dear General, The consequence of our sudden decision, of the wisdom of wh: I never, for a moment, doubt, is some little mischances, & negligences, with wh: I cannot presume to trouble / Her Majesty. But here is a case. The Solicitor General was summoned to Windsor, during the election, to be knighted, but his contest prevented him.1 He mourns the loss of the honor, wh: is much prized in the profession, as / an index of a certain position accomplished. It seems but just, that he shd. receive this honor under the circumstances. May letters patent, therefore, be issued, conferring it upon him? This plan will give Her Majesty no inconvenience.2 Yrs ever, | D.

1 See 5258&n1. 2 See 5271. 3 See 5264&n1. 4 For a lengthy memorandum dated 4 December, in which Grey describes his 1 December visit to Hawarden and his discussions with Gladstone on the formation of the new government, see lqv B i 559-64. 5 See 5265&n2. 1 Solicitor-general Richard Baggallay, defeated at the Hereford City election on 17 November, would thank Corry on the 5th for his note of the 4th and ask him to thank d ‘for his kind communication of Her Majesty’s gracious intention of conferring upon me the honor of Knighthood’. h c/ii/a/130. 2 Grey would reply from Windsor on this day (2nd): ‘The Queen gladly consents to knight the Solicitor Genl – which shd, I suppose, be done at the first Council.’ h b/xix/d/76. Baggallay would be knighted at Windsor 9 December.

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5268

to: LORD STANHOPE

Downing Street [Wednesday] 2 December 1868

original: kcr Stanhope mss 690(7)3 editorial comment: There are identical statements (varying only the salutation) and enclosures to Viscount Galway and William Mitford dated 2 December 1868. not 992C 79; wsro Mitford Archives ms 55 f399A [1].

Downing Street – Decr 2 1868 My Lord, Under existing circumstances, I consider it my duty, on behalf of myself & my colleagues, to forward to you the enclosed statement. I have the honor to remain, Your faithful Servant | B. Disraeli1

5269

to: THE DUKE OF ABERCORN Downing Street [Wednesday] 2 December 1868 original: abc [3] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: embarassing.

confidential Dec 2 1868 His Excellency | The Lord Lieutenant | K.G. My dear Duke of Abercorn, Colonel Patten has confided to you the state of affairs.1 I tendered my resignation to the Queen yesterday, who has accepted it provisionally.2 In the afternoon, General Grey telegraphed / to Mr Gladstone, informing him, that he was the bearer of a letter to him from the Queen, and that he would come on to Hawarden or meet him in London.3 I have heard no more. I feel convinced, that the course we have taken is / the one most conducive to the interests of the party, and most embarassing to our opponents. I enclose you a Circular, wh: I shall address to every member of the Party in both Houses of Parliament.4 I close our political relations with deep regret. They / have always been most satisfactory to me, & I shall ever cherish our friendship. It may be some consolation to you, at a moment wh: must be distressing to all of

1 The enclosure, a two-page printed version of 5271, is in the Stanhope papers: kcr Stanhope mss 690(7)3. 1 Wilson Patten had written to Abercorn on 30 November that in ‘Cabinet on Saturday evening ... it was determined that we should tender our resignations to her Majesty ... & as it is thought to be very desirable that Mr Disraeli should make public an expression of our reasons at the same time with the decision itself, I am requested to ask your Excellency to receive the communication in the strictest confidence until the fact becomes public ... I hope to leave London tomorrow night, & to be in Dublin on Wednesday.’ nipr d623/a/314/29. 2 See 5264&n1. 3 See 5266&n4. 4 See 5268ec&n1.

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us, that your public conduct has obtained the respect & admiration of your country.5 Yours ever, | D.6 to: [MONTAGU CORRY or CHARLES FREMANTLE] [London, Wednesday 2 December 1868]

5270

original: h b/xx/d/387 editorial comment: Docketed in another hand ‘Dec 2/68’.

10 o’ck Let nothing prevent this1 being inserted in the “Globe” of this afternoon. Push on the matter. My letter to the Secy. of State must be dated the day of the Queen’s signified pleasure, wh: was yesterday.2 to: [CONSERVATIVE MPS] Downing Street [Wednesday] 2 December 1868 original: ps 1564 publication history: The Times (3 Dec 1868) and bh (5 Dec 1868), headed ‘The Resignation of the Conservative Government.’; mp (3 Dec 1868), headed ‘Resignation of the Ministry.’ editorial comment: In h are four heavily annotated drafts in d’s hand: two dated ‘Nov. 1868’ addressed to Derby (h b/ix/f/96-7) and two dated 2 December: one headed ‘Conservative Circular’ and the other ‘Conservative 8Ministerial9 Circular’ (h b/ix/f/94-5). The ‘Conservative Circular’ has 10 marginal annotations initialled ‘Ld C.’ (Lord Chancellor, Cairns) and 6 initialled ‘Ld S’ (Stanley).

5271

Downing-street, December 2, 1868. If Parliament were sitting I should not have adopted this course; but as the public acts of a Ministry should not be misunderstood, and as there are no other means of explaining their motives, I have taken the liberty of thus addressing the Conservative members in both Houses of Parliament. When Her Majesty’s Government, in the Spring of this year, were placed in a minority in the House of Commons on the question of Disestablishing the Church in Ireland, they had to consider that the policy proposed had never been submitted to the country, and they believed that the country would not sanction it. They therefore felt it their duty to advise Her Majesty to dissolve Parliament; but to make an appeal to the obsolete Constituency would have been an absurdity, and the candid opinion of the country coincided with that of Parliament, that no course could be satisfactory unless the voices of the enlarged electoral body were ascertained. All means were, therefore, taken by the Ministry to expedite that appeal, and a special statute was passed for the purpose.1 5 See 5016&nn1&2. 6 Abercorn on the 3rd would thank d ‘for the kind terms’ in which he had spoken of his services and assure d ‘of the pleasure I have felt in the friendship with which you have honored me, as well as my sense of how much I owe to your kindness.’ h b/xxi/a/18. 1 Most likely 5271. 2 See 5264&n1. 1 d was resigning before all the elections were concluded, the writs being returnable on 10 December; hence the necessity for a special statute to dissolve Parliament.

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Although the General Election has elicited, in the decision of numerous and vast constituencies, an expression of feeling which, in a remarkable degree, has justified their anticipations, and which, in dealing with the question in controversy, no wise statesman would disregard, it is now clear that the present Administration cannot expect to command the confidence of the newly-elected House of Commons. Under these circumstances, Her Majesty’s Ministers have felt it due to their own honor, and to the policy they support, not to retain office unnecessarily for a single day. They hold it to be more consistent with the attitude they have assumed, and with the convenience of public business at this season, as well as more conducive to the just influence of the Conservative party, at once to tender the resignation of their offices to Her Majesty, rather than to wait for the assembling of a Parliament in which, in the present aspect of affairs, they are sensible that they must be in a minority. In thus acting, Her Majesty’s Government have seen no cause to modify those opinions upon which they deemed it their duty to found their counsel to the Sovereign on the question of the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Church. They remain convinced that the proposition of Mr. Gladstone is wrong in principle, probably impracticable in conduct, and, if practicable, would be disastrous in its effects. While ready at all times to give a fair consideration and willing aid to any plan for the improvement of the Church in Ireland, to the policy which they opposed last Session, rife, as they believe it to be, with many calamities to society and the State, they will continue in whatever position they occupy, to offer an uncompromising resistance. b. disraeli.2

5272

to: JOHN ORMSBY-GORE

Downing Street [Thursday] 3 December 1868

original: iaa [1] publication history: International Autograph Auctions Ltd., online at www.autographauctions. co.uk/; item 500, an image of the first page editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Ormsby Gore [twice].

Confidential Decr 3 1868 J.R. Ormsby Gore | Esqr M.P.1 Dear Ormsby Gore, No one appreciates the services of your family to the Tory party more perfectly than myself; & I personally regard you. But it has never been / in my power to create peers since I have been at the head of affairs. The moment I acceded, I was placed

2 See 5273n6. 1 John Ralph Ormsby-Gore (1816-1876), 1st Baron Harlech 1876, eldest son of William Ormsby-Gore, mp (c) for Carnarvonshire 1837-41 and Shropshire n 1859-76, and a dl of Shropshire. Ormsby-Gore had written at length to d on 30 November requesting a peerage and quoting from an 1867 letter to him from Derby, who had written that although Ormsby-Gore’s family’s political services were well known, he had ‘“obtained the Queen’s sanction to so many Creations”’ that he ‘“must for the present at least abstain from further requests to her”. I hope that you will entertain this request favorably. If I fail in this application it is very unlikely that my brother & I will continue to fight the battle of the party for ourselves.’ h c/i/b/171.

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in a minority in the House of Commons, & it was held, under those circumstances, that I could not advise the Sovereign to exercise / her prerogative. Had I attained a majority, I should have done so immediately, & I had placed your name in the list to be submitted for Her Majestys consideration. But the country has not supported me; & I have been deprived / of the highest gratification of a public man: vizt; showing, in the most significant manner, his sense of the services of his faithful supporters. Yours most faithfully | B. Disraeli to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street [Friday] 4 December 1868

original: durg [26] publication history: m&b v 96-7, the last paragraph editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: suddeness.

5273

General | The Hon: Charles Grey Decr 4 1868 My dear General, Thanks for your kind note just received; & for Her Majesty’s graciousness about the Solr Genl.1 Altho’, if I followed the example, & official precedents, / of my predecessors, I might continue to communicate with the Throne, & humbly recommend the dispensation of patronage & other matters, I feel a delicacy, wh: I cannot / overcome at intruding on Her Majesty directly under existing circumstances; &, therefore, I trust, you will allow me, when necessary, to address yourself. The Lord Lieutenant of / Ireland, & Colonel Wilson Patten, are really in great distress of mind about Sir Thos Larcom. There is no doubt, that this distinguished public servant, when he resigned his office, expressed a hope that Her / Majesty might be advised to confer upon him a mark of the Queen’s favor & approbation of his long, & I may add, inestimable, services, in the form of a Baronetcy.2 Not wishing to mix / this matter up with political & party distinctions, the subject was never brought before me in a formal manner; in some degree, from the inexperience in office, perhaps, of Colonel Patten.3 /

1 See 5267&n1. Grey’s note has not been found. 2 Abercorn had written to d on the 3rd expressing his and Wilson Patten’s anxiety about a baronetcy to reward Sir Thomas Larcom for ‘his great and meritorious services for so many years ... His retirement at this juncture has enabled us to fill his important office with a successor who can be relied on to carry on the business of the Under Secretary for Ireland with judgment, ability, and impartiality, under successive Governments.’ h c/ii/a/128. Sir Thomas Aiskew Larcom (1801-1879), kcb 1860, pc (Ireland) 1868, had studied at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich and in 1820 was commissioned 2nd lieut Royal Engineers, achieving the rank of major-general in 1858. He had worked for many years on the Ordnance Survey in England, Wales and (after 1826) Ireland, becoming a census commissioner in 1841 and accumulating valuable historical information and completing elaborate regional maps. Under his tenure as Irish under-secretary 1853-68, there had been notable reforms to the poor law, medical dispensaries, local government and education stemming from his belief that ‘copious and accurate information was the basis for good science and good government.’ odnb. Larcom would be created a baronet on 24 December. 3 John Wilson Patten had been chief secretary for Ireland only since 29 September.

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Read the Lord Lieutenant’s letter enclosed. Indeed, all yesterday, he was communicating with me by telegraph on the subject. The ViceRoy & Chief Secy. evidently feel that they are in a false position. Perhaps Her / Majesty might in this case mer graciously, &, in this case, mercifully take into consideration the extreme suddeness of the ministerial resignation. Let me add, also, that official difficulties ultimately / prevented the distinction of civil K.C.Bs being conferred, as her Majesty graciously intended, on the Chiefs of the Constabulary & Metrop: Police force of Ireland.4 All that can be explained to them, & is the inevitable result / of the Rules & Statutes of the Order, & the disappointment may be in time repaired. But the case of Sir Thomas Larcom is very different. I will say no more; except humbly hope that Her Majesty may deign to / consider this case.5 Montagu Corry tells me, that he went into the Carlton Club yesterday, wh: was crammed & crowded, as it always is during a ministerial crisis, & that there was only one, & even enthusiastic, opinion / as to the propriety of the course wh: I had taken. This is a great relief to me. Even the malignant “Times”, on second thoughts, finds it wise to approve.6 Yours sincerely, | D.

5274

to: CHARLES GREY

Downing Street, Saturday [5 December 1868]

original: durg [8] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

General | Hon Chas Grey

Saturday

4 See 5241&n1. 5 Grey would reply from Windsor on this day (4th): ‘The Queen readily agrees to Sir Thos. Larcom’s Baronetcy. It appears to H.M. a fitting reward for his long services, irrespective of other considerations. H.M. told me last night to acquaint you with Mr. Gladstone’s having accepted the task of forming a Govt. H:M: is not well versed in the exigencies of Party. But as a change of Govt. was inevitable, & no partial defeat of the New Min[istr]y on re-election, can materially influence the course of events, She sincerely trusts that, as far as possible, you will discourage opposition which, if successful, cd only cause embarrassment & inconvenience to Herself. She knows how securely she can reckon on your devotion. I shd add that this communication is entirely Her own idea, & that neither Mr. Gladstone nor any one else, shall know of her having made it.’ durg [38q]. 6 Under ‘The Resignation of Ministers’, The Times on the 3rd, dismissing d’s resignation as merely a ‘strategic movement’ and ‘the feeble supplement of a gallant career’, had castigated the government for ‘relegating us to a series of manifestoes from Ministers and ex-Ministers, nominally addressed to their supporters, but really intended for general instruction on the motives and events of a great Constitutional crisis.’ On this day (4th) The Times had published a leader on the ministry’s resignation, stating that d had ‘judged it prudent to anticipate disaster by a prompt surrender of his position’, calling his resignation a ‘voluntary abdication’. Another leader praised d as having ‘attained his highest ambition, and how few can boast as much!’ d would ‘live in history’, his ministry bearing ‘the strong impress of his own will and genius ... He has had a great career, he has been bold, brilliant, successful, ... a man of high mark in the reign of Queen Victoria.’ As ‘the acknowledged leader of his party’, d would now ‘sit in his proper place, on the Opposition Bench. He was never before so free to direct the policy of his party ... In his new capacity, the country looks to Mr. Disraeli for something better than mere pertinacious opposition.’ The leader concluded by warning Conservatives that ‘as long as they prevent the settlement of such matters as the Irish Establishment or the religious freedom of the Universities, so long will they condemn themselves to the reprobation of the country, and, consequently, to exclusion from office.’

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My dear General, I have no sort of interest in this matter, except that everything shd. be done properly, & according to custom. Will / you take H. Majestys pleasure on the point? The new Irish Peer has also written to me a fac-simile letter, but I have it not at / hand, & did not like to lose time.1 Yrs sincerely, | D. I will write to you about yr letter of / yesterday.2 to: LORD ABERGAVENNY

Grosvenor Gate [Sunday] 6 December 1868

original: h h/life publication history: Ralph Nevill, ed The Reminiscences of Lady Dorothy Nevill (1906) 72-3, the first paragraph editorial comment: From a ms copy. Sic: ribbend.

5275

The Earl of Abergavenny Grosvenor Gate | Decr. 6. 1868 My dear Nevill, Now that I have nothing to do I may remember my friends and my dearest, among whom you always will count. If I only could have given you a blue ribbend I would have retired from office without a murmur!1 We should then have cut out the old fellow and his mysterious green decoration.2 Flights of pheasants are perpetually arriving here. I believe they all come from Eridge.3 Remember me most kindly to Ly. Abergavenny & Ly. Cicely and kiss immensely for me the twins.4 Ever yrs | D. to: CHARLES FREMANTLE

Downing Street [Sunday] 6 December 1868

original: qua [151] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Chas Fremantle Esqr

5276

Decr 6 1868

1 John McClintock, 1st Baron Rathdonnell, had written to d on 3 December 1868 requesting that his title descend to his late brother’s eldest son; see 5235&n1 and 5276&nn1&2. 2 d’s reply to Grey’s letter of the 4th (5273n5) has not been found. 1 Salisbury would award Abergavenny a kg (whose garter is a broad blue riband) in 1886. 2 According to Lady Dorothy Nevill (ph), ‘The latter paragraph refers to Henry, Lord Abergavenny, made a Knight of the Thistle [a green riband] by George III. Lord Beaconsfield had been much puzzled whilst at Eridge by the frequent occurrence of the St. Andrew’s Cross and the motto Nemo me impune lacessit [No one attacks me with impunity] amongst the decorations of the ceilings and panelling, well knowing that the Nevills had had nothing to do with Scotland. He was quite ignorant of the precedent which formerly decreed that there should always be two English peers holding the Order of the Thistle, and was much interested to learn of such a usage having existed.’ 3 On 2 December ma had recorded receiving ‘4 Pheasants from Eridge – The Earl of Abergavenny’. h acc. 4 Lady Cicely Louisa Nevill (1851-1932), the Abergavennys’ second daughter, in 1872 would marry Gathorne Hardy’s son Charles. For the twins, see 5222n2.

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Dear Fremantle The Queen approves of Ld Rathdonnell’s title being extended to the male issue of his late brother, as expressed in the enclosed.1 / Lose not a moment tomorrow in seeing, that this is all right. And if you have time, write a line to Mr McClintock.2 I suppose Gerard Noel is out of town – but if the / 8new9 Govt don’t kiss hands before Wednesday Thursday,3 we must meet Parliament; & there must be proposers & seconders for Speaker arranged.4 Noel sho[ul]d see Glyn5 immediately about this tomorrow[.]6 D.

5277

to: [CHARLES FREMANTLE]

Downing Street, Monday 7 December 1868

original: qua 98 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper.

Monday 7 Dec | 68 I am summoned to Windsor for my audience of taking leave, & shall not be back till 6 o’ck: when let me hear from / you if necessary.1 Push Larcom’s Bartcy & Lord Rathdonnell’s peerage with limitation 8to his nephew9, as I wrote to you yesterday.2 D.

1 John McClintock (5235n1) had written on 3 December from the Carlton Club to thank d for having recommended him to the Queen ‘to fill the vacant Irish Peerage, by the title of Baron Rathdonnell’ and to ask him to procure the Queen’s permission that his title ‘may descend to any Heirs, the male issue of my late Brother Captain William McClintock Bunbury who for many years past represented the Co. Carlow on Conservative principles ... I am most anxious that the Title might be extended, after my death, to my late brother’s eldest son, to whom my landed property, in several counties in Ireland, will descend, which together with my own in Co. Carlow will form a considerable possession.’ h c/i/a/88a. William McClintock McClintock-Bunbury (1800-1866), a captain in the royal navy, had been mp (c) for co Carlow 1846-52 and 1853-62; his eldest son Thomas Kane McClintock-Bunbury (1848-1929), capt Leicestershire Yeomanry, hon col Sixth Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, high sheriff and ll of co Carlow, president of the Royal Dublin Society 1918-29, would become 2nd Baron Rathdonnell upon his uncle’s death. 2 Replying on the 9th to Corry’s letter of the 7th, McClintock would thank him for informing him of the Queen’s consent ‘to limit the succession to my Brother’s male issue’ and asked him to thank d for ‘his great kindness’. h c/i/a/88b. 3 See 5277n2. 4 The House would meet between 2 and 3 pm on the 10th for the unanimous re-election of the Speaker, John Evelyn Denison, with Sir George Grey as proposer and Spencer Walpole as seconder. Hansard cxciv cols 4-11. See 5281&nn1&2. 5 George Grenfell Glyn (1824-1887), 2nd Baron Wolverton 1873, pc 1873, a partner in the banking firm of Glyn, Hallifax, Mills & Co., mp (l) for Shaftesbury 1857-73, chairman of the Railway Clearing House 187687, joint secretary to the treasury 1868-73, paymaster-general 1880-5 and postmaster-general 1886, was at this time chief whip of the Liberal party. Gerard Noel was parliamentary secretary of the Conservative party. 6 See 5277 and 5281&n1. 1 d would have an audience with the Queen that afternoon (7th). The Times (8 Dec 1868). 2 See 5276&n1.

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to: PHILIP ROSE

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 7 December 1868

original: h r/i/a/222 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘G. Gate’ written in.

5278

P. Rose Esqr G. Gate | Dec 7 1868 My dear Rose, I had hoped to have seen you today, but I am obliged to go to Windsor for my audience of / “taking leave”. I shd. Like to see you at yr. Convenience, to close the acct with Thomson & Co. Yrs | D. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Monday [7 December 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/117 editorial comment: Endorsed in another hand on the first page: ‘Dec 1868 ?6 or 7.’ Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

5279

Monday I have just returned from Windsor, & find no messenger here as I directed, & no news, from you, of Noel.1 Mr Gladstone has fixed his Council for Wednesday. No / member of the late Government to attend, who has not something to give up.2 Let this be made known by Mr. Noel. Mr Baggallay to attend / to be knighted – & Mr Mallet.3 Understand that Mr Gladstone will be installed in D.S. certainly on Thursday morning – therefore all our papers must / be removed at once. D. to: WILLIAM TOWNLEY MITFORD

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 8 December 1868

5280

original: wsro Mitford Archives ms 55 f479a editorial comment: The first page of a circular letter to Conservative mps; see 5276n4.

Grosvenor Gate | Decr 8. 1868 Sir, I have the honor to inform you, that Parliament will meet on Thursday, the 10th: Inst: when the House will proceed to the election of / B. Disraeli

1 See 5276&n4. 2 Cairns, Malmesbury, Hardy, Stanley, Buckingham, Pakington, Northcote and Hunt would go to Windsor on Wednesday the 9th to resign their seals of office at a council at 1 pm; those of the new government would receive them at a council at 2:30 pm, prior to which Gladstone would have an audience with the Queen. The Times (10 Dec 1868). 3 Richard Baggallay and Louis Mallet would be knighted at Windsor on the 9th. The Times (10 Dec 1868).

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5281

to: WILLIAM GLADSTONE

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 8 December 1868

original: bl add mss 44416 ff340 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper. Sic: Wilson-Patten.

Right Honorable | W.E. Gladstone Decr 8 1868 Dear Mr Gladstone, Your letter of the 6th: has only this instant reached me.1 I understand, from my Secretary, that he has seen Mr Glyn this morning, & / that all your arrangements are made for the opening of Parliament.2 I think Wilson-Patten would be a good seconder. I am obliged to you for yr recollection of my wife.3 faithfully yours | B. Disraeli

5282

to: PHILIP ROSE

Grosvenor Gate [Tuesday] 8 December 1868

original: brn [36] editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out and ‘Grosr Gate’ written in.

Private Grosr Gate | Dec 8 1868 Phil: Rose Esqr My dear Rose,1 I have not yet appointed any one to Hughenden, &, therefore, it wd. have been premature to have written to Mr. Bamford.2 / We are, however, inclined to give it to the writer of the enclosed, Prebendary Barnes.3 I wish, therefore, you wd. take the matter in hand.

1 Gladstone had written to d on the 6th from Carlton House Terrace about the ‘arrangements, with a view to the Election of a Speaker, on the part of the Liberal side of the House’, asking d ‘to cooperate in promoting the re-election of Mr Denison. I think of asking either Sir G. Grey or Sir R. Palmer ... to propose him. If it would be agreeable to you to name a Seconder, have the goodness to inform me at your earliest convenience.’ He closed by extending his ‘best compliments, and congratulations’ to ma on her ‘coming Patent’. h b/xxi/g/112. 2 See 5276&nn4&5. 3 Gladstone would reply on the 9th: ‘The Telegraph has just informed me that Col. Wilson Patten cannot come to town. Perhaps you will be good enough to name another gentleman, and ... with a view to the nearness of the occasion, I ought to add, one who is in town.’ h b/xxi/g/113. See 5284. 1 Rose had written to d on the 7th from Victoria Street: ‘Have you forgotten the necessity for some understanding with [Henry Blagden] the new Vicar of Hughenden as to the piece of Glebe land and giving him a Rent charge in Exchange. I write this because I understand that the new Vicar is appointed. If this be so will you kindly let me know that I may set at rest any hopes that might have been entertained by my Cousin Mr Bamford about whom I wrote to you in reply to your invitation.’ h b/xx/r/31. 2 Robert Bamford, ba 1847 and ma 1850 Trinity College, Cambridge, deacon 1848 and priest 1849, curate of Uttexeter 1848-9, Nerbury with Saelston 1849-50, Highworth 1850-4, Abbot’s-Ann 1855-7 and Mickleton 1857-65; vicar of Little Dewchurch, Hereford, 1865. Clergy List (1870). 3 Reginald Henry Barnes (1831-1889), ba 1852, ma 1855 (Christ Church, Oxford), priest 1855, prebendary of Exeter Cathedral 1865, vicar of St Mary Church, Torquay, 1860-9 and of Heavitree, Exeter, 1869. Clergy List (1870). Barnes had written to ma from St Mary Church on the 7th to say he had written to d that day ‘asking for the offer of Hughenden. Will you say that I must give him no needless trouble and that a permission sent through his secretary is all I require for making the necessary arrangements? ... There are certain legal forms necessary for me and the answer to this letter will, I hope, tell me if I should write to the Bishop of Oxford, and his secretary, or if Mr D’Israeli does so.’ h a/vii/e/18.

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If he builds a new room to / the Vicarage, care shd be taken, that it is in keeping with the rest of the structure, & is no eyesore, where there is, at present, a pretty object. Reverting to the original arrangement of a rent-charge, / instead of the small piece of glebe, must be a sinè quâ non. I did mention it, but it will come from you with precision. Yrs ever | D. Perhaps I may see you today? I don’t go now to D.S. to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London] Wednesday [9 December 1868]

original: h b/xx/d/123 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper, imprint crossed out. Dating: by context; see n1.

5283

Wednesday Let me have some news of the H of Commons arrangements tomorrow. Does W. Patten second the Address? And if not, why not? And in that case who is to / be his substitute. It ought to be a County member – but Walpole (Univ:) wd. do. See Glyn, that there may be no mistake[.]1 D. / Send enclosed to Lord Cairns: I have not a box left. Can you learn, with decency, how long newspapers come here, as I want to make my arrangements anent. to: WILLIAM GLADSTONE Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 9 December 1868 original: bl add mss 44416 ff355 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

5284

Right Honorable | W.E. Gladstone Decr 9 1868 Dear Mr Gladstone, I am sorry you have so much trouble, & thro’ me.1 We ought to have veterans. I suggest Walpole: / he is probably in town, but, if not, certainly at Ealing, where a line would reach him from you, 8to night,9 & he would obey it. Yours faithfully | B. Disraeli to: LORD CAIRNS

Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 9 December 1868

original: pro 30/51/1 ff45-6 publication history: m&b iv 414 editorial comment: 10 Downing Street paper. Sic: Entres.

confidential

5285

Grosvenor Gate | Decr 9 1868

1 See 5276&nn4&5 and 5281&nn1-3. 1 See 5281&nn1-3.

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Right Honorable | The Lord Cairns My dear Cairns,1 Entres nous, I greatly dislike our feeble mimickry of “the feast of reason & the flow of soul” of the 18th. Century.2 Ld. Stanhope’s list of the / Club seems our friends, the Grillionites, under another name.3 I have not dined with those gentry for three years; but my recollection of them is extreme dullness; no genuine & general conversation, but a / dozen prigs & bores (generally) whispering to their next door neighbours, over a bad dinner in a dingy room. Not a single thing ever said at Grillions remains in my memory. Nevertheless, as you & I are both candidates for the / Consulship, we must not run counter to the social traditions of the country any more than against any other traditions: so you can tell Ld Stanhope, that I shall feel honored in belonging to so classical & renowned a society, as the Club. Yours ever, | D.

5286

to: CHARLOTTE, BARONESS LIONEL DE ROTHSCHILD [London] Thursday [10 December 1868]

original: roth ral 000/848 editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.

Thursday Dear Baroness, Lady Beaconsfield wishes to know, whether she is right in supposing, that we are engaged to / you on the 13th.?1 A single word of answer will suffice.2 Yrs ever | D.

5287

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff47-8 publication history: m&b v 111.

confidential

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 14 December 1868

Grosr Gate | Dec: 14 | :68

1 Cairns on the 6th had asked d to ‘read the enclosed notes. Shall I say to Lord Stanhope Yes or No? I enclose a list [not found] of “The Club”.’ h b/xx/ca/60. 2 Alexander Pope, Imitations of Horace, ii.1, line 24. 3 d had been elected in February 1865 to the select Grillion’s dining club (founded 1812), which met weekly at Grillion’s Hotel (Albemarle Street) when Parliament was in session. Stanhope appears to be trying to form a club and is sending d a list of prospective members. 1 ma became Lady Beaconsfield 28 November. In 1868 Sunday 13 December is the only possible date for the engagement. 2 Charlotte had written to ma on 7 December 1868 from Gunnersbury requesting ‘the honor & pleasure of seeing you & Mr. Disraeli at dinner on Saturday next’. h d/iii/c/1862.

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Right Honorable | The Lord Cairns Taylor came to me yesterday, much perplexed & alarmed about a conversation, between Colville & yourself, as to the leading in the Lords.1 I told him I had / seen you on the matter, & would see you again, if necessary. He thinks unless we act with some decision, we may injure our position. The Leader in the Lords must be one, who shares my entire confidence, & must act in complete concert / with myself. I do not know, whether Lord Salisbury & myself are even on speaking terms.2 You contemplate making a man leader of a party, of wh: he is not even a member. If we show strength in Parliament & the country, it / is probable, in due time & course, he will join us. If we try to force the result, we shall only subject ourselves to humiliation. Parliament will not virtually meet till the middle of Febry., & you ought to meet it as the leader of the party in the Lords.3 Yrs ever | D.4 to: SIR HENRY EDWARDS Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 16 December 1868 original: mopsik [163]

5288

Sir Henry Edwards | Bart: M.P. Grosvenor Gate | Decr. 16 1868 My dear Edwards, I must first thank you for yr boundless generosity in supplying my table with my favorite bird. If I were, / myself, the Lord of Yorkshire moors, I could not fare or feed more amply or more delicately.1 Then, let me acknowledge yr interesting packet of this morning, wh: I believe contains some prophecies. / Anxious & interesting times await us, but we must not lose heart.2

1 Col Taylor and Lord Colville of Culross. 2 Salisbury, who (as Cranborne) had resigned over the 1867 reform bill (see ix 4338nn1&2), had once famously called d ‘the grain of dirt that clogs the whole machine’ of British politics. ‘The Faction-Fights’ Bentley’s Quarterly Review 1 (1859) 360. 3 In the Lords on 16 February 1869, Cairns would conclude his brief response to the Queen’s speech (read by Hatherley, the Lord Chancellor) with an assurance, on behalf of Conservative members, of ‘a frank and willing co-operation in promoting and expediting the public business.’ Hansard cxciv cols 23-50. 4 Cairns would reply on the 19th from Cromwell Houses: ‘I had a long & friendly talk with S. The result was that he said if I led the H. of L. on our side he wd. give me his cordial & earnest support, & he knew no question we were likely to differ on; & he volunteered at the outset to say it was the right thing for me to do. I have talked the thing over with Malmy twice, & it seems almost to drift into this as a necessity. My. will see Lord D. in Jany; & he, My., will have a dinner on the 10th., & take his leave on that occasion &c. S. said they talked no Politics during the visit at Hatfield of Gladstone & Co.’ h b/xx/ca/61. 1 ma on the 15th had recorded: ‘Carriage of game ... twenty grouse Ld [sic] H Edwards 3/4’. h acc. 2 Edwards had written to d on the 15th from Pye Nest: ‘I have been dreadfully abused by all the Radical papers in the north of England & elsewhere for attacking Gladstone at Beverley, & altho’ I should not wish you to waste a moment in reading my speeches, delivered to my constituents, you will oblige me by casting your eye over the passages I have underlined in the report [not found] I send you by this post & by & bye you will acknowledge I have been a true prophet.’ h b/xxi/e/73.

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Lady Beaconsfield joins me in very kind remembrances to Lady Edwards, & I am ever, / my dear Sir Henry, Yours sincerely, | D.

5289

to: WILLIAM HART DYKE

Grosvenor Gate [Friday] 18 December 1868

original: qua 112 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper. Sic: Perceval.

Private Dec 18 1868 W. Hart Dyke Esqr | M.P. My dear Dyke, I must now begin to prepare for future campaigns, & the first consideration for a General is his staff. He must have those, at his right hand, in whose abilities & / fidelity, he has entire confidence. It is because, in addition to these qualities, you have conciliatory manners & a pleasing address, that I should feel gratified, if I could induce you to assist / Gerard Noel in the management of the party, for wh:, I think, you are particularly qualified. It will, also, be agreeable to myself to have you near me in close & confidential relations. / Let me, therefore, hear from you on this matter at your convenience.1 I beg leave to present my complimts. to Sir Perceval2 & I am sincerely yours | B Disraeli

5290

to: LORD BARRINGTON

original: bl add ms 58210 ff15-16 editorial comment: Grosvenor Gate paper.

Grosvenor Gate [Monday] 21 December 1868

The Lord | Viscount Barrington | M.P. Dec 21 1868 My dear Barrington, Altho’ the business of winding up an administration is, as you know from experience, not a slight one, I cannot leave Town without thanking / you for your kind letter.1 There is no one from whom such an expression of feeling would be more dear to me. I prize your friendship among the Treasures / of my life.

1 Hart Dyke would reply from Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, on the 21st, promising ‘to spare no trouble or exertion on my part to forward the interests of the party. I know that there will be many difficulties to face, but I still say heartily, “Yes” to the proposal which your letter contains.’ h b/xx/d/450. Hart Dyke would be Conservative whip 1868-74. 2 Sir Percyvall Hart Dyke (1799-1875), 6th Bt 1846, William’s father. 1 Barrington had written to d from Cavendish Square on the 6th with ‘praise and thanks for the admirable manner in which you have extricated yourself, and the Tory party, from an untenable position with the greatest dignity’, and assuring d ‘how warmly your resignation, at this momentous juncture, has been approved both by friends and foes. You will thus obtain renewed vigour for your next leap, which our opponents will find, to their cost, has no chance of being made “in the dark”.’ h b/xx/ba/8.

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Lady Beaconsfield unites with me in all the kind thoughts of the season to Lady Barrington,2 & yr circle. Ever yours, | D. to: [MARY ANNE DISRAELI?]

[London, after Monday 21 December 1868]

original: h a/iv/l/32a editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on the cover of a letter dated 21 December 1868 from Baron Stock; see n1.

5291

I have recd. these Matinées, but never opened them. Did you subscribe?1 D. to: PHILIP ROSE

Grosvenor Gate, Wednesday [23 December 1868]

original: h r/i/a/223 editorial comment: Black-edged paper. Docketed in another hand: ‘Dec 23d.1868’.

5292

P. Rose Esqr Wednesday | Grosvenor Gate | ½ past 8.o’ck My dear Rose, This instant heard – my brother James is no more: this morning at three o’ck:1 I am most distressed / what to do, as I am not on terms with my other brother.2 I have always looked to you in this matter, as in most others. If in town, therefore, let me see you.3 Yrs ever | D.

2 Barrington in 1846 had married Isabel Elizabeth Morritt (1828-1898), only child of the late John Morritt, Jr, of Rokeby Hall, co York, and Mary, née Baillie. Peerage (1869). The Barringtons had three daughters. 1 Baron Stock had written to d from Florence on 21 December 1868 on letterhead imprinted ‘MATINÉES ITALIENNES | Revue Artistique & Littéraire | Redacteur en Chef | Bon STOCK’: ‘I have, for several months past, the honour of counting you amongst the subscribers to the Matinées Italiennes ... and you would greatly oblige me by remitting the amount of your subscription viz: £2.5.0, or by authorizing me to draw on you for the same sum.’ h a/iv/l/32. Irish-born Laetitia Marie Wyse Bonaparte (also Marie-Laetitia Bonaparte-Wyse) (1833-1902), granddaughter of Lucien Bonaparte (younger brother of Napoleon), in 1863 had married prominent statesman Urbano Rattazzi (ix 4558n2). An early woman journalist (writing as ‘Baron Stock’), Bonaparte had founded (and contributed to) Les Matinées d’Aix-lesBains (1858), Le Journal du chalet (1863) and Les Matinées Italiennes (1865). She also wrote (as ‘Madame Rattazzi’) numerous plays and novels, and Le rêve d’une ambitieuse. Autobiographie (1868). There is in h a letter, in French, of 6 June 1868 from Bonaparte to d requesting payment of (and enclosing a 15 May 1868 receipt for) 56 francs and 25 centimes for d’s one-year subscription (1 February 1868 to 31 January 1869) to Les Matinées Italiennes. h b/ix/d/26. 1 The Times and mp on 24th, reprinting from the Globe, would announce that James Disraeli had ‘died quite suddenly yesterday morning about 3 o’clock. He had suffered for some months past from frequent attacks of heart disease ... About 3 o’clock in the afternoon [on the 22nd] he left Somerset-house, and he appeared then in good health, but soon after 2 yesterday morning he suffered from an attack of heart disease, which lasted with great severity until his death.’ On the day of James’s funeral (29th), The Times would announce: ‘The vacancy on the Board of Inland Revenue caused by the death of Mr. J. Disraeli will not be filled up, the appointment having been abolished.’ 2 See 5295&n3. 3 Rose would reply on this day (23rd) from Rutland Gate: ‘I am distressed at your intelligence tho’ not surprised. I will be with you in half an hour and have sent to the office for some papers in the interval.’ h r/i/b/124.

465

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5293

to: LORD BEAUCHAMP

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 24 December 1868

original: bcp [37] editorial comment: Black-edged paper. Sic: lossed.

The | Earl Beauchamp Grosvenor Gate | Decr. 24 1868 My dear Beauchamp, I was most distressed at missing to write to you by yesterday’s post – but the death was so sudden,1 everything so unprepared, everybody away, / I finding myself executor without having 8had9 the slightest hint of such an office devolving on me, & having to give orders about everything, & things wh: I least understand & / most dislike – that I was really half disturbed, & lossed the post. Amid sorrow, & such sorry sorrow, one ought 8not9 to dwell upon personal disappointments, but it is a great one, to / Lady Beaconsfield & myself, not to pass our Xmas with friends we so dearly love, as Lady Beauchamp & yourself her lord. Ever | D. I hope my tel: arrived very early yesterday[.]2

5294

to: LORD CAIRNS

original: pro 30/51/1 ff49-50

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 24 December 1868

Right Honorable | The Lord Cairns Grosvenor Gate | Dec 24. 68 My dear Cairns, You have learnt the reason, a sad one, wh: prevented my leaving London yesterday & keeps me in Town.1 Assuming you still intend / starting for Rome on 28th, I mention, that I am at your service here, if you wish to see me.2 Indeed, I shd be glad to con have some conversation, / as I have a strange document to show you, & wh: I must return to him, who lent it me.3 Yrs ever, | D.

5295

to: RALPH DISRAELI

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 24 December 1868

original: h a/i/e/6 editorial comment: Sic: Simmons.

Ralph Disraeli Esqr Grosvenor Gate | Dec. 24. 1868 Dear Ralph, The funeral of our poor brother is fixed for Tuesday next at Hughenden, & I hope you will attend it.1 1 See 5292&n1. 2 ma on the 23rd had recorded: ‘We left G Gate for Madresfield Court Great Malvern on visit to the Earl & Countess of Beauchamp No. Poor James died this morning at three Oclock.’ h acc. 1 See 5292&n1. 2 Cairns on the 19th had informed d that he expected ‘to leave for Rome on the 28th. I suppose you will not be in town before then, but if you should be, pray let me know, & I will go & see you.’ h b/xx/ca/61. 3 Possibly the letter at 5296n1. 1 See 5299.

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A / train will leave Paddington at 10:20 – but I have directed Simmons2 to send you all necessary information on this head.3 Yrs ever | B. Disraeli to: [MONTAGU CORRY]

[London, Thursday 24 December 1868]

original: h b/xiii/68 editorial comment: A note in d’s hand on the envelope of a letter signed ‘M. Skelton’ and dated 24 December 1868.

5296

Is this real? or a pretence for correspondence?1 to: HENRY WHITMORE

original: mopsik [172] editorial comment: Black-edged paper.

Grosvenor Gate [Friday] 25 December 1868

5297

Henry Whitmore Esqr | M.P. Grosvenor Gate | Xmas Day 1868 My dear Whitmore, Your letters1 arrived at a moment when I was absorbed with anxious business, &, since then, I have had little peace. The winding up of a government is a severe labor, & labor wh: is not sustained by the excitement of hope. I greatly rejoiced in your /

2 Most likely undertaker Herbert Simmonds, of High Wycombe; see v 1877n3 (where d also calls him Simmons). 3 Ralph would reply on the 26th from Onslow Square: ‘As you express a wish for me to attend James’ funeral, I will do so, tho’ you cannot be surprised that under all circumstances my being present at Hughenden must be most distasteful to me. You say nothing of his will, so I presume you are aware I know of it. As I never calculated on anything of consequence coming to me or mine from him I am not disappointed, but I candidly confess that I do feel annoyance at the unfeeling way in which my name has been so utterly excluded. Certainly my Brothers have not been to me “Brothers not only in name but in spirit”, as is written in a certain Political Biography.’ h a/i/e/77. Ralph quotes from the penultimate paragraph of d’s Lord George Bentinck. A Political Biography (1852). 1 Skelton (see ec) had written to d from Middlewood Hall, near Sheffield: ‘They who are anticipating, under Mr. Gladstone’s premiership, measures most disastrous to the Irish Church, and to British welfare in general, now turn to you, as their ablest adviser.’ He went on at length with numerous questions regarding the most effective use of petitions to counter Gladstone’s measures. h b/xiii/68. Middlewood Hall had been built in 1810 by Mark Skelton, whose family of steel forgers and merchants owned forges on the River Don. 1 Henry Whitmore had written to d on 3 November from Sunniside, Colebrookdale, ‘disheartened by the intelligence of a recent appointment injurious to my position ... After a Term of 16 years to my Party, during 13 of which I have acted as “Whip”, I am suddenly superseded by the promotion of a Junior to the post to which I had so long naturally aspired, and which I was led to believe would have been offered me. It only remains for me to appeal to you whether I am now to serve under Mr: Noel[,] for in the position in which I am placed it would be impossible for me to do so without some public recognition of Service. Whether you will be pleased to confer upon me a Baronetcy I must leave to you. It is a mark of distinction that would at once remove the sense of slight in the minds of my friends and colleagues, and would strengthen my position in a Borough with which my family has been connected for nearly 3 Centuries.’ h c/ii/a/107. Gerard Noel had been appointed parliamentary secretary to the treasury on 11 November; Whitmore was a lord of the treasury.

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success, & wish that it had been imitated in many other Boroughs. I shd. like to hear something of its causes, as the result, under the circumstances, was peculiar.2 The appointment, to wh: you referred in one of your letters, was a necessity, & one for wh: the inevitable course of circumstances must, I think, have / prepared you. I have always endeavoured to support your first interests, & I will not now dwell upon the causes, wh: have controlled your position. I never, for a moment, contemplated, that you shd. serve in an inferior post, & would have avoided, if possible, altogether making an arrangement, wh: cd. only be for a few weeks, had it not been desirable, & even necessary, to / effect some recognition of Colonel Taylor’s long services.3 In our opposition, some will think our hopeless opposition, you will be free, but you will always possess my regard. I beg you to present my complimts. to Mrs Whitmore,4 & I remain,   Sincerely yours, | D.

5298

to: EDWARD HIGGINS

Grosvenor Gate [Saturday] 26 December 1868

original: qua [47] editorial comment: Black-edged paper. The last sentence is completed on the top of the first page.

The | Rev. Ed. Higgins | A.M. Grosvenor Gate | Dec 26 1868 Dear Higgins, You ought to have heard from me before, but my earliest letter would have hardly given you the earliest information of the great / sorrow, that has befallen us. We were on the point of leaving town for Madresfield for our Xmas, when the sad tidings arrived; to me most unexpected – for, tho’ of late he has been much / suffering, & occasioned me great anxiety, he had, within the last fortnight, apparently quite rallied, paid us a long visit on Sunday in even high spirits, & attended his office the day before his / death.1 He is to be buried at Hughenden.2 I did not ask you to attend his funeral, for I thought it, at this season of the year, too great a tax even on your kind feelings. My only consolation is, that his life was happy, & that I, in some degree, contributed to that happiness.3 With very kind / remembrances to Mrs. Higgins[.]4 Yours sincerely, | D. 2 Whitmore had been re-elected for Bridgnorth (reduced to 1 member) on 19 November, defeating Sir John Dalberg-Acton (l) 548-497. The Times on that day had noted that, aside from Sir John Simeon (l), Lord Edward Howard (l) and Dalberg-Acton were ‘the only members of the Roman Catholic communion who have sought the suffrages of electors in Great Britain.’ 3 Taylor had been appointed chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 7 November (serving until 1 December). 4 Whitmore in 1852 had married Adelaide Anna (d 1899), daughter and co-heir of Francis Darby of Colebrookdale and his wife Hannah (née Grant). 1 See 5292&n1. 2 See 5299. 3 For d’s efforts at securing employment for James, see vi 2402&n9, 2420, 2425&n4 (county treasurership), and vii 3177n3, 3178&n1, 3184&n4, 3185n1, 3186 and 3187n1 (commissioner of excise, board of inland revenue). 4 Georgiana Esther Meredith, an old family friend of the d family, had married Higgins in 1833.

468

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to: MONTAGU CORRY

Grosvenor Gate [Thursday] 31 December 1868

original: h b/xx/d/118 publication history: m&b v 102, extract from the second paragraph; Bradford 286, extract from the last paragraph.

5299

Montagu Corry | Esq Grosvenor Gate | Decr. 31 :68 My dear Montagu, I returned on Tuesday night, as I had intended, but felt so harassed & out of sorts yesterday, that I cd. not answer your letter, tho’ I was very / pleased at its receipt.1 I fear I must remain yet some time in town, for my brother, tho’ he never gave me the slightest hint of his intentions, & I always gave him credit / for very contrary ones, has left made me his executor & residuary legatee: & his affairs are neither slight, nor simple. Altho’, of late years, overwhelmed by disease, he was a man of / vigorous & original mind & great taste – & he has left a collection of French pictures of Louis Quinze period, & bric-bracqueries, very remarkable – & of drawings by modern artists of the highest class.2 After paying off all his mistresses, / there will also be some residue not contemptible.3 The weather cleared for the funeral, tho’ we were obliged to stand on planks in the Church-yard – for modern legislation has expelled us from our family vault / under Mrs Clubbe’s organ.4 Instead of a dry torrent bed, I found the Hughenden waters almost as broad as the Danube, &, round the Island, having actually overflowed into the Park: a marvel in our dry land.5 I am very much harassed about / our old office affairs. It appears, that under the guidance of Fremantle, I have overdrawn the Royal Bounty Fund6 1600£! Unprecedented. If he cd. not keep me straight in this, for what was he appointed? Gladstone

1 Corry’s letter has not been found. 2 James’s London residence, 14 Cromwell Place, would be sold at auction on 17 February 1869 and his ‘elegant Furniture, Plate, Wine, and Effects’ sold on the premises on the 19th and 20th. The Times (21 Jan 1869). 3 Writing to d on the 25th with lengthy details of James’s papers, Philip Rose had discovered ‘evidence that Mrs. Bassett has two Children which are attributed to your Brother.’ An undated 5-page ‘List of Assets & Liabilities’ showed total assets of £13,852.18 and liabilities of £8,550.15, leaving a surplus of £5,302.2.2 which ‘may be augmented’ by payment of a debt owed to James of £3,300 ‘not reckoned amongst the assets’. h a/i/d/34, 37. 4 See viii 3883an2 and 3884&nn1&2. 5 On the two days prior to James’s funeral (on the 29th), violent storms bringing high winds and heavy, continuous rains had caused extensive damage and widespread flooding. The Times (29 Dec 1868); bh (2 Jan 1869). 6 Grants and pensions from the Royal Bounty Fund (founded 1782 by Edmund Burke, abolished 2002) were awarded under the patronage of the prime minister and were administered from Downing Street in total secrecy. The Times on the 24th had announced that ‘just before quitting office’ d had ordered a donation from the fund to be granted to Barbara Wallace Fyfe, recognizing the ‘valuable contributions to literature, general science, and scientific agriculture of her late father, Mr. William Wallace Fyfe.’

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has, of course, commenced a correspondence; how / it will end, I know not – but I can truly say that nothing in my public life has ever vexed me more.7 Yours ever, | D. I send you some stuff; some of wh: must be noticed.

7 Fremantle on 30 December had informed d that Gladstone ‘has had a letter written to me about the over-drawing of the Royal Bounty Fund. I have settled with Foster & with Mr. Gladstone’s Secretary what my answer is to be, subject of course, to your approval ... All Mr. Gladstone appears to want is a statement as to the way in which the overdrawing took place – in order that a record may be made of the circumstances.’ h b/xxi/f/289.

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appendix i

PRE-1868 LETTERS NEWLY FOUND These are letters that properly belong in the previously published volumes, but which came to light or were correctly dated too late for inclusion there. The ‘x’ following a letter number indicates a new letter to be inserted into the sequence following the letter identified by the number only. The ‘r’ following a letter number indicates a letter that now replaces the letter with that number which was previously published in part for reasons stated in the headnote for that letter. The letter thus superseded may, however, still contain extracts from other letters not yet found. no

date

to

place of origin

306x 1240x 1486x 2748x 3268x 3676x 3943r 4161x 4301x 4486x 4584x

[31 jan ’34] 8 apr ’42 [post 15 may ’46] 30 may ’55 1 jan ’59 [28 apr ’62] 31 aug ’64 29 jul ’66 11 jan ’67 2 aug ’67 20 nov ’67

[effingham wilson] [grantley berkeley?] unknown unknown [susanne arethusa gibson] sir stafford northcote lord clanwilliam robert b. harvey george grote lord clanricarde baroness m de rothschild

southend, essex grosvenor gate london london downing street [london] hughenden downing street downing street downing street grosvenor gate

Disraeli_4591_471_(Appendix-I).indd 471

location of original iaa iaa ps ps otr bl jwa ps mopsik din rose

6/5/2014 5:26:44 PM

306 x

to: [EFFINGHAM WILSO N]

Southend, Essex [Friday 31 January 1834]

original: iaa [6] publication history: International Autograph Auctions Ltd., online at www.autographauctions. co.uk/; item 585, an image of the first page editorial comment: Ellipses in iaa online transcription. Recipient: see n1. Dating: postmark is 31 January 1834.

at Sir Francis Sykes Bt. | The Grange | nr. Southend, Essex Sir A MS. novel is in my possession, in which I am much interested, & which appears to me to contain the seeds of popularity. The MS. will only yield two small printed volumes of the size of the first series of “Vivian Grey”.1 The authors, for it is written by two persons, would not consent to its publication unless they sold the copyright, or received a certain / sum in advance ... I am sincere in saying that the work ... is of no common order, and I am anxious, for more than one reason, that you did publish it. I have been explicit as to the terms on which its publication may be undertaken, to save unnecessary correspondence. I shd. feel obliged by your answer by return ...

1240 x

to: [GRAN TL E Y BE RKE LE Y?]

Grosvenor Gate, Friday 8 April 1842

original: iaa [4] publication history: International Autograph Auctions Ltd., online at www.autographauctions. co.uk/; item 325, an image of the first page. editorial comment: Recipient: see n1.

Grosvenor Gate Apl. 8th 42 | Friday My dear Mr Berkeley,1 You were so kind as to promise to dine with us to day, sans façon, which gave Mrs Disraeli & myself great pleasure. / But I am griev’d to say, that I found, on my return home last night, Mrs. Disraeli’s mother so unwell & Mary Anne so unhappy / about her, that she is quite unable to enjoy your company to day; but we do hope that a pleasure delayed is / not lost.2 Yours, my d Sir, | Vy faithflly | B Disraeli

1 A Year at Hartlebury, or The Election, written by d and his sister Sarah, would be published by Saunders & Otley in March 1834 under the pseudonyms ‘Cherry’ and ‘Fair Star’; see i 304n1. d wrote in the same vein (also from The Grange) to publisher Richard Bentley (see i 300) a letter dated ‘[Tuesday 31? December 1833]’ but most likely written at the same time as this letter to publisher and bookseller Effingham Wilson (vi 264xn2). 1 Perhaps George Charles Grantley Fitz Hardinge Berkeley (i 331n7). 2 On 7 April ma had returned from Bradenham with her mother, Eleanor Yate, via a special invalid carriage; see iv 1238n1.

472

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to: UN KN OWN

[London, after Friday 15 May 1846]

original: ps 1566 publication history: Brian Gwozdz Rare Books and Ephemera, Massachusetts, at eBay online (as ‘booksnpaper!’). Item described as signed by ‘D’ and including an image of the first page and part of the second page editorial comment: Dating: by context; see n1.

1486 x

My dear Sir, I returned on Saturday the proof of the Speech I recd. on the preceding Thursday[.] Enclosed is a correct / copy of the speech of the 15th. May.1 D to: UN KN OWN

[London, Wednesday] 30 May 1855

original: ps 1565 publication history: David J. Holmes Autographs (Hamilton, NY) online at www.holmesautographs. com., item 24183, described as: ‘als, 3pp, 8vo, 30 May 1855’ and including an image of the last page editorial comment: Sic: embarassing.

2748 x

My dear Lord, 1000 thanks for yr Memorandum! Yr suggestions are always invaluable to me.... [U] nless there be some great military success, I think the position of the Government, during the evening debates, will be very / embarassing. I have written to Jolliffe to impress upon him the importance of having our troops well in hand.1 Ever yours sincerely | b. disraeli to: [SUSANNE AR ETHUS A GI BSON] Downing Street [Saturday] 1 January 1859

3268 x

original: otr [1] publication history: Librairie d’Otrante (Le Coudray, France), catalogue 6, no 2, item 32. Recipient described as ‘l’homme politique Thomas Milner Gibson.’ editorial comment: C of E paper. Despite catalogue description (ph), d has clearly written ‘Mrs.’

New Year’s Day 1859 It was most kind of you, dear Mrs. Gibson, to remember me on this day. May it bring to you, & yours, years of infinite felicity! B. Disraeli

1 d’s speech at the third reading of the Corn Importation Bill on 15 May 1846 is published in Kebbel i 14472 and Hansard lxxxvi cols 651-77. 1 d’s last extant letter to Sir William Jolliffe at this period is of 19 April 1855 (vi 2743). d would reply at length to Jolliffe’s letter of this day (30th) on 1 June: ‘If our men are steady ... we ought to make great divisions’; see vi 2749&n1. 1 Susanne Arethusa Gibson (iii 878n6), who in 1832 had married mp (l) Thomas Milner Gibson (iii 712n2), was a prominent society hostess and political activist. Guests at her salons included Dickens, Thackeray, Hugo and the ds.

473

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3676 x

to: SIR ST AFFOR D N ORTHCOTE

[London] Monday [28 April 1862]

original: bl add ms 50016 f250/21 editorial comment: Docketed in another hand: ‘Ap 28 Disraeli’. Dating: by context; see nn1&2.

Sir Stafford Northcote | Bart: MP. Monday My dear N. I think it wo[ul]d be advisable, if you have a golden opportunity, to make another parallel, in what will turn out a great siege – but I / shall not be there today. The Lord Mayor wd. not take my refusal of dining with the Commissioners absolutely – but kept my place, & I have / now written to him to say, that I will attend.1 I repeat, however, my opinion, that you shd. make yr advance, if the occasion is good. Whatever / Gladstone may say, he is sure to afford fresh materials for future moves.2 Yrs sincerely, | D.

3943 r

to: LOR D CLANWILL IA M

Hughenden [Wednesday] 31 August 1864

original: jwa [9] publication history: John Wilson Manuscripts (www.manuscripts.co.uk), item 24990 editorial comment: Hughenden paper. Sic: Wycomb.

The | Earl of Clanwilliam Augt 31 1864 My dear Lord, You said you shd. certainly, be hanging about town, or the South, for some little time. Shall you be in our parts during the impending / month? And, if so, may we count on the great pleasure of seeing you on the 26th Septr, here, to stay a few days, & taste the air of the Chiltern / Hills? It will give Mrs Disraeli great pleasure, wh: will be shared by yours sincerely | B. Disraeli Our station High Wycomb; only a short two miles from our gates.1

1 See viii 3677&n4 and, for lord mayor William Rose, viii 3795n1. 2 In the House on this day (28 April 1862), Gladstone would postpone the second reading of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill following a brief exchange with Northcote, who would state that d had told him on the 26th that he had no intention of impeding the second reading but had intended to comment ‘on the general financial position of affairs’. Northcote had not ‘the slightest intention of opposing the passing of the Bill’ and no objection to proceeding with it this evening. Hansard clxvi cols 972-3. See viii 3688n4. 1 See viii 3943&n1.

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to: ROBERT B ATESO N HARVEY Downing Street [Sunday] 29 July 1866 original: ps 1567 publication history: Julian Browning Ltd (www.historicalautographs.co.uk), item 170873835537, described as being ‘about the system of Registration being put “at last, into complete order”, mentioning some of the members of the Registration Committee by name, “putting an end to that absurd £5 system”.’ editorial comment: C of Ex paper. Sic: comity.

4161 x

R.B. Harvey | Esqr M.P. July 29 1866 My dear Colleague, I am sorry to trouble you, amid all yr sorrows, with comity business – but there is no help for it. It has been necessary, / that all arrears shd. be cleared off before they commence their labors. These consist of £ Registration 1863 276 Registration 1864 300. The latter sum was to be supplied, if / my own, to Powell, & I have apprised [five lines hidden by cover] to pay to Mr Powell, or / myself, immediately.1 I must consider what is the best course to take about [the?] balance, wh: is [hidden word] considerable – [as?] there are still £50 unpaid 8subscriptions toward it.9 Yours sincerely, | D. to: GEORGE GROTE Downing Street [Friday] 11 January 1867 original: mopsik [57] editorial comment: 11 Downing Street paper.

4301 x

George Grote Esqr Jany. 11 1867 Dear Mr Grote, It is with the greatest regret, that I find it impossible to be present at the meeting of the Standing Committee tomorrow morning. / I wished to be there, not only on account of the interesting business, but also to show my personal respect for yourself. The bearer of this, my principal Secretary, Mr / Montagu Corry, will convey to you my views on the matter, wh: you will have to discuss. He shares my entire confidence, & you may speak to him without reserve. He / will, also, explain to you, how entirely it is out of my power to be at the Brit: Museum.1 Yrs sincerely, | B. Disraeli

1 See ix 4173. 1 For the long-standing issue of finding additional space for the collections in the British Museum, see ix 3992&n3. The Times on this day (11 January) carried two letters to the editor about building an extension to the Museum.

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4486 x

to: LORD CLAN RI CAR DE Downing Street [Friday] 2 August 1867 original: din [1] editorial comment: C of Ex paper.

The | Marq. Of Clanricarde Aug 2 1867 My dear Lord, I do not like to refuse you anything, but winding up the Session, with morning sittings, makes / deputations almost impossible. Still, I will venture to say, that on Monday, at three o’ck:, here, I shall be at the service of yourself & / your friends. I am sorry to hear, that they continue distressed.1 Yours sincerely, | D.

4584 x

to: BARONE SS MAYE R DE ROTHSCH ILD Grosvenor Gate [Wednesday] 20 November 1867 original: rose [5] editorial comment: C of Ex paper crossed out and ‘G.G.’ written in.

G.G. | Nov 20 1867 Dear Baroness Mayer, I ought to have written to you before, and thanked you for all your kindness. There is a ray of hope now under this roof, / and if she can maintain her strength, all may yet be well. Yours sincerely, | D.

1 d had met on 17 July with Clanricarde and a deputation from the Irish Railway Directors’ Conference; see ix 4142&n2.

476

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appendi x i I

The following is a list of Disraeli’s government of 27 February to 1 December 1868, including some of the permanent office-holders: THE CABINET First Lord of the Treasury Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord President of the Council Lord High Chancellor Lord Privy Seal Secretaries of State   Home Affairs   Foreign Affairs   Colonial Affairs   War   India First Lord of the Admiralty President of the Board of Trade First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings Chief Secretary for Ireland Minister without Portfolio

B. Disraeli pc G.W. Hunt Duke of Marlborough pc Lord Cairns pc Earl of Malmesbury pc G. Hardy pc Lord Stanley pc Duke of Buckingham pc Sir J. Pakington pc Sir S. Northcote pc Lord Mayo pc (Sep 68) H.T. Lowry-Corry pc Duke of Richmond pc Lord J. Manners pc Lord Mayo pc (to Sep 68) S.H. Walpole

CHIEF OFFICERS OF STATE NOT IN CABINET Commander-in-Chief Paymaster-General Quartermaster-General Judge-Advocate-General Attorney-General Solicitor-General   Junior Ministers Chancellor, Duchy of Lancaster Postmaster-General President, Poor Law Board   Parliamentary Secretary Education Lord Lieutenant of Ireland

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Duke of Cambridge pc S. Cave Sir J.H. Grant J.R. Mowbray Sir J. Karslake Sir W. Brett Sir R. Baggallay (16 Sep 68) H. Whitmore Lord C. Hamilton (2 Nov 68) Col J. Wilson Patten Col T.E. Taylor (7 Nov 68) Duke of Montrose Earl of Devon Sir M. Hicks Beach Lord R. Montagu Marquess (later Duke) of Abercorn

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THE PRIVY COUNCIL President Clerk in Ordinary Chief Clerk Vice-President for Education Science and Art Department

Duke of Marlborough A. Helps E.S. Harrison Lord R. Montagu H. Cole THE PRIVY SEAL

Lord Privy Seal   Chief Clerk

Earl of Malmesbury W. Goodwin THE TREASURY

First Lord   Private Secretaries to Disraeli Chancellor of the Exchequer   Parliamentary Secretary   Financial Secretary Assistant (Permanent) Secretary Junior Lords Messengers to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Solicitor

Benjamin Disraeli M. Corry C. Fremantle C.R. Wilson (to Feb 68) G.W. Hunt G.J. Noel (11 Nov 68) G. Sclater-Booth G.A. Hamilton G.J. Noel (to 2 Nov 68) H. Whitmore Sir G. Graham-Montgomery Lord C. Hamilton (2 Nov 68) H. Gabbitas T. Turner J. Greenwood

EXCHEQUER (RECEIPT OF) Comptroller-General Assistant Comptroller Chief Clerk Superintendent, Weights and Measures

Sir W. Dunbar W.G. Anderson H.W. Chisholm H.W. Chisholm

SECRETARIES OF STATE’S OFFICES Home Affairs – Principal Secretary   Under-Secretary   Permanent US   Private Secretary to Liddell Foreign Affairs – Principal Secretary   Under-Secretary   Permanent US    Private Secretary to Hammond   Assistant US Colonial Affairs – Principal Secretary   Under-Secretary   Permanent US   Assistant US    Private Secretary to Elliot War – Principal Secretary   Under-Secretary    Private Secretary to Longford   Permanent US    Private Secretary to Lugard   Assistant US

G. Hardy Sir J. Fergusson Sir M. Hicks Beach (10 Aug 68) A. Liddell E.A. Perceval Lord Stanley pc E.C. Egerton E. Hammond T.H. Sanderson J. Murray Duke of Buckingham C.B. Adderley Sir F.L. Rogers T.F. Elliot H.S. Bryant Sir J. Pakington pc Earl of Longford S.G. Osborne Sir E. Lugard W.R. Buck Capt D. Galton

478

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India – Principal Secretary   Under-Secretary   Permanent US   Assistant Secretary

Sir S. Northcote Lord Clinton H. Merivale J.C. Melvill SCOTLAND

Lord Advocate Solicitor-General

E.S. Gordon J. Millar IRELAND

Lord Lieutenant Lord Chancellor Chief Secretary Attorney-General Solicitor-General

Marquess (later Duke) of Abercorn pc F. Blackburne pc Lord Mayo pc J. Wilson Patten (29 Sep 68) J.T. Ball pc J.T. Ball pc H. Ormsby THE ARMY

Commander of the Forces   Military Secretary    Private Secretary to Foster   Adjutant-General   Quarter-Master-General   Judge-Advocate-General   Chaplain-General   Director-General of Medical Dep

Duke of Cambridge Maj-Gen W.F. Foster Col J. Macdonald Maj-Gen Lord W. Paulet Lieut-Gen Sir J. Hope Grant J.R. Mowbray Rev G.R. Gleig J. Brown Gibson THE NAVY

Admiralty – Lords Commissioners First Secretary Second (Permanent) Secretary Surveyor-General of the Ordnance Hydrographer Astronomer Royal Chief Constructor Civil Departments   Accountant-General   Comptroller   Storekeeper-General   Comptroller of Victualling   Director-General of Medical Dep

Vice-Adm H.J.L. Corry Vice-Adm Sir A. Milne Vice-Adm Sir S.C. Dacres Rear Adm G.H. Seymour Rear Adm Sir J.C. Dalrymple-Hay C. Du Cane F. Stanley (29 Aug 68) H.T. Lowry-Corry pc W.G. Romaine vacant Capt G.H. Richards G.B. Airy E.J. Reed J. Beeby Rear Adm R.S. Robinson R. Dundas C. Richards A. Bryson, MD

COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON EDUCATION President of the Council, Lord Privy Seal, First Lord of the Treasury, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, First Lord of the Admiralty, Chancellor of the Exchequer, President of the Board of Trade, President of the Poor Law Board Vice-President Secretary

Lord R. Montagu R.R.W. Lingen

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President   Private Secretary to Richmond Permanent Secretary Chief of Statistical Department Ass Secr of Commercial Business Ass Secr of Railway Business Ass Secr of Harbour Business Ass Secr of Marine Business Railway Department Inspectors Registrar, Designs Office Registrar, Joint Stock Companies Registrar-General of Seamen

BOARD OF TRADE Duke of Richmond C.L. Peel T.H. Farrer A.W. Fonblanque L. Mallet R. Herbert C.C. Trevor T. Gray Capt Tyler Col Yolland Col F.H. Rich Col Hutchinson W.W. Robertson E. Curzon J.J. Mayo DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Chancellor Vice-Chancellor Attorney-General

Col J. Wilson Patten Col T.E. Taylor (7 Nov 68) W.M. James H.W. West WORKS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS

Commissioner   Secretary   Assistant Secretary Solicitor Architect and Surveyor Surveyor of Works

Lord J. Manners A. Austin G. Russell J. Gardiner J. Pennethorne H.A. Hunt WOODS AND FORESTS

Commissioners Solicitor

C.A. Gore J.K. Howard H. Watson ROYAL MINT

Master Deputy and Comptroller Chief Medallist

T. Graham W.H. Barton L. Wyon POST OFFICE

Postmaster-General   Private Secretary to Montrose Secretary Assistant Secretaries Secretary in Edinburgh Secretary in Dublin

Duke of Montrose J.L. Du Plat Taylor J. Tilley F. Hill F.I. Scudamore F. Abbott G.C. Cornwall BOARD OF CUSTOMS

Commissioners

Sir T.F. Fremantle (chair) F. Goulburn-Grenville (deputy)

480

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Secretary Solicitor

C.L. Berkeley R.W. Grey Col F. Romilly G. Dickins F.J. Hamel BOARD OF INLAND REVENUE

Commissioners   Joint Secretaries

W.H. Stephenson (chair) C.J. Herries (deputy) A. Montgomery H. Roberts Sir A.C. Duff Gordon J. Disraeli T. Sargent W. Corbett POOR LAW BOARD

President Parliamentary Secretary Assistant Secretaries

Earl of Devon Sir M. Hicks Beach W.G. Lumley F. Fletcher REGISTRAR-GENERAL’S OFFICE

Registrar-General Secretary Superintendents Registrar-General for Scotland Registrar-General for Ireland

G. Graham E. Edwards Dr Farr J.T. Hammick W.H.W. Tytheridge W. Clode T.Oakes J. Shoveller W. Pitt Dundas W. Donnelly LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT OFFICE

Secretary (under Home Department) Med Inspector (under Privy Council)

T. Taylor J. Simon STATIONERY OFFICE

Comptroller

W. Rathbone Greg THE QUEEN’S HOUSEHOLD

Hereditary Joint Great Chamberlain   Secretary Hereditary Earl Marshal   Secretary Deputy Earl Marshal Private Secretary to the Queen Lord High Steward   Treasurer   Comptroller   Master of Household   Sec to Board of Green Cloth   Paymaster of Household

Lord Willoughby D’Eresby R. Burrell Duke of Norfolk W.A. Blount Lord E.G.F. Howard Lieut-Gen C. Grey Lord Ossulston Col. P.E. Herbert Viscount Royston Major Sir J.C. Cowell E.M. Browell W. Hampshire

481

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  Hereditary Grand Almoner   Lord High Almoner    Secretary   Sub-Almoner   Clerk of the Closet   Deputy Clerks of the Closet   Dean of the Chapel    Domestic Chaplain    Sub-Dean   Coroner Lord Chamberlain   Vice Chamberlain   Comptroller of Accounts   Keeper of Privy Purse   Lords in Waiting   Extra Lord in Waiting   Grooms in Waiting   Extra Grooms in Waiting   Master of Ceremonies   Poet Laureate   Examiner of Plays   Principal Portrait Painter   Librarian   Capt Gents at Arms   Capt Yeomen of Queen’s Guards Mistress of the Robes   Ladies of the Bedchamber   Extra Ladies   Bedchamber Women

Marquess of Exeter Bishop of Oxford J. Handby R.W. Jelf Bishop of Worcester Rev E.S. Keppel Dean of Westminster Rev Lord W. Russell Bishop of London Dean of Windsor Rev F. Garden W.T. Manning Earl of Bradford Lord C. Hamilton S.C.B. Ponsonby Maj-Gen Sir T.M. Biddulph Viscount Strathallan Viscount Hawarden Lord Bagot Lord Crofton Lord Skelmersdale Lord Raglan Earl of Haddington Lord Torrington Lord Byron (to 3 Mar 68) Sir H. Seton Col J.C. Murray Lieut-Col C.H. Lindsay Rear Adm Sir W. Hoste Lieut-Col M. Sackville-West Lieut-Col W.H.F. Cavendish Col A.F. Liddell Maj-Gen F. Seymour Sir C.A. Murray Lieut W.C. Stirling Gen Sir E. Cust A. Tennyson W.B. Donne Sir G. Hayter B.B. Woodward Marquess of Exeter Earl Cadogan Duchess of Wellington Duchess of Atholl Duchess of Roxburghe Dowager Marchioness of Ely Countess of Caledon Viscountess Clifden Lady Churchill Lady Waterpark Viscountess Jocelyn Dowager Duchess of Norfolk Countess of Mount Edgcumbe Lady Caroline Barrington Viscountess Forbes Mrs George Campbell Viscountess Chewton Lady Hamilton Gordon Lady Codrington Lady Lindsay

482

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  Extra Bedchamber Women   Honorary Bedchamber Woman   Maids of Honour Gold Stick in Waiting Master of the Horse   Chief Equerry and Clerk Marshal   Crown Equerry and Secretary   Equerries in Ordinary   Extra Equerries   Honorary Equerry Master of Buckhounds Hereditary Grand Falconer Physician to Household Physicians Physician in Ordinary Physicians Extraordinary Physician-Accoucheur Surgeons Extraordinary Serjeant-Surgeons Serjeant-Surgeon Extraordinary Apothecaries to the Person

Mrs Robert Bruce Mrs Pratt Lady Augusta Stanley Lady Charlotte Copley Lady Biddulph Lucy Maria Kerr Caroline Fanny Cavendish Emily Sarah Cathcart Horatia Charlotte Stopford Harriet Lepel Phipps Florence Catherine Seymour Mary Louisa Lascelles Flora C.J. Macdonald Lord Gough Earl of Lucan Duke of Beaufort Col Lord A.H. Paget Lieut-Col Sir G.A. Maude Lieut-Gen C. Grey Lord A.C.L. FitzRoy Maj-Gen A.N. Hood Maj-Gen F.H.G. Seymour Maj-Gen Sir T.M. Biddulph D.C. Fitzgerald de Ros Lieut-Col C.T. du Plat Col H.F. Ponsonby Col A.E. Hardinge Col A. Hamilton-Gordon Lord Colville of Culross Duke of St Albans F. Hawkins Sir J. Clark Sir H. Holland Sir W. Jenner P.M. Latham N. Arnott Sir T. Watson Sir C. Locock J. Hilton P.G. Hewett J.M. Arnott R. Quain Sir W. Fergusson C.H. Hawkins J. Paget E.D. Moore C.F. du Pasquier

PRINCE OF WALES’S HOUSEHOLD Groom of the Stole Lords of the Bedchamber   Extra Lord of the Bedchamber Comptroller and Treasurer Grooms of the Bedchamber Equerries

Earl Spencer Viscount Hamilton Lord A. Hervey Earl of Mount Edgcumbe Lieut-Gen Sir W. Knollys C. Lindley Wood A. Temple-Fitzmaurice Maj C. Teesdale Maj G.H. Grey Lieut-Col F.C. Keppel

483

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Private Secretary Honorary Chaplains Physicians in Ordinary Surgeons in Ordinary Surgeon Extraordinary Honorary Physicians Lord Warden of Stannaries Secretary to the Duchy of Cornwall Keeper of Privy Seal Attorney-General

H.W. Fisher Dean of Westminster Rev C. Kingsley Rev H.M. Birch Rev C.F. Tarver Sir W. Jenner E. Sieveking J. Paget G. Pollock J. Minter T.K. Chambers W.H. Acland A. Armstrong Lord Portman J.W. Bateman H.W. Fisher Sir W.J. Alexander

PRINCESS OF WALES’S HOUSEHOLD Chamberlain Ladies of the Bedchamber Bedchamber Women Extra Bedchamber Woman

Lord Harris Marchioness of Carmarthen Countess of Morton Countess of Macclesfield Viscountess Walden Mrs Stonor Mrs W.G. Grey Mrs E. Coke Mrs A. Hardinge Mrs R. Bruce

484

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appe n di x i I I

From The Inner Life of the House of Commons, by William White, Principal Doorkeeper of the House, Justin McCarthy ed, i 1897, repr (with introduction by E.J. Feuchtwanger) 1973, 83-7. March 14, 1868. Thursday, the 5th of March, is now a long time ago; but, nevertheless, the ceremonial of that evening – so interesting, so remarkable – must not be allowed to go unnoticed. First appearances of Prime Ministers – as Prime Ministers – on the Parliamentary stage are not common events; but the first appearance which we have now to chronicle, with all its marvellous circumstances, is not merely uncommon – it is unique. The like of it never occurred before, and will probably never happen again. It has taken many centuries – the whole length of our history, indeed – to get a member of the Jewish race into the position of head of the Government; and it is exceedingly improbable that for centuries to come England will see another member of that race in such a position. And here be it noted that Mr. Disraeli is not a concealed Jew. We have many such in England – men who have changed their names to hide their descent, and we have several of them in the House of Commons. But Mr. Disraeli does not conceal his race. On the contrary, he avows it, and glories in it in all his books. All honour to him therefor. In the life of his father, prefixed to a new edition of “The Curiosities of Literature,” he tells us that the family, whose name was not at first Disraeli, deliberately choose it that they might proclaim to the world that they are of “Israel,” as the name imports. The First Lord of the Treasury signs his name Disraeli. We have his signature now before us, but his father signed D’Israeli. Mr. Disraeli does not belong to the old Jewish religious community. He professes the Christian faith, but he does not allow that he is a “converted Jew.” The Christian religion is, he says, the Jewish religion completed; and, so far from allowing that he is converted to a strange faith, he says that the whole Christian world has been converted to his. And no doubt, if his first position be true – that the Christian religion is the Jewish religion completed – and this no Christian will deny – than [sic] his corollary that the whole Christian world is converted to his faith must be true also, although the whole Christian world, probably, never saw the matter in this light until our present Premier revealed it. Mr. Disraeli, then, did not attempt to conceal his race when he began his political career; on the contrary, he openly avowed that he was a Jew–boasted of the fact, gloried in it; threw down the gauntlet to all other races, asserting that his is superior to them all, and will survive them all. Hear how bravely, defiantly, and even fiercely he trumpets forth his challenge: “Pure races,” he makes Sidonia say in “Coningsby,” “of Caucasus [and he boasts that he is of the purest race of Caucasians] may be persecuted, but cannot be despised, except by the brutal ignorance of some mongrel breed that brandishes fagots and howls extermination, but is itself exterminated without persecution by the irresistible law of nature, which is fatal to curs.” This was written in 1844, when he had been in Parliament seven years. Thus weighted, then, with all the odium attached to the Jewish name – and which, so far from attempting to mitigate, he thus openly defies and treats with scorn – he began his antagonistic struggle with the pride and prejudices of perhaps the most exclusive, the proudest, and the most bigoted aristocracy in the world. What chances were there of even the slightest success? The odds were a million to one against him. There was at the time no speculator, however adventurous, who would have dared to back him against such a field, especially after his well-known and memorable failure in the House of Commons, when he had to sink back in his seat covered with disgrace, and, as men thought, extinguished for ever. And now he is Premier of England, and four Dukes, three Earls, two Lords, two Baronets, and four country gentlemen are in his Cabinet, proud to follow his lead, whilst behind him sits a compact party of gentlemen, most of whom are of the aristocratic class, and all of whom, with few exceptions, are prepared to give him their support!

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Well, on that Thursday evening this conqueror in such a long and desperate struggle, this winner against such tremendous odds, marched into the House. It was exactly twenty-nine minutes past four by the clock when he appeared. There was an imposing array of members to receive him. The floor of the House was crowded, and the galleries were partially occupied. There has been some dispute as to the manner in which the new Premier was received. Some of the papers tell us that his reception was enthusiastic; others, that it was not so enthusiastic as might have been expected. To us the cheers from the Conservative benches seemed to be generous and hearty. Indeed, we do not remember that we ever heard louder cheering at such a time of the evening. We must take the hour and other circumstances into consideration. The time to hear uproarious, long-continued cheering is from eleven to twelve, when the members have dined and wined; you would hardly expect a gentleman to sing a song before dinner, and much less could you expect his friends to join uproariously in a chorus. So the House never gets up its full cheering power till an hour or two after dinner. Then, remember that, important as the appearance of Disraeli in his new character was, there was nothing very exciting in it ... Our opinion is that, considering that there had been no previous exciting struggle, and that it was before dinner, the First Lord’s reception was as enthusiastic as he could expect. But whether his reception was or was not enthusiastic, this one thing is certain – the First Lord of the Treasury himself was not inspired that night. At the commencement of his speech – that part of it in which he eulogised Lord Derby – he dragged heavily, and at times faltered and stumbled. He seemed at once, as we thought, at a loss for ideas and for words; and the eulogy of Lord Derby, in fact, was a failure. When he had cleared this subject he got to be slightly more but never entirely himself. But this is not wonderful. He had to walk very cautiously; like a cat over broken glass, as some one said. Before him was a strong body of Liberals, with necks stretched-out and ears open, to learn what was to be the policy of the new Government; these he must not prematurely rouse to opposition by disclosing a too limited policy. Behind him were his Conservative supporters; he must not excite their fears of a too liberal policy. Once he made a slip; but he quickly recovered himself. “Our domestic policy,” he said, “will be a liberal policy.” Loud cheers from the Opposition greeted this announcement, whilst the Conservatives were silent and glum. Disraeli quickly saw his error; he had alarmed his supporters, and, turning slightly round, he promptly added, “a truly liberal policy;” and thereupon the Conservatives loudly cheered and the Liberals loudly laughed. “Not liberal in the sense in which those Radical fellows understand the words, but truly liberal – that is, as you know, Conservative; eh, gentlemen, you understand!” This seemed to be the meaning of his correction. “I have always held, you know, that conservatism is the true liberal policy.” This was adroitly done...

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rec i p i e n t s , v ol u me T E N

Abercorn, Duke of 4673, 4769, 4953, 5016, 5160, 5165, 5269 Abergavenny, Lord 5069, 5222, 5275 Adderly, Charles 4782 Atholl, Dowager Duchess of 4696 Baker, Arthur 4860 Barrington, Lord 4668, 4690, 4745, 4750, 4755, 5290 Beauchamp, Lord 4662, 4850, 4939, 4973, 5293 Berkeley (?), Grantley 1240x Blewitt, Octavian 4661 Bradford, Lord 4780 Brett, Sir William 5037 Buchanan, Sir Andrew 5184 Buckingham and Chandos, Duke of 4841, 4901, 4956, 4963, 4977, 4978, 4999, 5082, 5156, 5174 Cabinet colleagues, 4721 Cairns, Lord 4704, 4778, 4793, 4808, 4815, 4828, 4843, 4856, 4866, 4877, 4916, 4945, 4948, 4972, 4988, 4998, 5001, 5002, 5038, 5285, 5287, 5294 Cambridge, Duke of 4992 Carrington, Lady 4909 Carrington, Lord 4824, 5061 Chelmsford, Lord 4733, 4754, 4763, 4771, 4774 Chesham, Lady 5051 Christian, Princess 4681 Clanricarde, Lord 4486x Clanwilliam, Lord 3943r Clubbe, Charles 4870 Conservative MPs 4971, 5271 Corry, Henry Lowry- 4697, 4728 Corry, Montagu 4658, 4669, 4674, 4679, 4703, 4722, 4724, 4727, 4748, 4764, 4765, 4766, 4773, 4787, 4862, 4863, 4892, 4899, 4911, 4912, 4925, 4931, 4934, 4944, 4950, 4957, 4961, 4967, 5017, 5018, 5025, 5028, 5031, 5033, 5039, 5041, 5043, 5046, 5049, 5054, 5055, 5059, 5063, 5066, 5070, 5077, 5080, 5092, 5094, 5095, 5099, 5104, 5107, 5110, 5111, 5112, 5117, 5120, 5129, 5131, 5137, 5143, 5144, 5150, 5157, 5161, 5175, 5179, 5185, 5187, 5189, 5191, 5195, 5199, 5203, 5209, 5210, 5213, 5235, 5243, 5248, 5252, 5263, 5270, 5279, 5283, 5296, 5299 Dacres, Sir Sydney 4796 Dartmouth, Lord 4837 Delane, John 4770, 4790 Denison, John Evelyn 4935 Derby, Lord 4653, 4656, 4660, 4664, 4677, 4686, 4687, 4691, 4694, 4699, 4705, 4710, 4718, 4719, 4725, 4729, 4737, 4738, 4746, 4759, 4784, 4799, 4804, 4809, 4811, 4831, 4839, 4865, 4876, 4947, 4958, 5022, 5067, 5098, 5103, 5201, 5215, 5217, 5249, 5266 Disraeli, Mary Anne 4680, 4682, 4683, 4767, 4842, 4889, 4897, 4924, 4929, 4940, 4969, 4993, 5008, 5010, 5015, 5105, 5106, 5108, 5113, 5118, 5121, 5123, 5127, 5128, 5133, 5138, 5140, 5145, 5291 Disraeli, Ralph 5295

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Dyke, William Hart 5289 Edwards, Sir Henry 5021, 5288 Egerton, Edward 4783, 5141 Elcho, Lord 4913 Electors of Bucks 5151 Feilding, William 5178, 5232 Ferrand, William 5050 Foreign Office 5087 Fremantle, Charles 4657, 4670, 4855, 4928, 4986, 4996, 5004, 5012, 5204, 5207, 5220, 5256, 5257, 5261, 5262, 5276, 5277 Gibson, Susanne Arethusa 3268x Gladstone, Sir Thomas 5132 Gladstone, William 4890, 4989, 5281, 5284 Gordon, Alexander Hamilton- 4829 Gore, John Ralph Ormsby- 5272 Gregory, William Henry 4884 Grey, Charles 4689, 4712, 4742, 4743, 4744, 4751, 4752, 4760, 4761, 4792, 4797, 4798, 4802, 4803, 4814, 4826, 4827, 4833, 4943, 5006, 5013, 5147, 5247, 5251, 5260, 5267, 5273, 5274 Grote, George 4301x Halifax, Lord 4709, 4717, 4731 Hammond, Edmund 5030 Hardy, Gathorne 4655, 4700, 4747, 4857, 4881, 4917, 4960, 4968, 4983, 5005, 5007, 5034, 5071, 5083, 5134, 5155, 5244 Harvey, Robert Bateson 4161x, 5181 Harvey, Robert John 5182 Helps, Arthur 4663, 5254 Hesketh, Sir Thomas Fermor- 5190 Hicks Beach, Sir Michael 4810, 5044 Higgins, Edward 5298 Holmesdale, Lord 5047 Hunt, George Ward 4836, 4859, 5148, 5225 Hylton, Lord 4975, 4995 Johnson, Reverdy 5056 Johnston, William 5068 Lambert, John 5052 Lechmere, Sir Edmund 5048 Lennox, Lord Henry 5074, 5154 Loftus, Lord Augustus 4652 Long, Richard Penruddocke 5216, 5234 Lonsdale, Lord 4946, 4981, 5023, 5171, 5079 Lytton, Lord 4962 Mackinnon, William 4879 Malmesbury, Lord 4777, 4984, 5078, 5101 Manners, Lord John 5115 Manning, Henry 4735, 4819 Marchand, Nestor 5205 Marlborough, Duke of 4675, 4692, 4734, 4762, 4915, 4941, 4955 Mathew, George Buckley 5170 Maunsell, Henry 4666 May, Sir Thomas Erskine 4990, 4991 Mayo, Lord 4654, 4714, 4740, 4853, 4874, 4927, 5026, 5090, 5102, 5125, 5158 Mitford, William Townley 5280 Montagu, Andrew 5114 Montagu, Lord Robert 4768 Napier, Sir Robert (Lord Napier of Magdala) 4987 Nevill, Lady Dorothy 4659 Newdegate, Charles 4949 Northcote, Sir Stafford 3676x, 4671, 4854, 4936, 4954, 5084, 5100, 5149, 5229 Northumberland, Duke of 4872, 4882, 4888, 4896 Ormonde, Lord 5169

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Padwick, Henry 5029, 5042, 5053 Press 5062 Richmond, Duke of 4908 Rose, Philip 4665, 4667, 4785, 4834, 4932, 4997, 5009, 5027, 5058, 5072, 5091, 5096 5164, 5180, 5183, 5221, 5230, 5278, 5282, 5292 Rosebery, Lord 5124 Rothschild, Sir Anthony de 4825 Rothschild, Charlotte, Baroness Lionel de 4749, 5246, 5286 Rothschild, Baron Lionel de 4844 Rothschild, Baroness Mayer de 4584x Shaftesbury, Lord 4982 Smith, John Benjamin 4715 Spofforth, Markham 4871, 4966 Stanhope, Lady 5011, 5173 Stanhope, Lord 4708, 5268 Stanley, Lord 4672, 4693, 4698, 4702, 4736, 4741, 4753, 4758, 4801, 4817, 4823, 4858, 4867, 4873, 4880, 4883, 4887, 4965, 4974, 4979, 5020, 5032, 5045, 5065, 5073, 5081, 5093, 5097, 5116, 5136, 5168, 5186, 5197, 5202, 5208, 5211, 5223, 5245, 5250, 5253, 5264 Stracey, Sir Henry 4864 Tait, Archibald 5214 Tennyson, Alfred 4868 Thwaites, Sir John 4818 Unknown 1486x, 2748x, 4922, 5076 Victoria, Queen 4678, 4684, 4685, 4688, 4695, 4701, 4706, 4707, 4711, 4716, 4720, 4723, 4726, 4730, 4732, 4739, 4756, 4757, 4772, 4775, 4776, 4786, 4788, 4789, 4791, 4795, 4800, 4805, 4806, 4807, 4812, 4813, 4816, 4820, 4821, 4822, 4830, 4832, 4835, 4838, 4840, 4845, 4846, 4847, 4849, 4851, 4852, 4861, 4875, 4878, 4885, 4886, 4891, 4893, 4894, 4895, 4900, 4902, 4903, 4904, 4905, 4906, 4907, 4910, 4914, 4918, 4919, 4920, 4921, 4923, 4926, 4930, 4933, 4937, 4938, 4942, 4951, 4952, 4959, 4964, 4970, 4976, 4980, 4985, 4994, 5000, 5003, 5019, 5024, 5035, 5036, 5040, 5057, 5064, 5075, 5085, 5088, 5089, 5109, 5119, 5122, 5130, 5135, 5139, 5142, 5146, 5152, 5153, 5159, 5162, 5163, 5166, 5167, 5172, 5176, 5177, 5188, 5192, 5193, 5194, 5196, 5198, 5200, 5206, 5212, 5218, 5219, 5224, 5226, 5227, 5228, 5231, 5233, 5235, 5236, 5237, 5239, 5240, 5241, 5242, 5258, 5259, 5265 Walpole, Spencer 4713 Walter, John 4794 Waterford, Lord 5060 Wellington, Duchess of 4779 Wellington, Duke of 4898, 5014 Whitmore, Henry 4781, 5297 Wilberforce, Samuel 4869, 5086, 5126 Wilson, Charles Rivers 4676 Wilson, Effingham 306x Wynter, Philip 4848

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i nde x t o v o l ume T E N

The references in this index are to letter numbers; bolded numbers denote main notes for persons; numbers ending in ‘x’, ‘xa’ , or ‘r’ refer to letters in appendix i unless preceded by a roman numeral denoting a previous volume. Abbott, Charles S.A. 4867n2 Abercorn, Duchess of (1st Duke) viii 3780n1, 5019n5 Abercorn, 1st Duke of v 2063n8, 4653n1, 4654n6, 4673&n1, 4712&n6, 4769&n1, 4775&n8, 4827&nn3&6, 4861&n3, 4874n1, 4953, 4996n2, 5016&nn1&2, 5019&n5, 5099&n2, 5102&nn2&3, 5125&n2, 5158&n2, 5160, 5269&nn1&4&6, 5273&n2; proposed royal visit 4791&nn1&3, 4792&nn1&2, 4797&n2, 4799&n7; ‘six inches taller’ 5022&n8; son’s ‘considerable promise’ 5163&n4; ‘Deanery of Cork’ 5165&n4 Aberdeen 5107, 5120&n8 Aberdeen, 4th Earl of i 173n1, 4829n1, 5076&n1 Abergavenny, Countess of (5th Earl; Marchioness of Abergavenny 1876) 5069&nn2&3, 5222&n2, 5275&n4 Abergavenny, 2nd Earl of 5275n2 Abergavenny, 4th Earl of 5069n1 Abergavenny, 5th Earl of (Marquess of Abergavenny 1876) viii 3969n1, 4960, 5069&nn1–3, 5077&n1, 5117n8, 5126n3, 5142n1, 5171n1, 5222&n2, 5275&nn1–4 Abergeldie Castle 5127&nn1&3 Abyssinia 4695&n3, 4746, 4757, 4903, 5003, 5056n3 Abyssinian Expedition 4653&nn7&8, 4668n2, 4672n7, 4736n3, 4875n8, 4890&nn2&3, 4947n1, 4951, 4952&n4, 4955&n1, 4961, 4987n1, 5150&n2 Act of Union (1800) 4851n4 Acton, Sir John Dalberg-, 8th Bt (1st Baron Acton 1869) vii 3348n9, 5297n2 Adalbert, Prince of Prussia 4892&n1 Adams, Charles Francis 4789n1, 4965ec&n1 Adams, John Quincy 4965n1 Adderley, Charles Bowyer (Baron Norton 1878) v 1931n1, 4782&n1, 4895&n3, 4999n1 Adelphi Terrace 4911

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Admiralty 5078&n5 Afghanistan 5097n1, 5100&n1, 5108n1 Agar, Herbert 4799n7 Airy, George Biddell 4706&nn1&4, 4708, 4709 Alabama (ship) 4653&n4, 4789&n1, 4801&n4, 4817&n2, 4885n3, 5045n10, 5073&n3, 5098n3, 5202ec&n1 Albany Club 5113 Albert, Prince iii 1031n3, 4663nn1&2, 4689, 4791n2, 5242; memorial 4923&n1; physician 4952n6; inspectors of factories 4982n2; birthday a ‘dear & sad day’ 5064n1; picture in locket 5108n5; chaplain 5109n1; gardens at Balmoral 5118n2; estate in Scotland 5127n3; photographer 5133n1; ‘whole length portrait’ 5138; ‘that gifted being’ 5139&n1 Albert Edward, Prince of Wales v 1995n4, 4791&nn1&3, 4792&nn1–3&5, 4797n2, 4799&n7, 4803, 4812&n1, 4814n2, 4826&n4, 4827&ec&nn3–5&7, 4829&n2, 4847n1, 4853n2, 4861&n1, 4862, 4874&nn1&4, 4885n4, 4911n1, 4913n1, 4935n3, 4943, 4952n6, 5016n1, 5019, 5019n1, 5022, 5085, 5113, 5123n2, 5123n4, 5127&n3, 5129n4, 5166n1, 5174n3; dinner for Napier 5005&nn2&3; Knight of St Patrick 5241 Albert Memorial 4923&n1 Albrecht, Archduke of Austria 5153n1 Alemayehu, Prince of Abyssinia 5003&n9 Alexander, Claud 5117n8 Alexander, William (Bishop of Derry and Raphoe) 4653n1 Alexander ii, Emperor of Russia iii 770n9, 5085nn1&2 Alexandra, Princess of Wales viii 3774n3, 4791n1, 4812&n1, 4814&n2, 4827&nn5&7, 4829&n2, 4853n2, 4874n1, 4913n1, 4985n1, 4989n1, 5123n2, 5123n4, 5166n1 Alfred, Prince. See Edinburgh, Duke of

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Alice, Princess of Hesse vii 3352n5, 5015&n2, 5089n9 Allen, Ralph Shuttleworth 4975&n1, 4995, 5006&n5 Allen, William Ferneley (Lord Mayor of London) 4918n6, 5165, 5185&n3 All Souls College, Oxford 4905&n7, 5159&n1, 5177 Amadeus, Prince of Italy 5153n1 Andalusia 5130&n3 Andover 5212&n8, 5219 Anne, Queen 4860 Annesley Bay 4668&n2, 4669, 4671 Annual Register 5094&n3 Apis 4690&n3 Apollo 4858n2 Apsley House 4891&n2 Argyll, 8th Duke of ix 4478n4, 4720, 4947n1, 5108n1 Arkwright, Richard 5098n2, 5173n3, 5199n1 Armstrong gun 4890&n4 Army: purchase system and double government 4933&nn6&7 Arnold, Matthew 5089n4 Arnold, Thomas 5089n4 Arran, Isle of 5054&n7 Arrow (ship) 5203n4 Arthur, Prince (1st Duke of Connaught and Strathearn and Earl of Sussex 1874) ix 4417n2, 4682&n1, 4791n3, 4803&n1, 4852n2, 5015&n3 Arundell, George Monckton (7th Viscount Galway 1876; Baron Monckton 1887) vi 2490n4, 5185&n4 Ashton-under-Lyne 4922&n1 Association of Foreign Bondholders 4834&n2 Atholl, Dowager Duchess of (6th Duke) 4696&n1, 4766&n1, 4767, 4776n8 Atholl, 6th Duke of 4696n1, 4766n1, 4816&n2, 4838, 4847n1 Atholl, 7th Duke of 4800&n3, 4804&n5 Atlay, James (Bishop of Hereford) 4804n4, 4886n1, 4905&n2, 4978&n3, 5075&n4, 5089&n6, 5159n1 Auckland, 2nd Baron (later 1st Earl of) i 126n13, 5108n1 Australia 5156&n3, 5167&n1; governor 5036, 5055nn1–3 Austria 5225nn1&2, 5241&n5 Austro-Prussian War (1866) 5015n2 Aylesbury 5049, 5126n1 Ayrshire 5000&n2 Ayrton, Acton Smee ix 4157n2, 4726&n2, 4881, 4910&n5, 5226n2 Aytoun, Roger Sinclair 4914&nn2&3 Azeglio, Marchese d’ v 2198n1, 4693&n2 Babbacombe Bay 4696&n3 Baggallay, Sir Richard ix 4140n5, 4690&nn2&6, 4778&nn1&3, 4918n6, 5038n1, 5088&n5, 5267&nn1&2, 5279&n3 Bagwell, John 4726&n4

Bailey, Joseph, Jr 5189n2 Baines, Edward, Jr (Kt 1880) vi 2522n1, 5126n3 Baker, Arthur v 1830n1, 4860&n3 Baker, Robert 4657n1, 4982&nn1&2&3 Ball, John Thomas 5158&n2, 5165n4 Ballater 5108&n3 Balliol College, Oxford 4847&n3 Balme, Matthew 4982n3 Balmoral 4910, 4933&n1, 4938, 4941&n3, 4951&n9, 5013&n2, 5030&n2, 5084&n4, 5091, 5098, 5108&nn3&5, 5123, 5127&n1, 5154, 5155&nn1&2&4, 5176, 5194, 5201, 5219; d’s description of 5107, 5113, 5118&n2, 5127&nn1&7; ‘kindness of’ 5120; deer forest 5133&n1; photographs 5138&n5 Baltimore 5075 Bamford, Robert 5282&nn1&2 Bank Holidays Bill (1868) 4739n1 Bankruptcy Acts Repeal Bill (1868) 4719&n4 Barbet, Stephen 4868n2 Bardsley, James 5083&nn1&2 Baring, Thomas ii 688n7, 4706&nn1&7, 4708, 4709, 4965&ec&n1 Barker, Mr 5014n1 Barkly, Sir Henry 5156&n3 Barnard, Jane 4776&nn7&8 Barnes, Reginald Henry 5282&n3 Barnes, Thomas 5227n4 Barrington, Misses 5290n2 Barrington, 7th Viscount (Baron 1880) v 1855n2, 4668&nn1&3, 4676n5, 4677&n8, 4686n13, 4691n1, 4737, 4738&nn4&9, 4745&n1, 4750&n2, 4766n2, 4799n7, 4804, 5080n2, 5101n4, 5290&nn1&2; Derby’s amanuensis 4690&nn1&2&5; suggests a reconciliation 4755&n1 Barrington, Viscountess (7th Viscount) 5290&n2 Barrow, John 4661n3 Basevi, George 5017n1 Basevi family 4860n3 Bashan (Bible) 5103 Bashford, Mr 5120n11 Baskerville, T.B.M. 5189n2 Bassett, Mrs 5299n3 Bateman, 2nd Baron v 1925n2, 5199&n1 Bateson, Sir Thomas, 2nd Bt v 1779n5, 5098n2 Bath 4995 Baxter, Rose and Norton 5039n1, 5199 Baxter, William Edward ix 4445n2, 4732n2, 4881, 4929n1, 4941n2 Baynard, Lord. See Fitzwalter, 1st Baron Baynes, Sir William 4918n6 Bayning, 3rd Baron 5212n2 Bazley, Thomas 5226n3 Beach, Sir Michael Hicks, 9th Bt (1st Earl St Aldwyn 1915) ix 4379n4, 4766n2, 4810&n3, 5034&n1, 5036&n2, 5043n1, 5044, 5045, 5046&n3, 5052n2, 5067, 5071, 5224n4 Beaconsfield, Viscountess. See Disraeli, Mary Anne

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Beatrice, Princess viii 3557n1, 5127n1 Beauchamp, Countess (6th Earl) ix 4069n4, 4662&n1, 4664, 4850, 4911n3, 4939, 5293&n2 Beauchamp, 6th Earl vii 3199n1, 4662&nn1&2, 4664, 4850&n1, 4973, 5011n2, 5048n2, 5293&n2; ‘best friend’ 4939 Beaufort, 8th Duke of vi 2237n4, 4653n1, 4687n5 Beaumont, Joseph 4994n2 Beckett, Edmund. See Denison, Edmund, Sr Beckett family 5058n3 Beckles, Edward Hyndman (Bishop of Sierra Leone) 4684&n2 Bedford, 6th Duke of 4705n2 Bedford, 7th Duke of i 288n2, 4705n2 Bedford, 8th Duke of 5045&n7 Beijing (Pekin) 4961 Bell, Charles 5226n18 Bellamys 5017 Belmore, 4th Earl of 4892n2, 5156&n3 Belvoir Castle 5040&n5 Bengal 4695 Bennett, John Marshland 5024&n2, 5033&nn2&3 Bentinck, George A.F. Cavendish vi 2513n1, 5226n17 Bentinck, George iii 784n3, 4766n2 Bentinck, Lord George iii 784n2, 5000n2 Bentinck family 5000&n2 Bentley, Richard i 71n1, 306xn1 Beresford, Lord Charles William de la Poer 5060&n4 Beresford, Lord Delaval James de la Poer 5060&n4 Beresford, Lord Marcus Talbot de la Poer 5060&n4 Beresford, Lord William Leslie de la Poer 5060&n4 Berkeley, Grantley i 331n7, 1240x&n1 Berkshire 4871 Berlin 4880&n1, 4883&nn2&3 Bernard, Montagu 4867n2 Bernstorff, Count Albrecht von vi 2664n3, 4682n2, 4880n3, 4883 Bernstorff, Countess vi 2664n3, 4682n2 Beust, Count Friedrich von viii 3923n3, 5135&n1, 5202n1 Beverley, William 5058n3 Bickersteth, Edward viii 3505n6, 4871&n3 Bickersteth, Robert (Bishop of Ripon) 5040n1 Biddulph, Lady (Sir Thomas) 4767n2 Biddulph, Sir Thomas 4697n3, 4767n2, 4826n4, 4827&nn4&7, 5036n2, 5040n6, 5057n3, 5067n3, 5085&n1, 5088, 5129&n4, 5134&n3, 5138 Big Ben (bell) 5058n3 Bingham, Lord (4th Earl of Lucan 1888) ix 4135n4, 5026n2 Birch, Henry Mildred v 1995n4, 4847&nn1&4, 4951&n7

Birkenhead 5226&n11 Birkhall 5127&n3 Birley, Hugh 5226n3 Birmingham 4886&n3, 5196 Birmingham Daily Post 4770n1 Bismarck, Otto Eduard Leopold von (Prince Bismarck 1871) ix 4182n3, 4652, 4672n1, 4817&n3, 4880&n1, 4887, 5116nn1&2, 5136n1 Blackall, Samuel 5055n2 Blackburn 5194&n4, 5226&n10 Blackburn, Colin (Baron Blackburn of Killearn 1876) 4733n2 Blagden, Henry 5282n1 Blake, Thomas Jex- 5003n9 Blandford, Marquess of. See Marlborough, 7th Duke of Blane, Seymour John (3rd Bt 1869) 5149&n3 Blane, Sir Hugh Seymour, 2nd Bt 5149n3 Blewitt, Octavian vii 1405xn1, 4661&nn1&2, 4911&nn1–3 Blue Gown (horse) 4944n6 the Bodleian 5109n4 Bolton 5194&n4, 5227&n4 Bonaparte, Laetitia Marie Wyse 5291ec&n1 Bonaparte, Lucien i 283n8, 5291n1 Bond Street 5126 Booth, George Sclater- (1st Baron Basing 1887) 4775&n3, 4810&n1, 5043n1 Bosbury House 5189&n1 Boundary Bill (1868) 4923n1, 4948&n2, 4958&nn1&2, 4959&n1, 4976&n1, 4984n1 Boundary Commission (Ireland) 4794, 4853&n1, 4884&n1 Bourke, Henry Lorton 5079&nn1&2 Bourke, Robert 5223n3 the Bourse 4883&n2 Bouverie, Edward Pleydell vii 3088n4, 4759n3, 4788&nn2&3, 4910&n5, 4929n1 Bovill, William viii 3837n6, 5038n3 Bowater, Louisa Mary (Knightley 1869) 5015&n4 Bowater, Sir Edward 5015n4 Boxall, William 4668n1 Brabant, Duke of 5073n4 Bradford, 3rd Earl of iv 1307n5, 4687n5, 4777n2, 4780&n2, 5006n2 Bradley, George Granville 5177&n6 Bradly, Mr 5162n4 Braemar Castle 5042, 5123&nn2–4, 5124 Brancepeth, 1st Baron (7th Viscount Boyne, Ireland) 5212n2 Brand, Henry (Viscount Hampden 1884; 23rd Baron Dacre 1890) vii 3781n1, 4811&n2 Brandon, Duke of. See Abercorn, 1st Duke of Braybrooke, 2nd Baron 4933n4 Brazil 4686 Brett, Sir William Balliol (Baron Esher 1885; Viscount Esher 1897) 4690&n5, 5037&n1, 5088n5, 5285nn3&8

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Brewer, John Sherren 4886&n4 Brewster, Abraham ix 4141n3, 4791 Brewster, Constance Marian 4776&nn6&8 Brewster, Lady (Sir David; 2nd wife) 4776&nn6&8&9 Brewster, Sir David i 29n2, 4776n6 Bridges, Sir Brook 5039n2 Bridport, Baroness (2nd Baron; Duchess of Bronté) viii 3505n3, 4928n1 Bridport, 3rd Baron. See Bridport, 1st Viscount Bridport, 1st Viscount viii 3502n4, 4928&nn1&3, 5108&n3, 5113, 5121, 5123, 5127, 5128n2, 5133, 5138, 5212&n2, 5234n3 Bridport, Viscountess (1st Viscount) viii 3502n4, 5108, 5128n2 Bright, Jacob 5033n3, 5226n3 Bright, John iv 1318n5, 4807&n1, 4845n2, 4881&n2, 4906&n3, 4914&n4, 5133&n3; Irish land question 4851n2; ‘rabid rage’ 4918 Bright, William 5177&n4 Bristol 4894&n3 British and Foreign Bible Society 4944&n2 British Anti-State-Church Association 4860n3 British Guiana 4994&n2 British Medical Journal 5120n4 British Museum 4301x&n1, 5175, 5218&n2 Bronté, Duchess of. See Bridport, Baroness Brown, John 5113n3 Brown, Lancelot ‘Capability’ 5124n1 Brown, Mr 5285n3 Browne, Edward Harold (Bishop of Ely) 4684n4, 5201n11, 5215&n1 Browne, Lord John Thomas (4th Marquess of Sligo 1896) ix 4141n6, 5026n2 Browne, Thomas Gore 5156&n3 Brownlow, Countess of (3rd Earl) 4952&n5 Brownlow, 3rd Earl ix 4526n5, 4653n1, 4952&n5 Bruce, Henry Austin (Baron Aberdare 1873) viii 3913n4, 4691&n3 Bruce, Lord Charles 5212n1 Brunnow, Philip Ivanovich, Baron (later Count) v 1675n5, 4682n2, 5215n6 Brussels 5116&n1 Buccleuch, 5th Duke of i 306n5, 4799n7 Buchanan, James (2nd Bt 1882) 5184&n1 Buchanan, Sir Andrew, 1st Bt i 110n6, 5184&n1 Buckingham 4977&n3 Buckingham, Duchess of v 2170n8, 5219&n11 Buckingham and Chandos, 3rd Duke of iii 936n2, 4656n6, 4676n2, 4684&n6, 4687n5, 4707, 4825n1, 4840&n3, 4841&nn2&3, 4842, 4869&n1, 4890n1, 4901&n1, 4955n3, 4963&ec&n2, 4977&n4, 4978&ec&n3, 4979&n2, 4994&n2, 4999&ec&n1, 5006n2, 5055&nn1–3, 5082&nn1&2, 5156, 5167n1, 5174&n3, 5244n2, 5279n2; Natal despatches 4956&nn1&2, 4957

Buckinghamshire 4840&n1, 4841&n3, 4871, 4947&n3, 4985&n3, 5056, 5070, 5126, 5181, 5224&n2, 5236, 5250; agricultural associations 5104n1 Buckley, Sir Edmund, 1st Bt 5212&n7, 5219&n6 Bucks Herald 5112n2, 5224n2; d’s address to Bucks electors (10 Oct 1868) 5151n6 Budget (1868) 4854&n2, 4859, 4875&n8, 4876 Bunbury, Thomas Kane McClintock- (2nd Baron Rathdonnell 1879) 5274n1, 5276&nn1&2, 5277 Bunbury, William McClintock- 5274n1, 5276&nn1&2 Burgon, John William 5159n2 Burke, Ashworth Peter 5241n3 Burke, Edmund 5299n6 Burke, John 5241n3 Burke, Sir John Bernard (cb) 5241&n3 Burnley 5226&n4, 5227&n3 Burns, J.W. 5054n7 Bushey 5118 Butcher, Samuel (Bishop of Meath) 4653n1 Bute, Marchioness of (3rd Marquess) 5124n5 Bute, 3rd Marquess of viii 3568n2, 5117n8, 5124&nn1&4 Buteshire 5042n3, 5054&n7 Buxton, Charles 4895&n2 Buxton, Emily 4895n2 Buxton, Sir Thomas Fowell, Bt 5223n3 Cadiz 5119&n2 Cadogan, Countess (4th Earl) 5001n4 Cadogan, 4th Earl vii 2998n5, 4944&n4, 5001n4, 5014n1 Caffin, James Craufurd 5264n3 Cairns, Baroness (1st Baron; Countess Cairns 1878) ix 4182n5, 4856, 5038, 5071n3 Cairns, 1st Baron (Earl Cairns 1878) vii 3048n1, 4719n4, 4738n10, 4747n1, 4754n1, 4764, 4770, 4771n1, 4775n1, 4822, 4828&n5, 4849n1, 4866&nn2&3, 4873, 4877, 5013, 5019n8, 5066&n4, 5071n3, 5084&n1, 5094&ec&n1, 5108n5, 5158n2, 5161, 5212n2, 5218, 5244n2, 5253, 5258, 5279n2, 5283, 5294&n2; Corrupt Practices Bill 4704; lord chancellor 4737&n3, 4746&nn2&3, 4776n2; accepts Great Seal 4752, 4757; receives Great Seal 4759, 4760, 4761, 4762n1; Irish church 4776n10, 4843&n2, 4914&n5; gift of vice-chancellorship 4778&n3, 4789&n4, 4793&n2; ecclesiastical titles 4808, 4813, 4815&n3, 4816; ‘penetrating power’ 4838; Irish boundary commission 4853n4; conference with Hardy and d 4856&n4, 4857&n2; prince’s visit to Ireland 4861&nn1&2&5; answer to Gladstone’s resolutions 4916&nn2&3, 4917, 4919; dissolution 4945&n1, 4998&n1; boundary bill 4948&nn1&3; subscription for election 4972&nn3&4, 4979; ‘incognita title’ of

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Queen 4985&n1; visit to Queen postponed 4988&n2; council at Osborne 5000; visit to Queen at Osborne 5001&nn4&6, 5002; ‘a great success’ 5022&n7; ‘very astute’ 5026n3; new judges 5037n1, 5038&nn1&3&4&8; deanery of Ripon 5057; Duke of Edinburgh’s marriage 5085&n3; approves d’s address 5110&n1; revisions to d’s address 5111&ec, 5112, 5117&n6; at Balmoral 5155&n2; Alabama clauses 5202&nn1&2; church appointments 5229; resignation of ministry 5271ec; invites d to join ‘the Club’ 5285&n1; ‘leading in the Lords’ 5287&nn3&4 Caithness-shire 5000&n2 Calabria, Duke of. See Francisco ii, King of the Two Sicilies Calthorpe, 4th Baron 4933&n2 Calthorpe, 5th Baron 4933&n2 Cambridge, 2nd Duke of v 2020n2, 4829n2, 4913n1, 4936n1, 4951&n4, 4992&n6, 4997&n1 Cambridge University 4905&n2, 5054&n13, 5115&n2, 5152 Campbell, 1st Baron ii 686n3, 5236&n6 Canada: railways 4656&n3; governor-general 4954&n3, 5082&nn1&2, 5251n2; ‘secret ... politics’ 5024 Canford Manor 5157&n2 Canterbury, Archbishop of. See Longley, Charles; Tait, Archibald Campbell Canterbury, Viscount i 273n6, 5236n3 Capel, Thomas John 5117n8 Cape of Good Hope 5156&n3 Cape Town 4684&n4 Cape Town, Bishop of. See Gray, Robert Cardiff 5226&n15 Cardwell, Edward (1st Viscount Cardwell 1878) v 2113n8, 4712n1, 4766n3, 4867n2 Carlisle 5106 Carlisle, Bishop of. See Waldegrave, Samuel Carlton Club 5273 Carnarvon, 4th Earl of vii 3033n7, 4690&n8, 4956nn1&2 Carol (Karl) i (Romania) 5135n1 Carrington, Baroness (2nd Baron) iii 1082n5, 4824n1, 4909&n1 Carrington, Codrington 4985n3 Carrington, George, Jr v 1871n7, 4985n3 Carrington, George, Sr v 1871n7, 4985n3 Carrington, 2nd Baron i 134n1, 4824&n1, 4840&n1, 4985 Carrington, 3rd Baron viii 3873n2, 4824&n1, 4909n1, 5061&n1 Carroll, William (lord mayor of Dublin) 4874&nn1&2&4 Carter, Robert Meek 5126n3 Cartwright, Fairfax 5054n2 Cartwright, Henry 5054n2 Cashel, Archbishop of. See Leahy, Patrick

Cassandra 4858&n2 Catholics and Catholicism 4903, 4918n5, 5090n1, 5117n6; Irish 4653n8, 4821&nn1–3, 4953n1; lifelong vows 4684n3; church property 4693&n3; Queen’s opposition to 4712nn2&5; first justice of queen’s bench 4733n1; Irish universities 4740n2, 4805n3, 4806&nn1&3&4, 4807n1, 4851nn3&4, 4871n1, 4980&n1; Irish church 4784, 4895n8, 4914&n2, 5064n1; peers 4799n7; ‘Papists’ 4808&n2; bishops 4813n4, 4815&n3; Romanists 4835; ‘Popery’ and ‘Ritualism’ 4835&n5; ‘Irish Papists’ 4852&n3; ‘Irish Romanists’ 4860; ‘Romanists’ 4864, 5206; anti-Catholic lectures 4922n1; converts 4934&n1, 5057&n2, 5124n5; hostility to 5040&nn3&6; ‘Popery’ 5053; ‘Not a Cath: ... with us’ 5065&n2; ‘Romish schism’ 5083n2; political organization 5085&n3; political influence in Ireland 5125n1; connection with Rome 5126; ‘the Power and Craft of Rome’ 5178nn1&2; ‘Romanisers’ 5201; Catholic League (16th cent) 5205n1; ‘fury of the priesthood’ 5235; Conservatives 5239; electoral candidates 5297n2 Catholic University of Ireland 4654&n1, 4736, 4784, 4786, 4980&n1 Catholic University of Leuven (or Louvain) 4654&n2 Cator, Lady Diana 5047n2 Cator, Sir William 5047n2 Cattle plague. See Murrain (cattle plague) Cave, Stephen viii 3653n4, 4706n1, 4746n4 Cawley, Charles Edward 5227n2 Cayley, George Allanson (8th Bt 1883) 5201&n9 Cayley, Sir Digby, 7th Bt 5201&n9 Cecil, Lord Eustace viii 3833n4, 4766n3, 4775&n4, 4810&n2 Census: on education 4687, 4688, 4691&n1 Ceylon 5156&n3 Chadwick, Edwin v 1943n10, 4982nn1&4 Chalk, James J. 5187n1 Champneys, William Weldon (Dean of Lichfield) 5039&nn3&4, 5075, 5080&n1, 5089&n7, 5120n12, 5177&n4, 5187n1, 5188&n2, 5192, 5193&n1 Charles i 4835n3, 5019n1, 5103n7 Charles i, Prince of Romania 4844n1 Charles ii 4786n7 Charley, William Thomas (Kt 1880) 5227n2 Chatham, Countess of (1st Earl) 5236&n5 Chatham, 1st Earl of (Pitt the Elder) iv 1396n1, 5236&n5 Cheetham, John 5227n2 Chelmsford, 1st Baron iii 863n5, 4676&n2, 4687n5, 4710n4, 4719&nn4&6, 4720, 4733&n3, 4737, 4746nn2&3, 4751, 4754, 4759, 4762&n1, 4763&n2, 4918n5, 5018n1; resigns Great Seal 4760, 4761, 4764; press

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comments on his retirement 4766n3; dismissal 4771&nn1&2, 4772; requests earldom in ‘recognition of ... public services’ 4774&n1; ‘recognition of ... public services’ 4775; declines gcb 4776 Chelsea, Viscount. See Cadogan, 4th Earl Chesham, 2nd Baron vii 3008n1, 5021n1, 5030, 5038, 5051&n1, 5065 Chesham, Baroness (2nd Baron) vii 3218n3, 5021n1, 5038n7, 5051&n1, 5065 Chester 5088&n6, 5089 Chester, Bishop of. See Jacobson, William Chester, Canon of. See Moberly, George Chester, Countess of. See Alexandra, Princess of Wales Chevening 5011&n2 Chichester 5042&n2, 5086&nn4&5 Chichester, Arthur 4664n2 Chichester, Dean of. See Hook, Walter Farquhar Child, Sir Smith, 1st Bt 4799n7, 4996&nn1–3, 5179&n3, 5212&n4 Childers, Hugh vii 3393n1, 4920n1 Chiltern Hills 3943r China 5148&n1, 5156, 5167, 5203 Chinese Opium War 4951&n6 Cholera 4982n1 Christian, Prince of Schleswig-Holstein ix 4417n1, 4681n1, 4682&n1, 4791n3, 4803&n1, 4829&n2, 5015&n3, 5113, 5127&n6, 5145&n1 Christian, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein viii 3810n3, 4681&n1, 4682&n1, 4791n3, 4803&n1, 4829&n2, 4853n3, 4921&n2, 5015&n3, 5113, 5145&n1, 5159n9, 5162&n1 Christian Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark (Frederik viii 1906) 4974n1 Christian Victor, Prince of Schleswig-Holstein 5145&n1 Church, Richard William 5162n4, 5177&n5 Church Commission 5192 Churchill, Baroness (2nd Baron) vii 3085n2, 5108&n3, 5113, 5123, 5138, 5153n2 Churchill, Lady Cornelia Spencer. See Guest, Lady Cornelia Spencer Church of England 4786, 4835, 4899n1, 5165&n4, 5239; Radicals 4835; ‘sacred union’ 4837&n3; Derby’s ‘principal counsellor’ 4847; ‘numerical power’ 4850&n1; High Church Ritualism and Ritualists 4852&n3, 4860, 4952; union with state 4864; High Church clergy 4869&n1, 4886&n5; bishops 4905&nn1–7; evangelical branch (low church) 4944, 4977&nn1&4, 5045, 5075n8; marriage laws 5017n3, 5085&n3; appointments 5040&nn1&6, 5083&nn1&2&4&5, 5089, 5109&nn1–4&7, 5153n2, 5218&n1, 5229&n1; clergy list 5041&n4; high church party 5057, 5064, 5065, 5066, 5086&nn3&5, 5115&n1; Wesleyans 5059nn1&3; ‘low

church discontent’ 5067; conflicting claims of high and low church 5103n8; ‘unity of’ 5117&n6; connection with the state 5126&nn1&3; commissioners’ report 5158&n1; high church 5159&nn5&6, 5177&n4, 5224n4; ‘controversies of the day’ 5196&nn2&5; ‘internecine strife ... Rits & Rads’ 5201&nn3&11; archbishoprics 5202n1, 5214; ‘Romanists & Freethinkers ... the Ritualist & the Neologian’ 5206&n4; ‘Episcopal appointments’ 5231&n3 Church of Ireland 4786&nn1&4, 4845n1, 4874&n4, 4875&n4&5&10, 4885, 4893&n2, 4903&n4, 4906, 4908n1, 4910n5, 4914&nn1– 4, 4918&n5, 4919&n4, 4923n1, 4933&n3, 4938&n1, 4953n1, 4998&n1, 5000&n2, 5019n8, 5039n2, 5054&n12, 5074&nn1&4, 5094n2, 5131n1, 5136&n3, 5150, 5154n1, 5165, 5186, 5210n2, 5223nn1&2, 5244, 5271; ‘Principle of Reform against Abolition’ 5249nn2&3; Gladstone’s measures 5296n1 Church of Scotland 5113n3 Church rates 4875 Church Temporalities Act (1833) 5249n2 Civil List Act (1837) 5147n2 Clanricarde, 1st Marquess of v 2137n6, 4486x&n1, 4786 Clanwilliam, 3rd Earl of viii 3833n2, 3943r Clare, 3rd Earl of 5235&n4 Claremont, Edward Stopford 4858&ec&n1, 5032n2 Clarendon, 4th Earl of iii 1113n3, 4726n1, 4867n2, 4881 Clark, Mr (servant) 5087 Claughton, Thomas (Bishop of Rochester) 4653n1, 5201n11 Clay, James i 97n16, 5226n6 Cleasby, Sir Anthony 5038&nn3&8 Clerk, Sir George Russell 5119&nn4&5 Clerke, Charles Carr v 2189n6, 4871&n3 Clerkenwell 4690n5 Clerkenwell House of Detention 5014n1 Cleveland, Duchess of (4th Duke) iii 748n9, 5127n7 Cliefden 5118&n1 Clifton, Sir Robert Juckes, 9th Bt 5117&n9 Clinton, 19th Baron vi 2690n3, 5107&n2 Clive, George viii 3913n5, 4778&n1 Clonfert, Bishop of. See Derry, John Clubbe, Charles Wishaw v 2149n1, 4870, 5070n4, 5152&n2, 5153n2, 5207&n1 Clubbe, Emily v 2168n2, 5128n2, 5152n2, 5299 Coates, Mr (Hughenden churchwarden) 5070&n4 Cochrane, Alexander Baillie- (1st Baron Lamington 1880) iii 1032n4, 4658n5, 4799n7, 5115n2 Cockburn, Sir Alexander v 2132n2, 4710&n4, 4711, 4733n2, 5038n3 Cockerell, Richard Howe 5010n1

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Cockerell, Theresa (later Countess of Eglinton) 5010n1 Cockermouth 4894&n2, 5079&nn1&2 Coghill, Sir John 5123n5 Colenso, John (Bishop of Natal) viii 3741n4, 4684n1, 4956n1, 5206n2 Colonial Bishops Bill (1866) 5206&n2 Colonsay, 1st Baron 5212n2 Colquhoun, John Campbell ii 684n1, 5159&n6 Colvill, Captain 5080n3 Colville, Charles R. 5059n3, 5189n1 Colville of Culross, 10th Baron (Scotland; UK 1885) viii 3841n2, 4777n1, 4804, 4960, 4972&nn3&4, 4999n1, 5287&n1 Combermere, Viscountess (1st Viscount, 3rd wife) v 1854n2, 4682n2 Committees: Committee of Council of Education (1864) 4688n2, 4691n1, 4703; select committee on parliamentary elections (1867) 4710&n6; on Irish church 4838; boundary bill (1868) 4958n2; on Irish reform bill 4959; registration 4978&n2; of the House 4990&n1, 4991; Judicial Committee of Privy Council 4994&n2; Committee of Elections 4997&n3, 5194; supply 5003&n2; Elections 5207&n2 Commons, House of 4736&n3, 4742&n2, 4813, 4949&nn1&4, 5173; naval expenditure 4686; president of council in 4705&n3; ‘capable members’ 4709; election petitions 4711; ‘disposition’ 4712&n1; ‘never ... more prepared’ 4719; increase in numbers 4720, 4766n3; ‘in good working gear’ 4726&nn1–3; ‘legal friends’ 4733; ‘counted out!’ 4739&nn1–3; announcement of d’s ministry 4750&nn1&2; popularity of Hunt 4757; adjournment 4758, 4852&n1; Irish questions 4786&n4; ‘favorable & sanguine’ 4789&nn1&2&5; poor law board 4810&n3, 5036, 5045; ‘Conservative strength’ 4826&n1; ‘crowded’ for Gladstone’s motion 4830&n1; standing orders relative to public matters 4835&nn1–3; ‘greatest’ speech 4846&n1; sits until 3:15 am on Irish debate 4852&nn1–3; ‘slackness of attendance’ 4854n2; course of business 4875&nn1&2&10; ‘more animated’ 4895&nn2–4&8&9; dissolution 4906&nn1&2; ‘disagreeable agitation’ 4910&nn4&5; ‘very serene’ 4921&n1; ‘relief ... crisis was averted’ 4923&n1; funds for royal residence 4926&n1; ‘very full’ 4941&n2; ‘the real condition of that Assembly’ 4942; notice of want of confidence withdrawn 4943; ‘very successful evening’ 4964&n1; ‘counted out’ 4969&n1; ‘proceedings ... insignificant’ 4980; bills ‘settled’ 4984&n1; address to Queen 4989&nn1&3; ‘work ... protracted, severe, & exhausting’ 5003&nn2–5; ‘so critical a night’ 5005&n5;

Catholic members 5057n2; Wilson Patten’s popularity 5102&nn1&3; Yorkshire mps 5114&nn1&2; ‘acted on by national opinion’ 5125; Irish mps 5158&n2; ‘Manager ... Chief Whip’ 5163&n2; mp’s retirement 5216&n1; requests for honours 5234; election results 5236&n2; minority government 5272; seconder for Address 5283 Compulsory Church Rates Abolition Bill (1868) 4739n1, 4876n1 Conservatives: education question 4660; reconciliation 4755; Oxford University 4847, 4850n1; 1865 election 4903&n2; ‘would baffle their opponents’ 4906&n1; ‘unity, & ... enthusiasm’ 4918; 1832 election 4971n1; Irish church debates 4972&nn1&3; Portland’s support 5000; whitebait dinner 5001&n4, 5003, 5006, 5008ec; Irish church 5053&n1; Peel’s ‘Tamworth Manifesto’ 5094n3; candidates in general election 5098&nn1&2; ‘devotion to’ 5114&nn1&2; d’s ‘manifesto’ 5151&n6; ‘condition ... critical’ 5169&n3; ‘influential supporter’ 5177; supporters 5182, 5272; election results 5194&nn4&5, 5226&nn1–21, 5227&nn2&4, 5228&nn1&2, 5236&n2, 5249&nn1&2; election prospects 5201&nn7&8; ‘party peerages’ 5212; ‘enthusiastic’ about Stanley’s speech 5223&n2&3; ‘high Churchman’ 5231; Catholic supporters 5235, 5239; ‘offended & alienated’ 5258; resignation of ministry 5265, 5269, 5271&ec; whip 5289&n1 Conservative Working Men 5190&n1 Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) Bill (1868) 5003&n3 Controverted Elections Bill. See Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill (1868) Cooke, William Henry ix 4186n1, 5080n2, 5083n1 Cookesley, William Gifford iv 1341n3, 5143&n2 Cookson, Henry Wilkinson 4905&n4 Corbett, Edward 5221n1 Corbett, John 5226n19 Cork 4655n1, 5152, 5165 Cork, Dean of. See Magee, William Connor Cork and Orrery, 9th Earl of 4975n2 Cork Examiner 4784n5, 5102n1 Cornwall 5217 Cornwallis, Countess (5th Earl) 5047n4 Cornwallis, 5th Earl 5047n4 Corrigan, Sir Dominic 5228n2 Corry, Henry Lowry- vi 2402n5, 4676n2, 4697&ec&n3, 4728&nn1&2, 4730n3, 4746n4, 4861, 4862&n2, 4892, 4907&n1, 4912, 4919, 5022, 5023, 5210&n1, 5244n2, 5264; navy estimates 4686nn2&7&13, 4920n1; prince’s visit to Ireland 4827&nn4&5&7; Whitehead Torpedo 5225&n1

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Corry, Montagu Lowry- ix 4137n1, 4301x, 4657, 4661n3, 4665n2, 4666n2, 4669&n4, 4724&n2, 4747&n1, 4765, 4818ec&n4, 4884, 4911&nn2&3, 4912, 4931, 4944, 4987n1, 4997n1, 5016n1, 5042n3, 5048n3, 5052&ec, 5062ec, 5067n3, 5071n3, 5086, 5092, 5101n4, 5142n1, 5189, 5207, 5210, 5217n4, 5221n1, 5243&ec, 5256&n1, 5267n1, 5273, 5276n2, 5299&n1; Watkin’s knighthood 4658&nn2&3&5; accompanies d to Osborne 4679&n2; dines with royal family 4682; forgets d’s appointment 4722; ‘faithless child’ 4764; arrangements for government 4766&nn2&3; ‘ought to be sharp’ 4925; postal service 4934; ‘re-adjustment of offices’ 5028; sends clergy list to d 5041&n2; fishing at Hughenden 5043&n1, 5049; new admiralty patent 5046&n1; ‘look sharp about it’ 5054; ‘very courteous’ answer 5055&n3; deanery of Ripon 5059&n1; ‘an overworked horse’ 5063&nn1&3; visits Hughenden 5066&n3; ‘Master of Ceremonies’ at Hughenden 5070&n4; revised proof: makes ‘a mull of Nevill’s wish’ 5077&n1; sends money to d 5080&n2; ‘harassed’ 5095&ec; cautioned by d about secrecy 5104; ‘best mode of communication’ 5106&n4; supplies to Balmoral 5107; grapes from ma 5108&n5; ‘take ... necessary steps’ 5110; ‘push the whole thing on’ 5111; ‘go to press’ 5112&ec; church appointments 5117&nn6&8, 5162n3; ‘my joy & consolation’ 5120&nn1&3&11; Lennox’s ‘condition of mind’ 5129&n4; revisions to d’s address 5131&n3; criticism of d’s address 5137&n1; ‘faithfull solicitude’ 5143; revised proof 5144ec&n1; ‘most competent’ 5150&ec; Lennox’s appointment 5154nn1&3; ‘Consult the experts’ 5157; summons cabinet 5179; ‘Election Letters’ 5185; deanery of Lichfield 5187&ec&n1; ‘get me out of this’ 5191&n3; ‘You did right’ 5195; Leominster election 5199&n1; ‘yr absence’ 5203; ‘a line of news’ 5209; ‘talk to Genl Gray’ 5248; resignation of ministry 5252&ec; ‘no news, from you’ 5279; ‘I send you some stuff’ 5299&n1 Cottenham, 1st Earl of ii 444n1, 4774n1, 4776&n5 Cotterill, Henry (Bishop of Grahamstown) 4684&n3 Cotton 5024n2, 5033&nn2&3 Council of Foreign Bondholders 4834n2 Council of India 5084nn1&2, 5119&nn4&5, 5176, 5219 Court of Justiciary (Scotland) Bill (1868) 4742n2 Court of Session (Scotland) Bill (1868) 4742n2 Coventry 5226&n7

Cowper, William Francis (later 1st Baron Mount-Temple) ii 408n27, 5120n3 Cox, Edward William 5107n1 Crampton, Sir John Fiennes Twistleton, 2nd Bt 5141&nn1&2 Cranborne, 4th Viscount. See Salisbury, 3rd Marquess of Cranworth, 1st Baron ii 572n3, 5212n2 Crathie Kirk 5113&n3 Craven, 1st Earl 5120n8 Crawford, Robert Wigram 5226n18 Crete 4885&nn1&2 Crewe, Marquess of 4822n2 Crimean War 4951&n6, 4992n4 Crockford, John 5107n1 Crockford’s Clerical Directory 5107&n1, 5117&n3, 5120 Croft 5013, 5019&nn6&7, 5059n1, 5150 Cromartie, Countess of. See Sutherland, Duchess of (3rd Duke) Cromwell, Oliver 5103n7 Cross, Mr 5043n1 Crowhurst, Viscount. See Cottenham, 1st Earl of Crystal Palace 4837n2, 4974n1, 5039n2, 5054&n12 Cubitt, William viii 3609n5, 5219&n10 Cullen, Paul (Cardinal) v 2057n2, 4654, 4712n2, 4819n1 Culloden, Battle of 5123n2 Cumberland 5265&n2 Curzon, Viscountess viii 3715n7, 5065 Curzon, Viscount (later 2nd Earl Howe) iv 1434n5, 5065 Customs and Inland Revenue Bill (1862) 3676xn2 Cuza, Prince Alexandru Ioan 5135n1 Dacres, Sir Sidney 4796&n1 Daily News 5104&n1 Daily Telegraph 5041n3 Dalbiac, Sir James Charles 4682n1 Dalglish, Robert ix 4430n5, 4766n3 Dalrymple, Charles 5042n3, 5054n7 Dana, Richard Henry 4686n6 Danube 5299 Danubian Principalities 5135&n1 Darby, Francis 5297n4 Darby, Hannah 5297n4 Dartmouth, 5th Earl of 4837&nn1&2, 4851n3, 4852n3 Dartrey, 1st Earl of (UK) 4996n2, 5212n2 Daw, John 4966n3 Dawson, George Robert i 242n5, 4712n4 Dawson, Mary i 283n10, 4712n4 Dawson, Robert Peel iv 1207n2, 4712&n4 Dee River 5123&n3 Defoe, Daniel 5213n1 Delane, John iv 1345n1, 4714&n2, 4738n9, 4770, 5067, 5129&nn3&4, 5154&nn1&3 Denbigh, Countess of (8th Earl) 5057n2

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Denbigh, 8th Earl of ix 4236n6, 4934&n1, 5057&n2 Denison, Christopher Beckett 5054n8 Denison, Edmund, Jr (5th Bt Beckett 1874; 1st Baron Grimthorpe 1886) 5058&nn2&3 Denison, Edmund, Sr (4th Bt Beckett 1872) 5058&nn1&2&3&4 Denison, Edward (Bishop of Salisbury) 5109n7 Denison, John Evelyn (Viscount Ossington 1872) v 1695n1, 4935&nn3&4, 5058n3, 5218n3, 5276&n4, 5281n1 Denison, Maria 5058n3 Denison, Sir Thomas 5058n3 the Derby 4944n6 Derby, Countess of (14th Earl) v 2000n11, 4736n1, 4737, 4745n1, 4746n5, 4784n1, 4804, 4831, 4947&n2, 5022, 5067, 5098, 5103n8, 5148n4, 5201&n11, 5215n6, 5219, 5249n2, 5265, 5266 Derby, 14th Earl of i 117n2, 4681&n1, 4694, 4699, 4714, 4786n3, 4836n1, 4898n1, 4901n1, 5247, 5287n4; comments on Irish and foreign affairs 4653&nn1&8; Watkin’s knighthood 4656&n6; education question 4660&nn3–5, 4672&nn1&5, 4688, 4691&n1, 4705&nn1&3&6; Irish peerage 4664&n3; gout 4668nn1&3, 4669, 4671, 4673, 4675; misses cabinet 4676, 4677&n5, 4678; British navy 4686&nn2&8&13; ‘indiposition’ 4687&nn5&7; amanuensis 4690&nn1&2&5&9; ‘very weak and languid’ 4692&n2; ‘signature ... healthy’ 4710&n7; ‘not ... disquieted’ 4718; business in his absence 4719&nn3&4; absence from Lords 4720; ‘a useless log!’ 4725&nn1&2; resignation 4734n1, 4736&nn1&5, 4737&n5, 4738&nn1&3&6&10, 4746&nn2&5, 4747&n1, 4749n1, 4750nn1&2, 4753&ec, 4761n1; illness 4735; Irish universities 4740&nn1&2; sanctions d’s kissing hands 4742&n1; Walpole’s loyalty 4751n1; weakness of Lords debates 4754&n1; resignation accepted by Queen 4755n2; ‘no danger of ... estrangement’ 4759&n5; opinion of at Carlton Club 4766n2; d’s ministry 4768, 4769, 5068; Chelmsford’s dismissal 4771&nn1&2, 4772; Queen’s treatment of 4775&nn6&7; confidence in d 4777&n1; ‘mourn his retirement’ 4780&n2; ‘followers holding together’ 4781&n1; ‘all to stick together’ 4782; ‘all keep together’ 4783; ‘apprehension ... upon Irish Questions’ 4784&nn1&6; Catholic university 4786; Irish policy 4786; eulogized by d 4788nn1&2; cabinet policy 4790n1; ministry 4796; new peerages 4799&nn1&7; ‘first attempt at writing’ 4804&n4; ‘guided, & instructed, us’ 4811&n1; ‘followers’ 4831; Stanley’s amendment 4839&n3; ‘principal counsellor’ 4847&n2; neglect of the clergy 4850n1; letter to the Queen 4855; declines

ll Middlesex 4865&n2; Tait ‘the spiritual Lord in Waiting’ 4871; Duke of Edinburgh’s expenditure 4876&n1; 1865 government 4903; Hereford bishopric 4905&nn2&4; reform bill (1859) 4927n1; reports events in Lords 4947&nn1&2; boundary bill 4958&n1; position for younger son 5003&n8; son ‘confident of victory’ 5019&n4; pleased with d’s offer to son 5020n2; d’s offer to his son 5022&nn1&8; Lancashire relief 5024; son’s election 5040; son’s appointment 5045n10; favours Lennard 5047n1; church appointments 5083n2, 5109n1, 5206n1; elections 5098&n1, 5099, 5217&nn1&5; Irish secretary appointment 5103&n8; in d’s address 5111&n2, 5117; ‘our Master’ 5136; ‘must see’ 5138; ‘seriously, ill’ 5148&n4; retirement 5150, 5216n1; baronetcies 5182, 5263; Archbishopric 5201&nn6&11; d’s ‘perplexity’ about archbishopric 5215&n6; honours 5219; peerages and baronetages 5234; ‘how to fall most gracefully’ 5249&nn2&3; resignation of ministry 5252&ec, 5265, 5271ec; ‘course to be pursued’ 5253ec, 5255ec; ‘confidential letter’ 5259&nn1&2; 1866 government 5264n1; peerage for Ormsby-Gore 5272n1 Derbyshire 5059n1 co Derry 4712 Derry, John (Bishop of Clonfert) 4819&nn1&3, 4821n1, 4980n1 Derry and Raphoe, Bishop of. See Alexander, William; Kelly, Francis Devizes 5098&n2 Devon 4696 Devon, 10th Earl of 4714n1 Devon, 11th Earl of vii 3268n8, 4766n2, 5088n3, 5210&n3 Devon Commission (1844) 4714&nn1&2, 4776n10, 4786 Devonport 5060&n3 Devonshire 5107&n2 Devonshire, 7th Duke of vii 3017n2, 5045 Dick, William W.F. vii 2931n1, 5216n2 Dickens, Charles 3268xn1 Digny, Count Cambray 4693nn1&3 D’Israeli, Benjamin, the elder i 4n2, 4860n3 Disraeli, Benjamin ‘MS ... of now common order’ 306x&n1; ma’s ‘mother so unwell’ 1240x; returns proof of speech 1486x&n1; ‘troops well in hand’ 2748x&n1; ‘years of infinite felicity!’ 3268x&n1; ‘a great siege’ 3676x; invites Clanwilliam to Hughenden 3943r; ‘arrears shd. be cleared off’ 4161x; respect for Grote 4301x&n1; Irish railways 4486x&n1; ‘a ray of hope’ 4584x; ‘remembrances & regards’ to Bismarck 4652&n1; estimates 4653&n8; Irish education 4654&n6; meets with Manning 4654&nn1&2; support for Hardy 4655&n1;

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Watkin’s knighthood 4656, 4658&n3, 4665&nn2&3; Haydon’s dismissal 4657&n1, 4670&n1; affection for Lady Dorothy Nevill 4659&n2; education question 4660&n5, 4669&nn3&4, 4672&nn1&4&5&8, 4687&nn3&5, 4688, 4692&nn2&3; chairs literary fund dinner 4661&nn1–3; Beauchamp’s marriage 4662&nn1&2; comments on Queen’s book 4663&nn1&2, 4696&n2; Irish peerage 4664; ‘Maunsell’s pretensions’ 4666&n2; Fuad Pasha’s resignation 4667; Derby’s gout 4668&n3, 4671; ‘active campaign’ 4673; news of Stanley 4674; cabinet without Derby 4676&n2; reports cabinet to Queen 4678; ‘Osbornian statistics’ 4679&nn1&2; voyage to Osborne 4680&n1; ‘charms & virtues’ of Princess Christian 4681&n1; dines with royal family 4682; ‘most successful visit’ with Queen 4682&n1; ‘outlandish prelates’ 4684&n5; Scotch reform bill 4685&n1; ‘restlessness of the Admiralty’ 4686&ec&nn2&8&13; Grey’s threatened resignation 4689&n4; ‘parliamentum indoctum’ 4690&nn1–3; disagrees with Derby on education question 4691&nn1&6; sale of church property 4693; rifles for native troops in Abyssinia 4695; ironclads 4697&n3, 4728&nn1&2; ‘We shall do’ 4698; ‘consummate [Malmesbury’s] conversion’ 4700; ‘reason to hope’ 4701&n3; Marlborough’s threatened resignation 4702; ‘wrong Education papers’ 4703; Corrupt Practices Bill 4704&n1; ‘all tranquillised, & tranquil’ 4705&n3; monetary conference commission 4706&nn2&5&7, 4708&n2, 4709&n3, 4715, 4717&n3, 4724&nn2&3, 4727&n1, 4731&n3; education committee 4707; ‘no troubles here’ 4710&nn5&7; ‘very good Cabinet’ 4711; Irish Protestants 4712&n1; ‘Judges ... have struck’ 4713; new Devon commission 4714&n2; ‘unexpected Cabinet’ 4718; ‘Lords want rubbing up’ 4719&nn3&4; ‘there may yet be order’ 4720; despatch box labels 4721&n1; meets with Grey 4722; election petitions bill 4723&n1; Derby’s ‘interests & influence’ 4725&nn1&2; ‘stupid murmur from an Irish member’ 4726&n5; naval expenditure 4729, 4730&nn3&5; Scotch reform bill 4732&nn1&2; ‘legal friends’ in Commons 4733; ‘confidential conversation’ 4734&n1; Derby’s resignation 4736&nn1&3&5; ‘will not shrink from the situation’ 4737&n5; claims for peerages 4738&nn1–3&6&8–10; ‘tranquil, but not idle’ 4739; Irish universities 4740&n2; meets with Stanley 4741; ‘the affair, from wh: I shrink’ 4742&nn1&3; Grey’s ‘inconvenience’ 4743; ‘no secrets’ from Grey 4744; ‘touched by [Barrington’s] fidelity, & sympathy’ 4745&n1; Derby’s ‘sanction’

4746&nn2–5; ‘a matter of urgency’ 4747&n1; commanded to Osborne 4748; forms a ministry 4749&n1, 4768, 4769&n1; ‘all is settled’ 4750&nn1&2; ‘all is right’ 4751&n1; ‘a digested acct’ for the Queen 4752&n3; ‘advantage of [Grey’s] counsel’ 4753&ec; withdraws Great Seal from Chelmsford 4754&n1; ‘My heart is quite relieved’ 4755&nn1&2; offers devotion to the Queen 4756; recommends Hunt for exchequer 4757&n5; adjournment of House 4758; Derby’s confidence ‘the pride & honor’ of his life 4759&nn3&5; seeks Grey’s ‘advice & knowledge’ 4760; Great Seal 4761&n1; stationery at Osborne 4762&nn1&2; Chelmsford’s retirement 4763, 4772; missing his newspapers 4764; ‘All is sunshine’ 4765; kisses hands at Osborne 4766&ec&nn2&3; dines with Queen 4767&n2; Delane’s ‘clear, & sagacious judgment’ re Hunt 4770&n1; public involvment in Chelmsford’s dismissal 4771&nn1&2; pension for Mrs Faraday 4773; gcb for Chelmsford 4774&n1; sends Derby’s letter to Queen 4775&nn1&3&4&6–8; ‘preposterous claims’ of Chelmsford 4776&n8; circular letter to supporters 4777&nn1&2; ‘tranquillise a chronic irritation’ 4778&n3; ‘brightest ornament’ of the late government 4779; Derby’s ‘friends shd all keep together’ 4780&n2; Derby’s ‘followers holding together’ 4781&n1; ‘all to stick together’ 4782&n1; ‘all keep together’ 4783; Irish policy 4784, 4786&n8, 4806, 4807; Loftus’s accounts 4785; ‘controverted elections bill’ 4787&n2; first speech as pm 4788&nn1&2; Alabama claims 4789&n4; writes to The Times to contest Russell’s claims 4790&nn1&2; royal visit to Ireland 4791&nn1&3, 4792&nn1&2&5, 4797&n2, 4802&n1, 4803, 4814&nn1&2; vice-chancellorship 4793&n2; Irish boundary commission 4794&n1; education bill 4795; naval lord 4796; gratitude to Grey 4798&n1; Derby’s ‘hints & counsel’ 4799&nn1&7; ‘conferring of the Green Ribbon’ 4800; praises Stanley’s Alabama speech 4801&nn1&3; ‘Bishoprics ... graceless patronage’ 4804&nn4&5; ‘Irish Debate’ 4805; ecclesiastical titles 4808&n1; Irish church 4809, 4821&nn1–3; poor law board 4810&nn2&3; ‘reconciliation’ of Liberals 4811&n2; ‘peace & contentment’ of Ireland 4812&n1; ‘Scotch Bishops’ 4813&n4; ‘perfect confidence’ in Cairns 4815&n2; distinction for Atholl 4816&n2; ‘golden opportunity’ for naturalization commission 4817&n1; ‘half killed by ... workmen’ 4818&n4; Irish universities 4819&n1; new peerages 4820; McEvoy’s ‘mischievous motion’ 4822; Houghton’s ‘sneaking, & cheap-

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ening, manner’ 4823&nn1&2; Carrington’s death 4824&n1; ‘good stuff to keep up my spirits’ 4825; Queen’s ‘anxiety’ over ‘misapprehension’ 4826&nn1&4; details of royal visit to Ireland 4827&ec&nn2–7; ‘critical position’ 4828&n5; ma’s reception 4829&n2; Gladstone’s motion on Irish church 4830&n2; Gladstone’s motion to ‘destroy Churches’ 4831; ‘Her Majesty’s pleasure’ re royal visit to Ireland 4833; Gladstone’s ‘uncompromising ... proposition’ 4835&nn1&5; new baronetcies 4836&n1; ‘the crisis of England’ 4837&ec&nn2&3; Queen’s ‘strength and solace’ 4838&nn1&3; Derby’s ‘kind advice’ 4839&n3; restores Grenville family honours 4840&n3, 4841&n3; ‘affectionate husband’ 4842; Queen’s journey to Switzerland 4843&n2; outrages against Jews in Romania 4844; reaction to Stanley’s speech 4845&nn3&5; ‘Stanley on C & S’ 4846a; ‘enthusiasm’ for Hardy’s speech 4846&nn1&2; clerical appointments 4847&nn1&2&4; Worcester canonry 4848; ‘Cabinet ... unanimous’ 4849; ‘numerical power of the Clergy’ 4850&n1; ‘very hopeful’ about Irish debates 4851&nn3&6; ‘tipsy’ in debate 4852&nn1&3; Irish boundary commission 4853&nn3&4, 4877; new peerages 4855&n1, 4879&n1; conference with Cairns and Hardy 4856&nn1–4, 4857&nn1&2; Hunt’s budget ‘sound, & simple’ 4859; relation to Judaism 4860&nn2&3; Queen’s ‘interests & feelings’ 4861&nn1– 3&5; royal yachts 4862&n2, 4863; ‘extreme faction in the Church’ 4864&n1; offers ll to Derby 4865&n2; Queen’s absence from England 4866&nn2&3; ‘in very good heart’ 4867&nn1&3; Tennyson’s query about book post 4868&nn1–3; ‘a rapid age’ 4869&n1; Clubbe’s petition 4870&nn1&2; bishop of London ‘a broken reed’ 4871&n1; offers ll to Northumberland 4872&n2; meets with Cairns and Stanley 4873; lord mayor of Dublin 4874&nn1&4; ‘national sentiment ... grave & significant’ 4875&nn1–3&5&8&10; Duke of Edinburgh’s expenditure 4876&n1; ‘Royal Supremacy’ 4878&n4; ‘Charles is virtually Bismarck’ 4880&ec&nn2&3; Gladstone ‘greatly embarassed’ 4881&n3; ‘respect & regard’ for Northumberland 4882&n2; ‘something on the tapis’ 4883&nn1&4; ‘visible influence ... of the Sovereign’ 4885&n5; vacant bishopric 4886&nn2&4; reduction of Prussian army 4887; proposes Garter for Northumberland 4888&n1; ‘Not hopeless’ 4889; sends report to Gladstone 4890&nn1&5; ll Middlesex 4891&n2, 4898&nn1&2; ‘professional attentions’ for Prussian prince 4892; ‘respect & sympathy’ for the Queen 4893&nn1&3; ‘rat-

tling articles ... chat of coteries’ 4894&n4; Irish church debate 4895&n2; regrets Northumberland’s decision 4896&n2; ‘a quiet night, & a quiet day’ 4897; ‘pretty well today’ 4899; Northumberland’s character 4900; Gibraltar bishopric 4901&n1; dines with royal family at Osborne 4852&n2; advises dissolution 4903&n4; audience with Queen 4904; vacant bishoprics 4905&nn1&2&5; ‘difficulties & trials’ 4906&nn2&3; ‘threatened trouble’ 4907; ‘discrepancy’ in his statement 4908&nn1–3; temperance measures 4909; ‘the ship was steered quite clear’ 4910&nn5&6; chairs literary fund dinner 4911&nn1–3; ‘nothing cd be more satisfactory’ 4912; Scotch ‘ebullition’ 4914&nn4&5; Garter for Marlborough 4915&n2; answer to Gladstone’s resolutions 4916&nn2&3, 4917&n1, 4919&n3; church and state meeting 4918&n1; navy estimates 4920; thanks Queen for flowers 4921&n2; riots at Ashton 4922; ‘long menaced attack has failed’ 4923&nn1&3; ‘out of our danger’ 4924; dinner for Queen’s birthday 4925&n1; royal residence in Ireland 4926&nn2&3; Bridport’s viscountency 4928&n3; ‘Cabinet ... firm & united’ 4929; ‘so harassed’ 4930&n3; ‘out early’ 4931; sees Rose 4932; ‘quite serene’ 4933; statement re Queen’s absence from London 4935&nn1–4; vote of thanks for Napier 4936&nn1&2; daily reports to Queen 4937&n1; ‘very favorable’ 4938; ‘best friend’ 4939&n1; approves of under-butler 4940&ec&n1; ‘no more trouble’ 4941; ‘the greatest test of power and skill’ 4942&n2; Queen’s visit to Scotland 4943&n1; ‘a day of great repose’ 4944&n3; cabinet on dissolution 4945&nn1&3; calls on Lonsdale 4946&n1; Derby’s ‘invaluable counsel’ 4947&nn1&3; boundary bill 4948&n3; ‘no further impediments’ 4949; error in pension list 4950; ‘foreign affairs ... wonderfully calm’ 4951&nn1&4&7&9; ‘earnest hope’ for Queen’s health 4952&n4; receives ‘monster deputation’ of Irish 4953&n1; administration of India and Canada 4954&n1; Thanksgiving for success of Abyssinian Expedition 4955&nn1&3; Natal despatches 4956; ‘Walpole’s conduct ... most distressing’ 4958&n1; pension list 4959&n4; dissolution and election plans 4960&n1; honours for Napier 4961; Irish church bill in Lords 4962; ‘conversation is always preferable to writing’ 4963&ec&n2; ‘virtually passing the Irish Reform Bill’ 4964; compliment to US minister 4965&nn1&2; appeal to ‘the great body of the Clergy’ 4966&n3; Times article ‘unblushingly false & insolent’ 4967&n1; Hardy’s reliable spy 4968&n1; attends state concert 4969&n1;

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sends his novels to Queen 4970&nn1&2; subscription for election 4971&ec, 4973&ec; cabinet meeting 4974&n1; ‘It is a crisis’ 4975&n2; ‘expects to wind up affairs’ 4976; Bishop of Hereford’s oath 4978; ‘Dukes ... churlish’ 4979; assists Marcus Lowther 4981&n1; inspectors of factories 4982&n3; Irish Church Commission’s report 4983&n1; ‘astonishment’ at Lords proceedings 4984&n1; ‘incognita title’ of Queen 4985&n1; pension for Napier 4986&n1; congratulates Napier 4987&n1; ‘vexed’ about ‘Royal relatives’ 4988&n2; form of motion 4989&n1; ‘Wednesday morning congratulation’ 4989&n1; nomination of committee 4991; Sir Hope Grant’s services 4992&nn1&4–6; unable to find ‘any one’ for ma 4993n1; ‘Ministry is serene’ 4994; Somerset election 4995; Irish peerage 4996&nn1– 3; Rose’s ‘ever faithful friendship’ 4997&n1; Irish church 4998&n1; ‘not going’ to council at Osborne 4999; ‘most singular species ... the Bentinck’ 5000; ‘orders’ from ‘head quarters’ 5001&nn1&4&6; ‘Galley Slave’ 5002&n2; ‘somewhat remiss’ in reports to Queen 5003&nn1&4&8&9; earldom for Feversham 5004; ‘sent my excuses’ 5005&nn2&3; ‘Pardon this scrawl’ 5006&nn2&5; ‘to Osborne ... D.V.’ 5007&n1; ‘in the Admy yacht’ 5008; meets with Rose 5009&ec&n1; ‘My room is 86!’ 5010&n3; ‘delightful dream ... infinite disappointment’ 5011&n2; ma to ‘give a cup’ 5012&ec&n1; ‘Balmoral arrangements’ 5013&n2; ‘in a rather awkward position’ 5014&n1; ‘a rubber of whist’ at Osborne 5015&n1; dukedom for Abercorn 5016&n1; ‘messenger .. very annoying’ 5017&nn1&3; Queen’s prorogation speech 5018&n1; Abercorn’s ‘enthusiasm’ 5019&nn1&4&6&8; Stanley’s ‘large influence with the Press’ 5020&ec&nn1&2; ‘happy’ to be at Hughenden 5021&n1; works at elections ‘with ceaseless energy’ 5022&nn2&3&5&6&8; ‘most anxious excitement’ 5023; ‘hopeful’ 5024; meets with Duke of Edinburgh 5025&n2; ‘subjected to such letters’ 5026&nn1&3; knighthood for Watkin 5027; ‘Telegraph arrangment’ 5028&n1; ‘transaction’ with Padwick 5029; offers to assist Hammond 5030&nn1–3; memorial from lodgers 5031&n1; boxes to ‘Countess of Kent’ 5032&nn1&2; knighthood for Bennett 5033&n3; Irish church commissioners 5034&nn1&2; ‘malaise’ in Paris 5035&n1; appointments to poor law board 5036&n2; ‘fidelity in public life’ 5037&n1; ‘greater outrage’ by Queen 5038&nn1&3&4; ‘alleged rally’ 5039&n4; ‘interest ... & amuse’ the Queen 5040&nn1&6; asks for clergy list

5041&n2; ‘anxious about’ Chichester election 5042&nn1&3; ‘trout are returning’ 5043&n1; home office appointment 5044; ‘get the young ones ... into the firm’ 5045&nn1&10; new admiralty patent 5046&n1; ‘Kentish prospects’ 5047&n1; respects Lechmere’s claim 5048&nn2&3; ‘disappointed at no messenger’ 5049&ec; thanks Ferrand 5050; invites Cheshams to Hughenden 5051&n1; invites Lambert to Hughenden 5052&n2; ‘authentic information’ re elections 5054&nn10&11; Australian governorship 5055&ec&nn1–3; invites Johnson to Hughenden 5056&n3; ‘affairs are very peculiar now’ 5057&n3; peerage for Denison 5058&nn1&2; Derbyshire election 5059&nn1&3; ribbon of St Patrick 5060&nn1&5; invites Carrington to Hughenden 5061; announces visit of Napiers of Magdala 5062&ec; ‘affairs ... ripen so rapidly’ 5064&n1; Stanley’s ‘table talk’ 5065&n1; ‘vast number of letters’ 5066&nn4&5; ‘Pall-Mall Journal intellect’ 5067&nn3&9; ‘party chose to follow me’ 5068&n1; confidence in Abergavenny 5069&nn1&3; ‘a good many letters’ 5070&nn1&2&4&5; invites Hardy to Hughenden 5071&n3; invites Rose to dinner 5072; description of US minister 5073&n4; Lennox’s speech on Irish church 5074&nn1–3; ‘Royal Bounty’ for Jerdan 5076&n1; description of Queen’s grandchild 5145; ‘step in the Peerage’ for Nevill 5077&n1; ‘Admiralty ... have exhausted ... energy & temper’ 5078&nn1&5; ‘in good heart’ 5079&n1; ‘Kendal ... quite ruined’ 5080&nn1&2; Stanley’s ‘excellent advice’ 5081&n2; governor-general for Canada 5082&n1; ‘critical church appointments’ 5083&n1; ‘premature Cabinet’ 5084&nn1&2&5; proposed marriage of Duke of Edinburgh 5085&nn1&3; ‘daily crossed ... by the High Ch: party’ 5086&n5; return of despatch box 5087&nn1&3; ‘matters of great moment’ 5088&n3; ‘seizing the apropos’ 5089&nn6&9; Feilding and Trelawny 5090&ec&nn1&3&4; leaves Hughenden 5091; ‘general audience’ at Windsor 5092; Feilding’s ‘first-rate information’ 5093&nn1&2; consults Peel’s ‘Tamworth Manifesto’ 5094&ec&nn1&2; ‘elec. letter’ from Wellington 5095&nn1&2; ‘necessary’ to meet with Rose 5096; relations with Afghanistan 5097&n1, 5100; ‘away from head quarters’ 5098&n1; Abercorn’s titles 5099; ‘put up the steam’ for elections 5101&n1; Wilson Patten’s appointment ‘quite secret’ 5102&nn1–3; ‘surrounded by hungry lions’ 5103&nn2&8; ‘utmost discretion, & secrecy’ 5104&n1; ‘All well’ 5105; ‘entire affection, &

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companionship’ 5106&nn3&4; ‘I must be armed’ 5107; ‘a capital little dinner’ 5108&nn1&5; Queen’s ‘remarkable power of judgment’ 5109&nn1&3; ‘necessary steps’ for address 5110&n1; ‘an affair of taste & feeling’ 5111&n2; ‘go to press at once’ with address 5112&ec&n2; ‘just come from Kirk’ 5113; Montagu’s ‘kindest Friend’ 5114&n2; ‘a great coup for the Church’ 5115&nn1&2; ‘Spanish Insurrection’ 5116&n5; address to Bucks electors 5117&nn6–8; gardens at Balmoral 5118; Spanish revolution 5119&nn1&3; statement re Queen’s health 5120&nn1&4&10&11; ‘the work is very sharp’ 5121&n4; ‘National Union’ pamphlets 5122; ‘expedition’ in Scotland 5123; compares Bute to Tancred 5124&nn1&5; ‘entire confidence in’ Feilding 5125&n1; ‘rise of religious questions’ 5126&nn1&3; ‘will write every day’ to ma 5127&n7; ‘several things went cross’ 5128&nn1&2; Lennox’s ‘dreadful funk’ 5129&nn3&4; ‘a most romantic ride’ 5130&n3; ‘strict revise’ of address 5131&nn2&3; ‘so pressed with affairs’ 5132&n1; ‘done’ by Queen’s photographer 5133&nn2&4; ‘an electioneerer’ 5134&n3; Danubian Principalities 5135&n1; election ‘may astonish everybody’ 5136&nn1&3; ‘a great council’ with Corry 5137&n1; ‘the work is very heavy’ 5138&nn1&6&7; ‘a most happy visit’ 5139&n1; ‘a great relief’ 5140; ‘usual course ... resumed’ 5141&nn1&2; ‘most authentic information’ re elections 5142; ‘an accession of strength’ 5143&nn1&2; revises proof of address 5144&n1; Queen’s ‘last, & most touching, kindness’ 5146; ‘providing for the Royal Children’ 5147; Prince’s ‘sort of mission’ 5148&n4; Prince’s visit to India 5149&n2; election address 5150&n5; address to Bucks electors 5151&ec&n6; ‘pulse of opinion’ on church appointments 5152&n2; ‘Crown of Spain’ 5153&nn1&2; ‘regard for, & confidence in’ Lennox 5154&nn1&3; ‘cd. not exactly decypher’ Queen’s writing 5155&nn2&3; ‘voyage of H.R.H.’ Duke of Edinburgh 5156&n2; ‘a very curious letter’ 5157&n3; ‘truth about Irish prospects’ 5158&n1; church appointments 5159&nn1– 3&5&6&8&9, 5162&n4; ‘an English Dean’ for Ireland 5160; ‘The Lord of Hosts is with us!’ 5161; Duchy of Lancaster 5163; ‘subscriptions ... as a reserve’ 5164&n1; ‘the soul of my staff’ 5165&n4; ‘distinction of knighthood’ 5166&n3; ‘Prince’s visit to India’ 5167&n2; ‘Governmt ... at Madrid’ 5168&n1; ‘condition of ... party is now critical’ 5169&n1&3; ‘much on my shoulders’ 5170&nn1&3; ‘the great struggle at hand’ 5171&nn1&3; ‘pensions ... fulfilled’ 5172;

‘Leominster malaise’ 5173&nn1&4; ‘route of the “Galatea”‘ 5174&n3; British Museum 5175; ‘a “batch” of’ baronets 5176&n3; ‘Church appointments’ 5177&n4; secret Irish correspondence 5178&n2; ‘a weeks notice’ for cabinet 5179&nn1&3; ‘a secret ally’ 5180&n3; ‘an old County title’ 5181; ‘importance of ... Baronets’ 5182&nn2&3; ‘I burnt the mem:’ 5183; ‘fulfilment of ... wishes’ 5184; ‘insolence of the “Times”‘ 5185&nn1–3; ‘never could fill up returns’ 5186&n1; ‘I am in despair!’ 5187&n1; Queen’s ‘gracious kindness’ 5188&nn1&2; ‘a pillar of our cause’ 5189&n1; ‘triumphant effort’ 5190&ec&n1; ‘what a style’ 5191&nn2&3; death of archbishop 5192, 5195; deanery 5193&n1; ‘probable result of’ election 5194; archbishop ‘died of ecclesiastical anxiety’ 5196&n5; ‘Elections to the Constituent Cortes’ 5197; last cabinets 5198&n2; ‘we shall be no where’ 5199; ‘deepest consideration’ of Queen’s letters 5200; Church’s ‘common enemies: Rits & Rads’ 5201&nn5&6&11; ‘shoals of candidates’ 5202&ec&nn1&2; ‘speculations on ... Election’ 5203; knighthood for Mallet 5204&n1; thanks Marchand for ‘thoughtful volumes’ 5205; Church’s ‘distracted & critical state’ 5206&nn1&4; Hughenden vicarage 5207&nn1&2; ‘affairs look well’ 5208; ‘Our men ... running away’ 5209&nn1&2; ‘a Radical’ in the party 5210&n1; ‘don’t stab me in the back’ 5211&n1; ‘infuse fire into their efforts’ 5212&n7; ‘Writs to be ready’ 5213&n2; archbishop’s ‘paramount trust’ 5214&n2; Wilberforce ‘quite out of the running’ for archbishopric 5215&n6; ‘very much regret’ Long’s retirement 5216&n1; ‘runs of luck scarcely to be hoped for’ in elections 5217&nn1&5; ‘fresh & constant information’ on elections for the Queen 5218&nn1&2; ‘has not resigned his trust’ 5219&n7; cabinet meetings 5220&n1; ‘Its all right’ 5221; Stanley’s speech ‘Perfect!’ 5223&nn1&3; Bucks election 5224&nn2&4; ‘a matter of grave importance’ 5225&n1; ‘Elections are proceeding very favorably’ 5226; ‘the most trying day of the General Election’ 5227; ‘very unfavorable accounts’ of elections 5228; ‘Our shadows ... grow very long’ 5229&n1; baronetcies 5230; ‘High Church party ... enraged’ 5231&n3; ‘pleased with ... labours’ 5232&n1; Queen’s ‘gracious promptitude’ re clerical appointments 5233; ‘The country has not supported me’ 5234&n1; vacancies in Irish peerage 5235; ‘a dreary career again to lead ... opposition’ 5236&nn1&2&5&7; ‘a delight to serve’ Queen 5237; ma’s honour to ‘be gazetted’ 5238; ‘Roman Catholic Aristocracy’ 5239;

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clerical appointments 5240; knighthoods 5241&n6; pension for parliamentary reporter 5242; knighthoods not to be ‘common’ 5243&ec; ‘grave issues are at stake’ 5244&nn1&2; ‘Difficulties arise’ 5245&ec; ‘I do not change my name’ 5246&n2; ‘resolved to effect the purpose’ 5247; ‘some public declaration’ 5248; ‘re-assure & satisfy the party’ 5249&nn2&3; ‘dramatic unity & completeness’ 5250; ‘civil Knights’ 5251; reasons for resignation of ministry 5252; Stanley ‘a brother of the pen’ 5253&ec; ‘dear Philosopher’ 5254&nn1–3; ‘does not alter my opinion’ 5255&n1; ‘our opponents will not kiss hands on Monday’ 5256; ‘most profound secrecy’ 5258&n2; ‘confidential letter’ from Derby 5259&n2; ‘I highly esteem’ Grey’s friendship 5260; pension for ma’s secretary 5261; ‘mislaid my Banking Book’ 5262; baronetcy for Derby’s friend 5263&n3; ‘coup de grace’ at Windsor 5264&n1; county lieutenancy 5265; ‘what I am going through’ 5265; ‘tendered my resignation’ 5266; ‘some little mischances’ 5267&n1; resignation statement 5268, 5270, 5271&ec; ‘a moment ... distressing to all of us’ 5269&nn1&6; ‘the country has not supported me’ 5272&n1; ‘the malignant “Times”‘ 5273&nn2&6; Irish peers 5274&n1; ‘nothing to do’ 5275&n2; ‘proposers & seconders’ 5276&nn1&2; ‘Gladstone will be installed in D.S.’ 5279; ‘audience of taking leave’ 5277&n1; ‘acct with Thomson & Co’ 5278; meeting of Parliament 5280; ‘obliged to’ Gladstone for ‘recollection’ of ma 5281&nn1&3; Hughenden vicarage 5282&nn1&3; ‘how long newspapers come here’ 5283; sorry to give Gladstone ‘so much trouble’ 5284; agrees to join ‘the Club’ 5285&nn1&3; dinner with Rothschilds 5286&n2; ‘the leading in the Lords’ 5287&n2; ‘Anxious & interesting times await us’ 5288&n2; ‘close & confidential relations’ with his staff 5289&n1; ‘winding up an administration’ 5290&n1; ‘Matinées’ 5291&ec&n1; ‘my brother James is no more’ 5292&n3; ‘Amid sorrow, & such sorrow’ 5293&n2; ‘a strange document’ 5294&n2; ‘funeral of our poor brother’ 5295&nn2&3; ‘real? or a pretence’ 5296&ec&n1; ‘our hopeless opposition’ 5297&n1; ‘contributed to [James’s] happiness’ 5298&n3; James’s funeral 5299&nn3&6&7 – financial affairs: settlement of debts 4738n9 – health: ‘want of rest’ 4818; ‘gout gone’ 4899; ‘one of my bad nights’ 5015&n1; ‘biliary derangement’ 5113; ‘Quin’s remedies’ 5128&nn1&2; ‘attacks leave me weak & depressed’ 5138&n7 – speeches: Corn Importation Bill (15 May

1846) 1486x&n1; on Reform Bill (Scotland) 4732n2; on Election Petitions ... Bill 4787n2, 5002&n2, 5010n5; first as pm 4788&n1; at Edinburgh (29 Oct 1867) 4790&nn1&2; at Crystal Palace (24 Jun 1872) 4837n2; established church (Ireland) (3 Apr 1868) 4837n3; Established Church (Ireland) Bill 4852&n3; on Duke of Edinburgh (27 Apr 1868) 4893&n1; established church (Ireland) (30 Apr 1868) 4894&n4; ministerial statement (4 May 1868) 4906&n1, 4910, 4914n4; royal residence in Ireland 4926&n2; at Merchant Taylors’ Hall (17 Jun 1868) 4939&n1, 4967&ec&n1; on dissolution of Parliament (29 May 1868) 4945&nn1&3; at Halton Industrial Exhibition (1 Jun 1868) 4947n3; on Abyssinian despatches (15 Jun 1868) 4952n4; business of the House (15, 18 Jun 1868) 4984n1; at Mansion House banquet (29 Jul 1868) 5018n1; lord mayor’s dinner (9 Nov 1868) 5185&n3; at Aylesbury (19 Nov 1868) 5224n2, 5249n2 – works: Vivian Grey 306x; A Year at Hartlebury, or The Election 306x&n1;Tancred 4822n2, 5124&n5; Vivian Grey 4836n1, 4970&ec&nn1&2; Henrietta Temple 4868n3; Disraeli Edition (1868) 4970&ec&nn1&2; Lothair 5010n1, 5124n5; The Young Duke 5124n1; Lord George Bentinck 5295n3 D’Israeli, Isaac i 4n2, 4860n3 Disraeli, James i 12n5, 5059n3, 5189&n1, 5292&n1, 5293&n2, 5295&n3, 5298&n3, 5299&nn2&3&5 D’Israeli, Maria i 1n1, 4860n3 Disraeli, Mary Anne i 169n5, 3943r, 4662&n1, 4680, 4780n2, 4801, 4822n1, 4889, 4890n2, 4897, 5038n7, 5069&n3, 5105, 5152n2, 5275n3, 5282n3; mother’s illness 1240x&n2; illness in 1867 4584x; Haydon’s dismissal 4670&ec&n1; illness in 1867 4679n2; Queen’s interest in 4682; Lady Combermere’s party 4683&n2; ‘quite recovered’ 4696&n5; Derby’s congratulations 4759n5; pension for Brewster’s widow 4776n8; solicitor 4785n1; reception 4829&n2; ‘sending you my love’ 4842; ‘beautifully worked’ item to Queen 4853n3; attends literary fund dinner 4911&nn2&3; Queen’s gift of flowers 4921n2; ‘agreeable dinner’ 4924; ‘dear darling’ 4929; hires under- butler 4940&ec&n1; attends marriage of Marlborough’s daughter 4941n4; attends Lady Tankerville’s reception 4944; dinner at home with d 4969&n1; reception for Napier of Magdala 4993&n1; use of carriage 5008&ec; invitation from Shrewsburys 5010&n3; invitation from Stanhopes 5011&n2; patroness of poultry show 5012&ec&n1; ‘my dearest Wife’ 5015; visit of Napiers of Magdala 5062; writes to d every day 5106&nn3&4;

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‘Yr own devoted M.’ 5108&n5; ‘my darling love’ 5113; ‘My dearest love’ 5118; visit to Gunnersbury 5121&n4, 5127&n7; ‘your little note’ 5123&n7; ‘Madame la Premiere’ 5124n5; photos from Balmoral 5128&n2; Queen’s ‘many kind things’ about 5133&n4; ‘miss you sadly’ 5138&nn1&6&7; Queen’s ‘recollection of’ 5139&n1; ‘a better appetite’ 5140; ‘joy at our soon meeting’ 5145; ‘brilliant beetles’ from Mathew 5170&n1; ‘grant those honors to his wife’ 5236&n7; ‘Viscountess Beaconsfield’ 5238&n2, 5246&n2, 5249n3, 5250&n1; ‘Lady Beaconsfield’ 5254n1, 5286&nn1&2, 5288&n1, 5290; companion and secretary 5261&nn1&2; banking book 5262&n1; congratulations from Gladstone 5281&n1; death of James 5293&n2 Disraeli, Ralph i 12n5, 5292, 5295&n3 D’Israeli, Sarah (d’s grandmother) i 4n2, 4860n3 Disraeli, Sarah i 10n1, 306x Disraeli family 5298n4 Disraelis, the Benjamin: attend Beauchamp’s wedding 4662n1; servants 4682n1; attend drawing room 4808n1; reception 4829&n2; Easter at Hughenden 4854n3; dine with royal family 4856n1; attend new hospital ceremony 4923n2; attend opening of industrial exhibition 4947n3; attend state concert at Buckingham Palace 4969&n1; dinner party 4993&n1; leave for Hughenden 5028n1; 1867 Edinburgh visit 5106&n3 – social occasions, involving: Milner Gibsons 3268xn1; Cheshams 5021&n1, 5038&n7, 5070n4; Buckingham 5070n4; Cecil 5070n4; Lennox 5070n4; Napiers of Magdala 5070n4; Reverdy Johnsons 5070n4; Lionel de Rothschilds 5155n3, 5286&nn1&2; Abergavenny 5171n1; Stanhopes 5173&nn1&4 Dog tax 4724nn3&4, 4726&n5 Doo, George Thomas 4950&n1, 4959, 5172 Douglas, Sir Robert Percy, 4th Bt 5156&n3 Douglas, 4th Baron 4799n7 Downing Street 4682, 4753, 4801&n3, 4873, 4934, 4960, 5004, 5030, 5094, 5097, 5110&n1, 5150, 5161, 5192, 5207, 5209, 5210, 5244, 5256, 5279, 5282 Downshire, 4th Marquess of ii 682n7, 4953n1, 5060nn1&2 Doyle, Charles Hastings 5082n1 Doyle, Lady Charles 5123n5 Doyle, Sir Charles William 5123n5 Doyle, Sylvia 5123&n5 Drogheda, Marquess of 4791n1 Drummond, Henry v 1871n13, 4900&n3 Drummond, Henry Home 4766n1 Drummonds (bank) 5262

Dublin 4654&n6, 4827&n3, 5102&n3, 5228&n2, 5241&n1 co Dublin 5163 Dublin, Archbishop of. See Murray, Daniel; Trench, Richard Chenevix Dublin, lord mayor of. See Carroll, William Du Cane, Charles vii 3140n3, 5003n8, 5018, 5019&n3, 5022nn1&6&8, 5046n3, 5055n1 Dudley, 1st Earl of iii 791n13, 4933&n5 Duff, Alexander 5123n4 Dunbartonshire 5054&n5 Duncombe, Augustus (Dean of York) 4983n1, 5196&n3 Duncombe, Thomas Slingsby i 165n11, 5014n1 Dundas, Sir David 5131n1 Dunfermline, 2nd Baron 5212n2 Du Pré, Caledon George ii 648n12, 5224n2 Du Pre, James iii 867n2, 5012n1 Durand, Sir Henry Marion 4695&nn3&5 Durham 5019&n7 Duties: tea and malt 4686 Dutton, Baron. See Abercorn, 1st Duke of Dyke, Sir Percyvall Hart, 6th Bt 5289&n2 Dyke, William Hart (7th Bt 1875) ix 4575n5, 5047n3, 5289&nn1&2 Ealing 4746, 4752, 4756, 5284 Eaton, Henry William 5226n7 Ecclesiastical Titles Act (1851) 4808n2, 4813, 4822&nn2&3 Ecclesiastical Titles Act (1871) 4822n3 Ecclesiastical Titles Repeal Bill (1868) 4739n1, 4776n10, 4808&n2, 4813&nn1&4, 4815&n3, 4826&n1, 4927n1 Eden, Robert 4813&n3 Edgcumbe, Charles 5120n11 Edger, Virginia 5261&n1 Edinburgh 4790&nn1&2, 5106&n3 Edinburgh, Duke of viii 3456n1, 4876&n1, 4885n5, 4890&n1, 4892&n2, 4893n1, 4985n1, 4988n1, 4994n3, 4996n2, 5005n3, 5016n2, 5017&n3, 5019&n2, 5025&n2, 5089nn4&9, 5113, 5119&n5, 5127n6, 5131, 5148&n1, 5149, 5153&nn1&2, 5156&n2, 5158n5, 5161; proposed marriage 5085&nn1–3; visit to India 5167&n1; ‘ceremonies in the Colonies’ 5174&n3 Edinburgh Review 4822n2 Education: Ireland 4654&n4, 4786&n2; Schools Inquiry Commission (Taunton Report 1868) 4691n2; episcopal and lay committees and national society 4782n1; working class 5017n1. See also Elementary Education Act (1870); Elementary Education Bill (1868); Public Schools Bill (1865, 1866, 1868) Education Bill (1868) 4660&nn2–5, 4669, 4672&n8, 4675&n3, 4677&nn3&4, 4678, 4686, 4687&nn2&3, 4688&n3, 4691&nn1&3, 4692, 4694, 4695, 4699&n1, 4701, 4703, 4705&nn1&3, 4707, 4710, 4719&n3, 4720,

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4795&n1. See also Elementary Education Act (1870); Elementary Education Bill (1868) Education of the Poor Bill (1867) 4691&n3 Edward iv 4738n1 Edward vii. See Albert Edward, Prince of Wales Edwards, Arthur William 5158n4 Edwards, Lady (Sir Henry, 1st Bt) viii 3479n2 5288 Edwards, Richard 5263n1, 5264n7 Edwards, Sir Henry, 1st Bt vi 2369n2, 4738n8, 5021, 5288&nn1&2 Egerton, Edward vi 2460n2, 4783&n1, 5087&n3, 5141&nn1&2 Egerton, Sir Philip, 10th Bt ix 4291n3, 4708&n1 Egerton of Tatton, 1st Baron iii 1085n5, 4653n1 Eglinton, 14th Earl of 5117n8 Elcho, Lord (10th Earl of Wemyss 1883) vii 3117n6, 4913&n1, 5022&nn5&8 Eldon, 1st Earl of i 20n1, 4774n1, 4776&n4 Election Petitions Act (1848) 4723n1 Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill (1868) 4694, 4695, 4704&n1, 4710&nn4&5, 4711, 4713, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4723&n1, 4787&n2, 5002&n2, 5003&n4, 5010&n5 Elections: (1863, 1864) 4161x; (1857) 4656&n2; (general 1868) 4664n3, 4885n3, 4948n3, 4960&n1, 4966&nn1–3, 4971, 4972n1, 4973, 4975, 4984n1, 5003&n8, 5022&nn1&2&8, 5054&nn2&4&5&7– 9&12&13, 5064, 5067; (Hereford Sept 1868) 4778n1; (e Kent May 1868) 4799&n2; (Cockermouth 1868) 4894&n2, 5079&nn1&2; (Grantham 1868) 4894&n2; (Bristol 1868) 4894&n3; (Kent 1868) 4894&n3, 4899, 5047&n3; (general 1865) 4903&n2, 4977&n1, 5098nn2&3, 5249n3; (general 1832) 4971&n1, 4973, 4975; registration 4978n2; (Somersetshire 1868) 4995; committee 4997&n3, 5194, 5207&n2; (Finsbury 1834) 5014n1; (Middlesex 1868) 5014n1, 5180n4; (Chelsea 1868) 5017n1, 5043n1; (n Lancs 1868) 5019n4; (Mayo 1865, 1868) 5026nn2&3; lodger franchise 5031n1; (general 1859) 5038n8; (Chichester 1868) 5042&n2, 5086&nn4&5; (Scotland 1868) 5042&n3, 5098&n2, 5115n2, 5117&n8; (Preston 1868) 5043n1, 5045&nn1&4&10; (Worcester 1868) 5043n1; (Tewkesbury 1868) 5048n2; (Devonport 1868) 5050, 5060&n3; (Lanarkshire 1868) 5053n1; (Derbyshire 1868) 5059nn1–3; (Belfast 1868) 5068n1; (Morpeth 1868) 5078&nn1&3; (Poole 1868) 5078&nn1–3&5; (Cornwall e 1868) 5080n3; (Oxford 1865) 5083n1; (Oxford 1868) 5083&nn1&3; (general 1868) 5089, 5099, 5116, 5120n11, 5125&n1, 5126, 5136&n3, 5142&n1, 5171&n3, 5186&nn2&3,

5194&n4, 5198, 5201&nn7&8&11, 5211&n2, 5212&n1, 5213n2; (Ireland 1868) 5090n1, 5098&n2, 5102, 5104, 5178n2; (general 1835) 5094n3; (Manchester 1868) 5098n1; (Devizes 1868) 5098&n2; (Leominster 1868) 5098&n2, 5173&n3, 5199&n1; (s Wiltshire 1868) 5101n4; (s Hants 1868) 5101&nn1&2; (Devonshire 1868) 5107&n2; (Yorkshire 1868) 5114n2; (Nottingham 1868) 5117n9; (s Hants 1868) 5120&n3, 5164n1, 5180&n1; (Leeds 1868) 5126n3; (n Devonshire 1868) 5149&n1; (Marlow 1868) 5150&n4; (Berkshire 1859) 5154n3; (Shrewsbury 1868) 5157&n3; (Christchurch 1868) 5164n1; (w Kent 1868) 5176&n2; (Oxford University 1868) 5177, 5224n4; (Lymington 1868) 5180&n3; (Cricklade 1868) 5185n1; (Isle of Wight 1865) 5185n1; (Isle of Wight 1868) 5185n1; (n Notts 1872) 5185&n1; (s Derbyshire 1868) 5189n1; (general 1841) 5189&n2, 5194&n5; (general 1868 and others) 5203&nn2–4; (general 1868) 5217&nn2–5, 5218, 5220&n1, 5226&nn1–21, 5227&nn1–4, 5228&nn1&2, 5236n2, 5244, 5271&n1; (Shropshire 1868) 5221n1; (Lynn Regis 1868) 5223n3; (Bucks 1868) 5224&n2; church influence 5231; (Lancs 1868) 5249&nn1&2; (Hereford City 1868) 5267&n1; (Bridgnorth 1868) 5297n2 Electoral reform 4790&n1, 4835, 5150&n1 Electric Telegraphs Bill (1868) 4720&n6, 4831&n2, 4832, 5003&n5, 5028&n4 Elementary Education Act (1870) 4691n3 Elementary Education Bill (1868) 4691&n3 Ellesmere, 2nd Earl of 5033n2 Ellicott, Charles John (Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol) 4684n4, 5109&n3, 5196&nn2&5, 5201&nn1&11, 5215&n2 Elphinstone, Sir James vii 2919n1, 4977&nn1&2&4, 5226n13 Ely, Bishop of. See Browne, Edward Harold; Woodford, James Russell Ely, Marchioness of (3rd Marquess) iii 1145n5, 5038nn4–6, 5041&n4, 5054n11, 5066&n4, 5067&n9, 5070, 5075n8, 5081&n2 Emly 5115n1 Enchantress (paddle-yacht) 4827&n4, 5010&n6 Enfield, Viscount (Baron Strafford 1875; 3rd Earl of Strafford 1886) vi 2650n2, 5180n4 Enfield rifle. See Snider-Enfield rifle Eridge Castle 5171&n1, 5275&nn2&3 Erne, 3rd Earl of 5060&nn1&2 Erroll, Countess of (18th Earl) 5123n4 Erroll, 18th Earl of 5123n4 Esmarch, Johannes Friedrich von 4682n1 Established Church (Ireland) Bill (1868) 4799n3, 4845&nn1–3&5, 4846&nn1&2, 4851&nn1–4, 4852&nn1–3, 4856n4, 4881, 4923&n1, 4938&n1, 4947n1, 4949&nn1&4, 4962&n1, 4972&n3, 4980n2

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Eugénie, Empress of the French vi 2664n5, 5032n2, 5035, 5038&n6, 5045n10, 5073n4, 5075n8, 5079 Euston Station 5106 Evans, Thomas William 5059n3, 5189n1 Eversley, 1st Viscount ii 672n2, 4789&n1, 5236n3 Ewing, Archibald Orr 5054&n5 Ewing, John 5054n5 Exeter, Bishop of. See Phillpotts, Henry Eykyn, Roger 5120n11 Factories Act (1833) 4982n1 Factory Act (1878) 4982n1 Fainborough, Lord 4738n1 Fane, Henry Hamlyn 5101n1, 5120n3 Faraday, Michael 4773n1, 4776n7 Faraday, Sarah 4773&n1, 4776&nn7&8 Farnaby, Lady (4th Bt) 5047n2 Farnaby, Sir Charles, 5th Bt 5047n2 Farnham, 7th Baron iv 936xn4, 5060n2 Farquharson, Elizabeth Louisa 5120n8, 5127&n5 Farquharson, James Ross 5120&nn7&8, 5127&n5 Farquharson family 5123n2 Feilden, J. 4940&ec&n1 Feilden, Joseph 4940&ec&n1, 5226n10 Feilding, Viscount. See Denbigh, 8th Earl of Feilding, Viscountess. See Denbigh, Countess of (8th Earl) Feilding, William ix 4621n2, 4968n1, 5090&nn1&4, 5093&nn1&2, 5125&n1, 5178&nn1&2, 5232&n1 Fenians and Fenianism 4653&nn5&8, 4655&nn1&2, 4690n5, 4726n3, 4791n1, 4806nn2&4, 4807n1, 4851n2, 5045n1, 5090nn1&2, 5093, 5150&n4; sent to America 4874n4; ‘dreadful outrage’ on Duke of Edinburgh 4885n5; in Australia 4890n1; in Paris 5032n2; ‘outrage at Paris’ 5038&nn5&8 Fenton’s Hotel 5063&n1, 5070&n6 Fergusson, Sir James, 6th Bt viii 3653n6, 4881&n3, 5000, 5034&nn1&2, 5036, 5046n3, 5054, 5055n1, 5067, 5117nn6&8 Fermoy, 1st Baron 4996nn1&2 Ferrand, William iv 1362n4, 5050&n1, 5060n3 Feuchtwanger, E.J. 5142n1 Feversham, 1st Baron iii 1173n2, 5196n3 Feversham, 1st Earl of vi 2816n1, 5004&n1, 5212n2, 5234n3 Fielden, Joshua 5054n8 Fife, Countess of (5th Earl) 5123&n4 Fife, 5th Earl of 5123n4 Le Figaro 5032n2, 5035n1 Fildes, John 5210n2 Fire Queen (steam-yacht) 5010&n6 Firth, Charles Henry 5241&n6, 5243 Fischer, Adolf 5116n2 Fitzroy, E.A. 5080n2

FitzRoy, Lord Frederic 5054n2 Fitzroy, Mr 5080n2 Fitzwalter, 1st Baron ix 4155n3, 4738&n6, 4746n5, 4784n9, 4799nn3&7, 4820&n1, 4855&nn1&2, 5212n2, 5219n2 Fleming, Mr 4766n3 Fleury, Émile Félix 5035&n2, 5073n4 Fontainebleau 5032n2, 5045&n10 Foote, James vii 3283n1, 4682&n1 Forbes, Alexander Penrose 4813&n3 Forbes, Sir Charles 5014n1 Foreign Office 4968&n1 Forster, William Edward 4691n3, 4719n3, 4867n2 Fortescue, Chichester Samuel (Baron Carlingford 1874) 4853n1 Fortescue, 3rd Earl iv 1226n4, 4854n4 Foster, Mr 5299n7 Fowler, John K. ix 4062n6, 5012&ec&n1 Fox, Miss 5127n7 Frail, John iii 1158n5, 5157&n3 France 4887; navy 4686, 4697&n2; sale of church property 4693; international coinage 4706; ‘resolved on war’ 4880&nn1&3; court ‘sore’ 5035; ‘more sore than ever’ 5073n4; intentions for war 5093&nn1&2; Spanish revolution 5153&n1 Francis, Prince of Teck ix 4039n3, 4993n1 Francisco ii, King of the Two Sicilies 4928n2 Franco-Prussian War (1870-1) 5015n2 Franklin, Lady (Sir John) vi 2649n1, 4661n3 Freake, Charles James (1st Bt 1882) 5017&n1 Frederick William, Prince (Frederick iii of Prussia 1888) 4696n4 Freeman 4784n5 Free trade 4835 Fremantle, Charles (Sir Charles 1890) ix 4169n1, 4657&n1, 4658&nn4&5, 4670n1, 4846a, 4855&ec&n1, 4986&ec, 4989n1, 4996&nn2&3, 5012&ec, 5080n2, 5150&n2, 5179n3, 5187n1, 5189&n4, 5204&ec, 5207&n1, 5238, 5256, 5299&n7 Fuad Pasha 4667&nn1&2 Furka 5075 Fyfe, Barbara Wallace 5299n6 Fyfe, William Wallace 5299n6 Gainsborough, 1st Earl of iii 1033n4, 4836n1 Gainsborough, 2nd Earl of v 1745n4, 4653n1 Galatea (frigate) 4994&n3, 5148&n1, 5156, 5174 Galway 4654&n7, 4964n1 Galway, Viscountess (6th Viscount) iv 1388n2, 4738n3 Galway, 6th Viscount v 1845n6, 4738&nn3&8, 4799n7, 5268ec Garawalt Falls 5120&n6, 5121, 5124 Garbett, James 5059n3 Garibaldi, Giuseppe viii 3471n3, 4693n3 Garlies, Lord (10th Earl of Galloway 1873) 4722&n1

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Garnier, John Carpenter 5101n2 Garrod, Alfred Baring 4668n3 Gartside, [Henry?] 4958n1 George iii 5275n2 George iv 4776n4, 4791n2, 4831n3, 5123n4 Gerard, Sir Robert Tolver, 13th Bt v 1779n6, 5065&n2 German Chapel 5019&n1 Ghuznee (Ghazni), Afghanistan 4951&n5, 4961 Gibraltar 4901ec&nn1&2 Gibson, Susanne Arethusa 3268x&n1 Gibson, Thomas Milner iii 712n2, 3268xn1, 5005n5, 5194&n4 Giffard, Hardinge (Bishop of Perth) 4918n6, 5039n2 Giffard, Sir George Markham 4778n3, 4789&nn4&5, 4793&n2, 5038n2 Giffard, Sir Hardinge Stanley 5226n15 Girdlestone, Robert Baker 5109nn1&2 Gladstone, Catherine vii 3345n7, 4829n2, 4933n5 Gladstone, Sir Thomas, 2nd Bt vii 2955n1, 5131n1, 5132&n1 Gladstone, William ii 369n7, 4656, 4766n3, 4775n1, 4809, 5287n4, 5288n2; customs bill 3676x&n2; first government 4691n3; Russell’s presidency in 1854 4705n2; home rule 4706n6; Scotch reform bill 4712n1, 4720; church rates abolition bill 4739nn1&2; ‘got hold of Ld. Cranborne’ 4745n1; Derby’s resignation 4750n1; not the ‘influential adhesion’ 4752; adjournment of House 4758ec&n2; church affairs 4778n3; disestablishment of Irish church 4784n1, 4821&nn1&2, 4828, 4830&n1, 4832, 4838&n2, 4839, 4846n1, 4852&n1, 4871n1; Irish land leases 4786n4; ‘not ... in a hurry’ 4786&n4; Election Petitions ... Bill 4787n2; ‘silent’ 4788; ‘rebuffed by ... friends’ 4811&n2; ecclesiastical titles 4822n3, 4826&n1; attends ma’s reception 4829n2; ‘violent courses’ 4831; ‘uncompromising ... proposition’ 4835&nn1&5; speech ‘scarcely of his highest class’ 4845&nn1&2; ‘a “compound Fenian”’ 4851&n2; ‘vast and violent’ course 4852n3; Irish church resolutions 4856n4; Queen’s dread of 4857n1; disestablishment of Irish church 4875&nn2&10, 4886nn5&6, 4894&n1, 4899, 4902&n1; church rates 4876n1; ‘no Cabinet ready’ 4881&n2; 1868 election campaign 4885n3; ‘horrible outrage in Australia’ 4890&n5; seconds d’s motion of sympathy for the Queen 4893nn1&2; ‘certain division’ 4895&nn2&8&9; ‘violent, but, for him, weak’ 4906&n2; ‘much chagrined’ 4907&n1; ‘no notice’ to d 4908&nn1&4; ‘disagreeable agitation’ 4910&n4; four resolutions agreed to 4914&n1; address to Queen 4916&n1;

resolutions condemned 4918n5; navy estimates 4920&n1; first reading of Irish church bill 4923n1; royal residence in Ireland 4926n2; ‘schemes’ 4933&nn3&5; second reading of Irish church bill 4938&n1; ‘quite beaten’ 4943; Irish church 4947n1, 5053, 5083nn2&5, 5125n1, 5223n2, 5271, 5296n1; governor-generalship of India 4954n2; Irish church debate 4972&n3; third resolution 4983n1; address to Queen re birth of Princess Victoria 4989&nn1&2; opposes fee for judges 5002; ‘defeated’ 5040; refutation of statements 5043n1; Gladstonites 5054; ‘ill, and looks much worn’ 5098n1; church appointments 5109n4; Hampshire election 5120n3; cartoon of 5133&n3; followers intrigue against Hardy 5159; supporters 5177&nn5&6; election results 5194&n4; ‘Goliath’ 5217nn4&5; ‘balderdash & braggadoccio’ 5249nn2&3; kisses hands 5258n3; asked to form government 5264n1; formation of government 5265&n4, 5269, 5273n5; ‘letter from the Queen’ 5266&n4; ‘fixed his Council’ 5279&n2; re-election of Speaker 5281&nn1&3; seconder for Address 5284; royal bounty fund 5299&n7 Glassalt Shiel 5138&n4, 5153n2 Glasgow 5166&n1 Glenelg, 1st Baron i 233n3, 5212n2 Globe 4886, 4925, 4935n1, 4967&ec, 5066, 5270, 5292n1 Gloucester 5109&n3 Gloucester and Bristol, Bishop of. See Ellicott, Charles John Glyn, George Grenfell (2nd Baron Wolverton 1873) 5276&n5, 5281, 5283 Glyn, Sir Richard Carr, 1st Bt i 18n1, 4766n3 Glyn’s (bank) 5176&n2, 5219, 5276n5 Glynne, Lady Mary (Sir Stephen) 4933nn4&5 Glynne, Sir Stephen Richard, Bt 4933nn4&5 Golisue, Stefan 4844n1 Goltz, Count von der 4653n2 Gooch, Sir Daniel 5185n1 Goode, William (Dean of Ripon) 5040&nn1&3&6, 5041, 5045 Gordon, Alexander Hamilton- 4826n4, 4829&n1 Gordon, Edward Strathearn (Baron Gordon of Drumearn 1876) ix 4365n1, 4685&n1, 4711, 4712n1, 4719, 4720&n2, 4732n2, 4742n2, 5042&n1, 5117n8, 5219&n5 Gordon, Sir James Alexander 5127&n4 Gordon family 5127n3 Gore, Francis Arthur Knox, 1st Bt 5212&n3 Gore, John Ralph Ormsby- (1st Baron Harlech Jan 1876) 5272&n1 Gore, William Ormsby- iv 1343n2, 5272n1 Gore, William Richard Ormsby- (2nd Baron Harlech Jun 1876) 5272n1

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Gormanston, 1st Baron (uk; 13th Viscount Ireland) 4799n7, 5235&n3, 5239 Gormanston, 1st Viscount 5239&n3 Gorst, J.E. 5122n1 Goschen, George Joachim (1st Viscount Goschen 1900) ix 4060n2, 4739&n2, 4834n2, 5226n18 Goulburn, Edward Meyrick 4905&n6, 5103n8, 5109&n5 Government of India Bill (1868) 4694&n3, 4695 Graham, Thomas viii 3659n2, 4706&nn1&2, 4708, 4709 Grahamstown 4684&n3 Grahamstown, Bishop of. See Cotterill, Henry Grand Cross of Bath 4774&n1, 4775 Grant, Phillip 4982n3 Grant, Sir James Hope 4951&n6, 4961, 4992&nn5&6 Grantham 4894&n2 Granville, 2nd Earl ii 676n1, 4688n2, 4705n2, 4871&n4, 4972n3, 4984n1 Graves, Samuel Robert ix 4314n2, 5103&nn3&8, 5228n1 Gray, Robert (Bishop of Cape Town) 4684&nn1&4, 5206n2 Gray, William 5227n4 Great Eastern Railway 4656&n5 Great Exhibition (1851) 5133n1 Great Seal 4752, 4754&n1, 4757, 4760, 4761, 4762n1, 4764 Greek Orthodox Church 5085&n3, 5089n4 Green, John 4844n1 Greenall, Gilbert 5226n16, 5249n2 Greene, Edward 4899&n1 Greenwich 5217&n4 Greenwood, Frederick 5067n7 Gregory, Eliza iii 859n4, 5261n1 Gregory, Robert (Canon of St Paul’s) 5059n1, 5083&n4, 5177n2, 5224&nn3&4, 5231&n3, 5233 Gregory, William Henry (kcmg 1876) v 1752n3, 4884&n1, 4964n1 Grenville, Hester 5236n5 Grenville, Richard 5236n5 Grenville family 4840&nn1&3, 4841&n3 Gresley, Francis 5189&n1 Gresley, Sir Thomas, 10th Bt 5059&nn1&2&3, 5189&n1 Greville, Charles Cavendish Fulke i 165n12, 4776n5 Grey, Charles ii 201n5, 4679&n2, 4689&nn3&4, 4707, 4712&nn1&2, 4722, 4725n2, 4742&n3, 4743, 4744, 4745, 4751, 4756, 4786n8, 4791n3, 4797&n2, 4798&n1, 4799&n7, 4802, 4803, 4808n1, 4813n4, 4815n2, 4821n2, 4826&nn1&4, 4833&n1, 4845n5, 4857n1, 4861n2, 4881&n3, 4903n4, 4905n2, 4910n6, 4918&n1, 4937n1, 4943, 4994, 5003, 5006, 5007n1, 5013, 5085n1,

5174n3, 5219&n7, 5247, 5248, 5259, 5260&n1, 5264n1, 5265&n4, 5266&n4, 5267&n2, 5269, 5273&nn1&5, 5274&n2; assists d with Queen’s approval 4752&n3; meets with d 4753&ec, 4760; visits Walpole 4761&n1; reassures d about royal visit 4814&n2; inserts Queen’s comments in d’s letter 4827&ec&n7; proposed kcbs 5251&n1 Grey, Sir George, 2nd Bt iii 713n2, 5078&n3, 5090n2, 5276n4, 5281n1 Grey, 2nd Earl i 122n7, 4971n1 Griffith, C. Darby 4736n3, 5098n2 Grillion’s (dining club) 5285&n3 Grosvenor, Robert Wellesley 5226n1 Grosvenor Gate 4873, 4931, 5016, 5091, 5092, 5093, 5138 Grote, George ii 558n1, 4301x Grove, Mr (qc) 5038nn1&3 Guest, Arthur Edward 5078n2 Guest, Lady Cornelia Spencer ix 4610n3, 4941n4, 5078&n4, 5157n2 Guest, Sir Ivor Bertie, 2nd Bt 4941n4, 5078&nn2&4, 5120n11, 5157n2 Guinness, Arthur, Jr 4792n4 Guinness, Arthur, Sr 4792n4 Guinness, Edward 4792n4 Guinness, Sir Arthur Edward 5228n2 Guinness, Sir Benjamin Lee 4792&n4 Guthrie, Alexander 4712n3 Habeas Corpus Suspension (Ireland) Act Continuance Bill (1868) 4720, 4726&n3, 4739n1 Hadfield, George 4800n1 Halifax, Earl of (1661-1715) 4738n9 Halifax, 1st Viscount v 1624n3, 4706&nn1&7, 4709&n3, 4715, 4717&n3, 4727&ec&n1, 4731&n3, 4857n1, 5236&n4 Hall, Sir Benjamin. See Llanover, 1st Baron Hallington Hall 5212 Halse 5240&n1 Halton Industrial Exhibition 4947n3 Hamber, Thomas 5153n1 Hamilton, George Alexander v 2165n1, 5264 Hamilton, Lord Claud iii 1069n5, 4712&nn2&6 Hamilton, Lord Claud John ix 4523n3, 4712&nn2&6, 5019n5, 5163&n4, 5165&n4 Hamilton, Lord Ernest William 5019&n5 Hamilton, Lord Frederick Spencer 5019&n5 Hamilton, Lord George Francis 5019&n5, 5120n11, 5180&n4 Hamilton, Marquess of (2nd Duke of Abercorn 1885) viii 3780n5, 4996n2, 5019n5, 5099&n2 Hamilton, Walter Kerr (Bishop of Salisbury) 5109&n7, 5201&n3, 5206 Hamilton, 12th Duke of (8th Earl of Selkirk 1886) ix 4184n1, 5016nn1&2, 5042n3, 5054&n7 Hammersmith 5261&n2

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Hammond, Edmund (1st Baron Hammond 1874) vii 3379n1, 5030&nn1&3, 5032&nn1&2, 5087&n2, 5264&n5 Hampden, Renn Dickson (Bishop of Hereford) 4804n4, 4886n1 Hampshire 5101&nn1–4, 5120&n3 Hankey, Thomson vi 2311n1, 4706n1 Hannen, James 4733&n2 Harcourt, Edward (Archbishop of York) 5069n2 Harcourt, William George Venables-Vernon(Sir William 1874) ix 4259n1, 4686n6, 4867&n2 Hardwicke, 4th Earl of i 192n3, 5196&n4 Hardy, Charles 5275n4 Hardy, Gathorne (Viscount Cranbrooke 1878; Earl of Cranbrooke 1892) vii 3033n3, 4658n5, 4672n5, 4676&n2, 4700, 4838nn2&4, 4852n3, 4877, 4881&n3, 4893n2, 4908n4, 5005, 5007, 5044, 5045n1, 5059n1, 5131nn1&3, 5158n3, 5162n3, 5186n2, 5275n4, 5279n2; ‘Cork fillibusters’ 4655&nn1&2; Natal bishopric 4684&n5; education question 4687&nn3&5, 4699&n1, 4705n1; d’s offer of office 4747&n1; ‘foresee[s] storms’ 4759n3; Irish policy 4806&n4; Irish church 4821nn1&2, 4914, 4938; debate on Irish church 4845&n2; ‘great speech’ 4846a; ‘greatest’ speech 4846&nn1&2; ‘concurrence’ with Cairns 4849; conference with Cairns and d 4856&n2, 4857&n1; answer to Gladstone’s resolutions 4916&nn2&3, 4917&n1; boundary bill 4923n1; ‘prepared to resign’ 4929n1; reform bill (Scotland) 4941n2; registration of electors 4951&n3; sympathy for Queen 4952nn1&6; Natal despatches 4956&n2; election prospects 4960&n1, 5177; a reliable spy 4968&n1; subscription for election 4972&n3; chairman of registration committee 4978&n2; inspectors of factories 4982n2; memorial on Gladstone’s resolution 4983&n1; fish dinner 5001n4; Irish church commissioners’ report 5034&n1; 1882 election defeat 5054n9; visits Hughenden 5071&n3; church appointments 5083&nn1&3, 5115n2, 5134&nn2&3; at Balmoral 5155&n1; ‘incipient intrigues agst.’ 5159&n2; church influence 5231&n2; volunteer militia 5241&n6; ‘for early resignation’ 5244&ec&nn1–3 Hardy, Jane (Viscountess Cranbrooke 1878; Countess of Cranbrooke 1892) ix 4418n3, 5034, 5244n1 Harman, Edward 5066&n5 Harris, Charles Amyand 4901&nn1&2&3 Harrison, Edmund 4687n5 Harrison, Mr 4999ec Harrowby, 2nd Earl of ii 572n1, 4918n5 Hartington, Marquess of (8th Duke of Devon-

shire 1891) vii 3360n2, 4874n4, 4895&n6, 5003&n8, 5019&n4, 5040, 5194&n4 Hartismere, 1st Baron (4th Baron Henniker, Ireland) 5212n2 Harvey, Sir Robert Bateson, 1st Bt v 1910n1, 4161x, 5176&nn1&3, 5181&n1, 5219&n11 Harvey, Sir Robert Bateson (1st Bt 18th cent) 5181n1 Harvey, General Sir Robert John 5182n2, 5219&n9 Harvey, Sir Robert John, 1st Bt 5182&nn1–3, 5212&n6, 5219&nn5&9, 5230 Hastings, 4th Marquess of 5235&n7 Hastings, 17th Baron viii 3504n8, 4944n6 Hatherley, 1st Baron vii 3018n8, 4775&n1, 4776&n2, 4789&nn4&5, 4793&n2, 5287n3 Havelock, Sir Henry 4989n1 Hawarden 5265&n4, 5266&n4, 5269 Hay, Lord John (not same as v 1880n2) 5201n9 Haydon, Frederic vii 2974n1, 4657n1, 4670&ec&n1 Hayes, Sir George 5038nn1&2&8 Hayter, Arthur Divett (2nd Bt 1878; Baron Haversham 1906) ix 4102n3, 4975n2 Headfort, 1st Marquess of 5163n2 Headfort Hall 5163&n2 Heathcote, Sir William, 5th Bt iii 917n4, 5162&n3 Hecuba, Queen of Troy 4858n2 Helena, Princess. See Christian, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein Helmsley, Viscount. See Feversham, 1st Earl of Helps, Arthur (Sir Arthur 1872) viii 3813n1, 4663&nn1&2, 4687n5, 4762&n2, 4764, 4766n3, 4999ec&n1, 5071n3, 5254&nn1–3 Hemsted 5034&n1 Henderson, James (shepherd) 4724n3 Henley, Joseph Warner v 1936n7, 4851&n2, 5014n1; opposes fee for judges 5002&n2 Henrietta Maria, Queen 5019n1 Henriette, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein (von Esmarch 1872) 4682&n1 Herald 5046n3 Herbert, Baroness (1st Baron) 4992n4 Herbert, Percy Egerton 5221n1 Herbert, 1st Baron ii 408n4, 4992&nn4&5 Hereford 4886&n1, 5088 Hereford, Bishop of. See Atlay, James; Hampden, Renn Dickson Herefordshire 5189&n1 Her Majesty’s Theatre 5028&n3 Hermon, Edward 5045n4, 5190n1, 5226n5 Hertford, 4th Marquess of iv 1220n3, 5124n1 Hesketh, Sir Thomas George Fermor- 5045n4, 5190&ec&n1, 5226n5 Heytesbury, 2nd Baron ix 4063n1, 5108n1 Hibbert, John (kcb 1893) ix 4404n2, 4958n2, 5226n9 Hick, John 5227n4

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Higgins, Edward i 229n5, 5059nn1&3, 5189&n1, 5298&n4 Higgins, Georgiana Esther i 113n1, 5298n4 Higgins, Matthew James v 1795n5, 5067 High Wycombe 3943r, 5030, 5063, 5126n1 Hildyard, James 5191&nn1–3 Hill, A. Staveley 5226n7 ‘Historicus’. See Harcourt, William George Venables-VernonHoare, Peter Merrick 5120n11 Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, Choldwig Karl Victor Fürst zu 5116&n2 Holden, Isaac (1st Bt 1893) 5054&n9 Holland, Henry i 24n7, 4895n2 Holmesdale, Viscount (Baron Amherst 1880; 3rd Earl Amherst 1886) viii 3837n11, 5047&nn1&3&4 Holmesdale, Viscountess (Baroness Amherst 1880) 5047&n4 Home, Countess (11th Earl) 4799n7 Home, James 4799n7 Home, 11th Earl of 4799n7 Hone, Richard Brindley (Archdeacon of Worcester) 5089&n8 Hong Kong 5156&n3 Hook, Walter Farquhar (Dean of Chichester) 5086&nn1&3&5, 5126&nn1&3 Hooker, Dr 5115n1 Hope, Alexander Beresford iv 1213n7, 5054n13 Hornby, William H. 5226n10 Horse racing 4791n1, 4797n2, 4799&n7, 4895&n10, 5155n3 Horsman, Edward vi 2314n6, 4806&n1, 4819n1, 4893&n2, 4910&n5 Hoskins, Kedgwin 5189n2 Houghton, 1st Baron iii 750n6, 4823&nn1&2 Howard, Henry Edward John (Dean of Lichfield) 5120&n12, 5124, 5136n3, 5159n9, 5161&n3 Howard, Lord Edward (Baron Howard of Glossop 1869) 5297n2 Howard, Morgan 5226n21 Howard, Sir Henry 5116&n1 Howard de Walden, 2nd Baron 5116n1 Hubbard, John Gellibrand viii 3453n2, 4706nn1&7, 4724&n2, 4727n1, 4977&nn3&4 Hudson’s Bay Company 5024 Hughenden 4856, 4857, 4858, 4859, 5021&n1, 5052&n2, 5062&n1, 5073&n4, 5087, 5295&n3, 5298; library 4696n2, 5040n5, 5138n5; trout 5043&n1; fishing 5049&ec; carriage to station 5063; triumphal arch 5070&nn4&6; compared to Balmoral 5118; views of High Wycombe and Aylesbury 5126n1; vicar 5152&n2; vicarage 5207&n1, 5282&nn1&3; ‘Baroness Hughenden’ 5238; church 5299 Hugo, Victor 3268xn1 Hull 5226&n6

Humphery, Maria 5219&n10 Humphery, Sir William Henry, 1st Bt 5212&n8, 5219&n6 Hunt, Edward Vernon Ward 4757&n3 Hunt, George Ward viii 3837n8, 4653n6, 4654&n6, 4720n6, 4724&n4, 4746nn3&4, 4764, 4766n2, 4810&n1, 4831n2, 4836&n1, 4854&n2, 4859, 4885n5, 4907&n1, 5043n1, 5074n1, 5161, 5162n3, 5167, 5244n2, 5279n2; d’s confidence in 4757&nn2&3&4; chancellor of exchequer 4758, 4759&nn4&5, 4762n1, 4770&n1; Budget 4875; telegraphs bill 5003n5; Prince’s expenses 5148; Prince’s voyage 5156n2; prospects of revenue 5210&n1; Whitehead Torpedo 5225&n1 Hunt, Thomas Newman 4706&nn1&5, 4708, 4709 Huntly, 11th Marquess of 5058&n5 Hussey, Mr 5070n4 Hylton, 1st Baron ii 667n7, 2748x&n1, 4755n1, 4777n2; son’s candidacy 4975&n2, 4995 Illingworth, Alfred 5054n9 Income tax 4686, 4875n8, 4907&n1 India 4687, 4694&n3, 4695&nn3–5, 4757, 5019&n2, 5148&n1, 5156&n2; administration 4954&nn1&2; Viceroy 5022&n3; governor-general 5041n3, 5082n1; Queen’s authority 5116; visit of Prince 5149, 5167; home government 5176. See also Council of India Indian Mutiny (1857) 4961 Industrial Schools (Ireland) Bill (1868) 4739n1 International Colonial Railway of Canada 4656 International Monetary Conference (1867) 4706&nn1&2, 4709, 4715 Invercauld Castle 5120&nn6&7, 5124, 5127 Ireland 4654n1, 4719&n3, 4720, 5038n5; railways 4486xn1; votes 4653&n8; education 4654, 4691, 4758n2; peerage 4664&nn1–3, 4996&n1, 5060&nn1&2, 5099&n2, 5239&n3, 5274&n1; ‘repeal of the Union’ 4712&nn2&5; land leases 4714&nn1&2; suspension of habeas corpus 4726&n3&4; universities 4740nn1&2, 4980&n1; lord lieutenant 4768, 5273&nn2&3&6; policy 4775; cabinets on 4776&n10; established church 4778n2, 4786&nn1&4, 4788&n3, 4799&nn4&7, 4809, 4821&nn1–3, 4826&n4, 4828, 4830&nn1&2, 4835&nn1&5, 4845&nn1&2, 4846n1, 4852&nn1–3, 4857n1, 4869&nn1–3, 4871n1, 4875&nn4&5&10, 4881, 4885, 4893&n2, 4894n1, 4895&nn1–10, 4903&n4, 4905&n3, 4906&nn1&2, 4908n1, 4910n5, 4914&nn1–4, 4916nn1&2, 4918&nn1&5&6, 4919&n4, 4923n1, 4933&n3, 4938&n1, 4998&n1, 5000&n2, 5017n1, 5019n8, 5034&n1, 5039n2, 5053, 5054&n12, 5059n1, 5064&n1, 5074&nn1&4, 5086n5, 5088n3,

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5094n2, 5125n1, 5131n1, 5136&n3, 5154n1, 5185n2, 5186, 5210n2, 5223nn1&2; land, education, church 4784&nn1&5&6&9, 4786&nn1&2&4&7&8, 5150&ec; royal visit 4791&nn1–3, 4792&nn1–5, 4812&n1, 4814n2, 4827&nn4&7, 4913n1; debate on 4805&nn1–3; policies 4806&nn1&3, 4807&nn1&2; bishops 4819n1; ‘the crisis’ 4837&n3; ecclesiastical commissioners 4838&n2; ‘heart and soul with us’ 4851nn1–4; ‘Papists’ 4852&nn1–3; borough boundaries 4853&nn1&2&4; ‘Romanists’ 4860; lord mayor of Dublin 4874&nn1&4; royal residence 4926&nn1–3; Protestants 4953n1; administration 4954&n2; registration 5005; ‘wild Irish’ 5006&nn1&3; dukedom 5016&nn1&2; title for Abercorn 5022&nn3&5; nationalists 5026nn1–3; general election 5068n1, 5142; US minister’s opinion of 5071n3; ‘Romish bishops’ 5083n2; elections 5090n1, 5098&n2, 5104, 5217&nn3&5; chief secretary 5102&nn1&3, 5103&n8; church appointments 5115nn1&2, 5160; clergy 5117&n3; mps 5158&n2; treasury lords 5163&n4; ‘a rich mine’ 5185; extinct peerages 5235&nn1–7; Royal Irish Constabulary 5241&n1, 5264; knighthoods 5257. See also Church of Ireland; Fenians Irish Church Commission 4949, 4983&n1, 4998&n1, 5158&n2 Ironclads 4686&nn2–5&9&11, 4697, 4728&n1, 4729&nn3&5, 4730&n3, 4796n1, 4892n1 Isabella ii, Queen of Spain v 2181n5, 5116n5, 5119n2, 5141n2, 5153n2 Italy 4928n2; navy 4686&n9; financial crisis 4693&nn1–3 Jackson, John (Bishop of Lincoln; Bishop of London) 4804n4, 4918n5, 5085n1, 5206n4, 5215&nn4&6, 5224&n1, 5231n3 Jacobson, William (Bishop of Chester) iii 840n3, 5088&n6 Japan 5148&n1, 5156, 5167 Jenkinson, Sir George Samuel, 11th Bt ix 4643n2, 5212n1 Jenner, Sir William, 1st Bt 4942n2, 4952&n6, 5024n4, 5138 Jerdan, William i 60n1, 5076&ec&n1 Jersey, Countess of (5th Earl) iii 719n6, 5101n1 Jeune, Francis (Bishop of Peterborough) 4804n4, 5039n1, 5040&n2, 5075n4, 5088n3, 5115n2, 5152n1 Jeune, Francis Henry 5039&n1 Jewish Chronicle 4860n3 Jews and Judaism: outrages against in Romania 4844n1; d’s relation to Judaism 4860n3 John Bull 4956n1 Johnson, Mary 5049n1 Johnson, Reverdy 4965n1, 5032n1, 5045&nn2&10, 5049&n1, 5056&n3,

5063&n1, 5065, 5070&n6, 5071n3, 5073&nn2&4, 5075, 5088n3, 5185n3, 5202n1 Johnson, Samuel viii 3942n3, 4663n1 Johnston, William vi 2682n1, 5068&n1 Johnstone, Lady John (2nd Bt) 5068n2 Johnstone, Sir John Vanden Bempde-, 2nd Bt 5068n2 Jolliffe, Hedworth vi 2697n2, 4975&nn1&2 Jolliffe, Sir William, 1st Bt. See Hylton, 1st Baron Jolliffe, [Thomas Robert?] 4975n2 Jones, Inigo viii 3569n1, 5019n1 Karl, Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. See Carol (Karl) i (Romania) Karslake, Sir John Burgess ix 4385n5, 5088n5, 5202n1, 5285n3 Keane, 1st Baron 4951&nn4&5, 4961 Keate, Robert William 4956n1 Keith, Baroness Nairne and (Mme de Flahault) viii 3795n4, 5235&n6 Keith of Banheath, Baron 5212n2 Kelly, Francis (Bishop of Derry) 4654&n4, 5115n1 Kelly, Sir Fitzroy vi 2234n3, 5038n3 Kempe, Sir John A. 5062ec Kendall, Nicholas ix 4372n2, 4871n1, 5080&n3 Kent 4799&n3, 4894&n3, 4899, 5047&nn1–4, 5176&n2 Kent, Charles Mark 5256&n1 Kent, Countess of. See Victoria, Queen Kent, Earl of. See Edinburgh, Duke of Kent, Mr 5256&n1 Kent and Strathearn, Duke of 4720n2 Kesteven, 1st Baron v 1761n5, 4738&nn5&8, 4746n5, 4799n7, 4820&n1, 4855&nn1&2, 5212n2, 5219n2 Khan, Abdul Aziz (Sultan of Turkey) ix 4474n2, 4667&nn1&2 Khan, Mohammad Yaqub 5100n1 Khan, Sher Ali (Emir of Afghanistan) 5100&n1 co Kildare 4791 Kimberley, 1st Earl ix 4550n8, 4799n7 King’s College, London 4886&n4 Kingsdown, 1st Baron 5212n2 Kingsley, Charles 4847&nn1&4 King’s Lynn 5201&n11, 5211&nn1&2 Kinnaird, Arthur 4758n2, 4766n3 Knaresborough 5054&n9 Knatchbull, Lady (10th Bt) 5106n4 Knightley, Sir Rainald, 3rd Bt vi 2819n4, 4750n2, 4918, 4929n1, 5015n4, 5054n2, 5101n1 Knowsley 4736&n1, 4753, 4755&n1, 4772, 4775&n6, 5103&n8, 5120, 5131, 5134, 5136&n3, 5137, 5138&n7, 5141, 5143, 5148&n4 Konow, Carl 5040&n5 Konow, Francis 5040n5 Lady Elizabeth (horse) 4944&n6

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Laird, John ix 4175n3, 5226n11 Lake, Henry Atwell 5241&n1 Lambert, John ix 4362n2, 4948&nn2&3, 5031&n1, 5043&n1, 5049, 5052&n2, 5071n3 Lambert, Mr 5012n1 Lambeth 5224, 5226&n21, 5231 Lambeth Conference (1867) 5206n2 Lancashire 5190&n1, 5194&n4, 5227&nn2–4, 5263&n1 Lancashire, North 5003&n8, 5019&n4, 5040 Lancashire, South 5040 Lancashire Relief Fund 5024&n2 Lancet 5120&n4 Landed Property Improvement (Ireland) Bill (1868) 4739n1 Landgravine Marie-Anna, Princess of HesseHomburg 4892n1 Land Law (Ireland) Act (1881) 4786n4 Landlord & Tenant (Ireland) Act (1870) 4786n4 Lane, Stuart 5120n11 Langley Park 5176&n3 Lansdowne, 3rd Marquess of i 338n2, 5073, 5075 Larcom, Sir Thomas Aiskew, 1st Bt 5273&nn2&5, 5277 Lascelles, Edward, Viscount (d 1839) 5108n4 Lascelles, Mary Louisa 5108&n3 Laslett, William 4933&n3, 5043n1, 5226n14 Latimer 5021n1, 5030&n2, 5038&n7 La Tour, M 4883n4 Laud, William (Archbishop of Canterbury 17th cent) 5089&n6, 5103&n7, 5126&nn1&3 Laudanum. See Opium Lauderdale, 11th Earl of 4804&n3 Law, Frederick Henry 5019&n6, 5059nn1&3 Law, James Thomas 5019n6 Law, Lady Adelaide v 1668n5, 5019n6 Law, Lady Henrietta Charlotte 5019n6 The Lawn, Putney 5010&nn2&3 Law of Naturalization and Allegiance 4867n2 Lawrence, James Clarke 5226n21 Lawrence, John (later 2nd Baron) 4961n3 Lawrence, Sir John (1st Baron Lawrence 1869) vii 3176n1, 4695&n4, 4954n2, 4961&n3, 5097n1, 5100&n1, 5119&n5 Lawrence, William 5226n18 Lawson, A.S. 5054n9 Layard, Austen Henry ix 4596n3, 4952n4 Leahy, Patrick (Archbishop of Cashel) 4654&n3, 4819&nn1&3, 4821n1, 4980n1 Lechmere, Baron (18th cent) 5048n2 Lechmere, Lady (2nd Bt) 5048n1 Lechmere, Sir Edmund Anthony, 3rd Bt 5048&nn1–3 Lechmere, Sir Edmund Hungerford, 2nd Bt 5048n1 Leech, Ada 4959&n4 Leech, Anne 4959&n4

Leech, John 4959&n4 Leech, John George 4959&n4 Leeds 4905&nn2&3, 5083, 5126n3 Leighton, Francis Knyvett 4905&n7, 5103n8, 5109&n8, 5159&nn1&2&5&9, 5162nn3&4, 5177&n4, 5187&nn1&2, 5192, 5195 Leiningen, Princess of 4988n1 Lennard, John Farnaby (Bt 1880) 5047&nn1&2 Lennox, Lord George C. Gordon- iv 1570n1, 5180&n3 Lennox, Lord Henry G.C. Gordon- v 2000n14, 4730n3, 4745n1, 4746n4, 4766nn2&3, 4827nn4&5, 5042&n2, 5070&n2, 5074&nn1– 4, 5086&n5, 5103&nn2&8, 5126n3, 5127n7, 5129&nn3&4, 5154&nn1–3, 5161; ‘insatiable’ 5022&nn6&8 Leominster 5098&n2, 5173&n3, 5199&n1 Levy, Edward 5041n3 Liberals: ‘abstract resolutions’ 4788&n2; vice-chancellor 4789&n5; ‘something ... to digest’ 4811&n2; ‘my enemies, the “great liberal party”‘ 4825; Gladstone’s motion on Irish church 4830&n2; ‘commercial’ 4881; 1865 election 4903&n2; ‘afraid of a dissolution’ 4906&n2; ‘a troupe ... of minstrels’ 4910; Scottish members 4914&n2; Scottish mps 4930&n1; dissolution plans 4960; 1832 election 4971n1; loss of Portland’s support 5000&n2; Irish mps 5006n3; knighthood for Watkin 5024; candidates in general election 5098&nn1&2; elections 5180nn1&3&4 Lichfield 5177, 5187n1, 5188, 5192, 5233 Lichfield, Bishop of. See Selwyn, George Augustus Lichfield, Dean of. See Champneys, William Weldon; Howard, Henry Edward John Liddell, Henry (Lord Eslington 1874; 2nd Earl Ravensworth 1878) vi 2849n1, 4750n2, 4918&nn1&2 Life Policies Nomination Bill (1868) 4739n1 Lightfoot, Joseph Barber 5109nn1&2 Limerick, Dean of. See O’Brien, Richard Baptist Lincoln, Abraham 5049n1 Lincoln, Bishop of. See Jackson, John; Wordsworth, Christopher Lincoln, Mary 5049n1 Lincolnshire 5217 Lindsay, Charles 5226&n20 Lindsay, Robert Loyd- (Baron Wantage 1885) viii 3978n2, 5159&n5 Linlithgowshire 5054n4 Linn of Dee 5123&n3, 5124 Linn of Muick 5127&n3 Lissa, Battle of 4686&nn9&10 Literary Gazette 5076n1 Liverpool 5040&n3, 5045, 5194&n4, 5228&n1, 5264&n7 Liverpool, 2nd Earl of iv 1320n5, 5169n1

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Llanover, 1st Baron vii 3088n3, 5212n2, 5236&n4 Loch Muick 5138&n4, 5155 Locke, John 5005n5 Lockhart, Alan Eliot 4653n1 Lockhart, Sir Norman MacDonald, 4th Bt 5053&n1, 5054 Locock, Sir Charles 5185n1 Loftus, Lord Augustus viii 3921n1, 4652&n1, 4817&ec&n3, 4883&n3, 4887 Loftus, Thomas iii 765n3, 4785&n1 London 5049&n1, 5075, 5091, 5226&n18, 5294; weather 4658&n1; mps 4977&n3; ‘the metropolis’ 5126 London, Bishop of. See Jackson, John; Tait, Archibald Campbell London, Lord Mayor of. See Allen, William Ferneley Londonderry, Mayor of. See Reid, Sir Edward Londonderry, 3rd Marquess of ii 389n5, 5019n6 London Gazette 4656, 5004&n1, 5176n1, 5238&n2, 5241n3, 5263&n2 London & Westminster (bank) 5262 Long, Charlotte Anna 4738n2, 5216&nn1&2 Long, Richard Penruddocke ix 4346n3, 4738&nn1&2, 5212&n1, 5216&nn1&2, 5234&n1 Long, Sir Robert (15th century) 4738n1 Long, Walter iii 922n2, 4738&nn1&2, 5216n1, 5234&n1 Longfield, Samuel Mountifort ix 4532n2, 4706n1, 4884 Longley, Charles (Archbishop of Canterbury) 4677, 4684n1, 4694&n6, 4695, 4804n4, 4813n2, 4871n1, 4955&n1, 5192&n2, 5195, 5196&n5, 5200, 5218n3 Long Parliament 4835&n3 Lonsdale, 2nd Earl of ii 426n4, 4766n2, 4946&n1, 5018, 5023, 5028&n3, 5037&n1, 5079&n1, 5171&n3, 5209&n2, 5265, 5265&nn1&2, 5266, 5285n1; Marcus Lowther 4981&n1 Lords, House of 4813, 4949&nn1&4, 4980&n2; ‘hard business’ 4720; ‘more than debating weakness’ 4737; announcement of d’s ministry 4750&n1; adjournment 4751; education bill 4795&n1; ecclesiastical titles 4808; committee on ecclesiastical titles 4822&n2; church rates 4875; Reform Act 4881; Irish church 4962&n1; misinterprets d’s remarks 4984&n1; d visits 5002; leader 5287&nn3&4 Lothian, Marquess of 4952n5 Loudoun, Countess of 5235n7 Loughborough, Baron. See Rosslyn, 1st Earl of Louis of Hesse, Prince 4988n1 Louis of Hesse, Princess 4988n1 Louis xv of France 4653&n3, 5299 Louise, Princess (Marchioness of Lorne 1871; Duchess of Argyll 1900) ix 4268n5,

4682&n1, 4766&n1, 4767, 4943, 4988n1, 5038&n5, 5085n1, 5113, 5123, 5127n7, 5128n2 Louise, Princess of Wales 5123n4 co Louth 5235&n1 Lovell, Mr 4975n2 Lovett, Mr 5049&n3 Lowe, Robert (Viscount Sherbrooke 1880) vi 2734n2, 4688n2, 4806&nn2&3, 4807n2, 4851&n3, 4852n3, 4906&n3, 4910&n5, 5067 Lowndes, W. Layton 5221n1 Lowther, Henry (3rd Earl Lonsdale 1872) 5265&n2, 5266 Lowther, James ix 4389n1, 5036&n2, 5043n1, 5045, 5046, 5067 Lowther, Marcus 4946&n1, 4981&n1, 5023, 5171&n2 Lubbock, Sir John (1st Baron Avebury 1900) 4706&n6, 4708, 4709, 4724&n1 Lubbock, Sir John William 4706n6 Lucan, 3rd Earl of v 1959n3, 5026&nn2&3 Lucas, Charles 4834&n1 Lucas, Henry iv 1537n1, 4834&n1 Lucerne 5038&n4, 5054&n11, 5067&n9, 5088 Ludlow, John 5194&nn1&2 Ludwig ii, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine 5089n9 Ludwig Karl, Prince of Hesse (Grand Duke Ludwig of Hesse and by Rhine iv 1877) 5015&n2, 5089n9 Lugard, Sir Edward 5264&n3 Lullington 5019&n6 Lumley, Benjamin iv 1422n1, 5028&n3 Lumley, J. Saville 5136n3 Lumsden, George 5166n1 Lumsden, James 5166n1 Lumsden, John 5166&n1 Lushington, G. 5226n20 Luther, Martin 5040n1 Lymington, Baron 4879n1 Lyon, William 4818n3 Lyons, 2nd Baron (Viscount 1881; Earl 1887) 5032n2, 5117&n1 Lyttelton, Baroness (4th Baron) 4933n4 Lyttelton, Charles George (5th Baron Lyttelton 1876; 8th Viscount Cobham 1889) 4933&n4 Lyttelton, 4th Baron iii 1107n1 4933&n4 Lytton, 1st Baron i 83n1, 4962&n1, 5033n3, 5212n2 Lyveden, 1st Baron iv 1255n2, 5236&n4 Macclesfield, 2nd Earl of 4706&n3 Macdonald, Sir John A. 4653n4 MacDonnell, Sir Richard Graves 5156&n3 MacEvoy, Edward 4927n1 Mackenzie, John Hay- 5170n2 Mackinnon, William Alexander, Jr 4879&n1 Maclure, John William 4958n1 Macrorie, William Kenneth (Bishop of Natal) 4684&n1

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Madresfield Court 5298 Madrid 5168&n1 Magdala 4875n9, 4890&nn2&4, 5045 Magee, William Connor (Dean of Cork; Bishop of Peterborough; later Archbishop of York) 4804n4, 4857n1, 5040n2, 5089&n3, 5109n1, 5115&n1, 5117&nn2&3, 5152&n1, 5153n2, 5158&nn4&5, 5159&nn2&3&6, 5160 Magniac, Charles 5034n2 Maguire, John Francis ix 3887an1, 4758&n2, 4766n3, 4784, 4805&nn1&2, 4821nn1&2 Maguire, Robert ix 4638n1, 4658n5 Mahon, Viscount (6th Earl Stanhope 1875) ix 4142n1, 5098n2, 5173&n3, 5199&n1, 5217&n4 Malet, Sir Alexander, 2nd Bt 5136&nn1&3 Mallet, Sir Louis ix 4196n2, 5204n1, 5241&n5, 5279&n3 Malmesbury, 3rd Earl of iii 1067n11, 4676n2, 4687&n5, 4737, 4745n1, 4771n2, 4901&n1, 4908n3, 4952n2, 4980n1, 5101&n1, 5120&n3, 5164n1, 5180, 5244n2, 5279n2, 5287n4; education question 4700; ‘all right’ 4750&n1, 4751; support for d 4777&n1; new cabinet policy 4790n1; ‘black sheep’ 4877; vote of thanks for Napier 4936n2; ‘acquitted himself’ well 4947n1; defends d in Lords 4984; election ‘hints’ 5078&n1 Manay, Herbert 4989n1 Manchester 5024&n2, 5194&n1, 5226&n3, 5227&n1 Manchester Central Relief Committee 5033&n2 Manchester Guardian 5159&n6 Manners, Lady John (Janetta, 2nd wife) viii 3722n1, 5115, 5179&n1 Manners, Lord John iii 1129n2, 4676n2, 4687nn3&5, 4707, 4818&n2, 4893&n2, 5019&n1, 5022&n8, 5103n8, 5115&nn1&2, 5117&n8, 5179&nn1&2, 5244n2 Manners family 4799n7, 5040 Manning, Henry (Archbishop of Westminster) v 2069n5, 4654, 4735&nn1&2, 4736, 4819&n1, 4934&n1, 5057&n2 Mansel, Henry Longueville (Dean of St Paul’s) ix 4267n2, 5089n4, 5109&n6, 5131n5, 5134&n1, 5152&n1, 5153n2, 5159&nn1–3&6&7, 5177nn4&5 Mar, Earl of (17th cent) 5123n2 Marchand, Nestor Léon 5205&n1 Marchand, Prosper 5205n1 Maria Alexandrovna, Empress of Russia 5085nn1&2, 5089n9 Maria Alexandrovna, Grand Duchess of Russia 5017n3, 5085&nn1–3, 5089n4 Marlborough, Duchess of (7th Duke) v 2000n16, 5078&nn1&4 Marlborough, 1st Duke of 4915&n1 Marlborough, 3rd Duke of 4915n1 Marlborough, 4th Duke of 4915n1

Marlborough, 7th Duke of v 1995n15, 4654n6, 4660&nn2–4, 4669&n3, 4672, 4675&nn1&3, 4677&nn2–4, 4678, 4687&n5, 4695, 4701n3, 4734, 4737&n3, 4751, 4762&n1, 4951n9, 4955&n3, 4979&n2, 5014n1, 5019n8, 5088n3, 5201n5, 5244nn1–3; education bill 4688&n3, 4692&n3, 4694, 4705&nn1&3, 4707, 4710, 4795&n1; education question 4691&nn1&6; threatens resignation 4699&n1, 4702; ‘timid, fearful ... dyspeptic’ 4878; receives Garter 4915&nn1&2, 4918; ‘very nervous about public affairs’ 4938; daughter’s marriage 4941&nn3&4 Marlborough House 5019&n1 Mar Lodge 5123&n4 Marlow 5150&n4 Marriott, J.W. 4925n2 Marsden, J.B. 5054n10 Mary Adelaide, Princess of Teck (Duchess of Teck 1871) ix 4039n3, 4993n1 Matheson, Sir James v 1997n6, 4653n1 Mathew, George Buckley iv 1445n2, 5170&nn1&3 Mathews, Edward 4909 Les Matinées Italiennes 5291&n1 Matthews, John P. 4970ec Maunsell, Henry ix 4489n1, 4666&n2 Maurice, Frederick Denison 4886n4 Mauritius 5156&n3 Maxwell, Sir William Stirling, 9th Bt viii 3579n1, 5115n2, 5219n2 May, Sir Thomas Erskine (1st Baron Farnborough 1886) ix 4530n2, 4989&n1, 4991 Mayall, John Jabez Edwin 5133&nn2&4 Mayne, Sir Richard ix 4304n1, 4658n5 Maynooth Grant (1845) 4786, 4914nn1&2, 5040n3 Mayo, 6th Earl of v 2000n15, 4654&nn3&5&6, 4676n2, 4687&n5, 4710n3, 4712, 4714&n2, 4726&nn3&4, 4750n2, 4791n1, 4861&n3, 4927&n1, 5010, 5045n1, 5074n2, 5079&n2, 5082n1, 5102&n3, 5108n1, 5110, 5116, 5157, 5158&nn1&2&5, 5166, 5167&n2, 5201n5, 5223n3, 5273; Catholic university 4740&n2, 4776n10, 4784n1, 4786, 4980&n1; proposed royal visit 4791n2, 4799&n7; Irish universities 4805&nn2&3, 4819, 4821n1; Irish policies 4806nn1&3&4, 4807n1; Irish boundary commission 4853&nn1&4; lord mayor of Dublin 4874&nn1&4; India and Canada 4954&nn2&3; Irish reform bill 4964n1; Registration (Ireland) Bill 5006n3; Viceroy of India 5022&nn3&8; ‘want of frankness’ 5026&nn1&3; governor-general of India 5041&n3; Feilding and Trelawny 5090&n4; use of detectives 5125&n1 McArthur, William 5226n21 McClintock, John. See Rathdonnell, 1st Baron McDermott, Mr 4994n2 McEvoy, Edward 4808n2

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McEvoy, John 4822&n3 McLagan, Peter ix 4337n1, 5054&n4 McNeile, Hugh Boyd (Dean of Ripon) 5040&nn1&3&6, 5045, 5054&n10, 5057, 5066&n2, 5067&n3, 5075&n8, 5088n6, 5089, 5098n1, 5115n1, 5126n3 co Meath 4791 Meath, Bishop of. See Butcher, Samuel Melbourne 5156 Melbourne, 2nd Viscount i 243n1, 5194n5, 5236&n6 Mellish, George 5038&nn1&2 Mellor, T. Vernon 4944&n1 Mellor, Thomas Walton ix 4307n2, 4944&n1 Mercantile Marine Bill (1868) 4719n4 Merchant Taylors’ Company and Hall 4939&n1, 4967&ec&n1 Merewether, William Lockyer 4653&n7, 4672&n6 Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill (1868) 5003, 5005&n5, 5006n1 Metropolitan taxation 4739&n2 Miall, Edward 4860n1 Middlesex 4865&nn1&2, 4872, 4891&n3, 4898&nn1&2, 5180&n4 Miles, John William 4894n3 Miles, Philip William Skinner iii 1130n3, 4894n5 Miles, Sir William, 1st Bt iv 1399an2, 4975n2 Mill, John Stuart vii 3289n6, England and Ireland 4806&nn2&3; Irish land question 4851n2 Mills, Sir Charles, 1st Bt vii 2971n2, 5084&nn1&2, 5176&nn1–3, 5219 Mills, Charles Henry (2nd Bt 1872; Baron Hillington 1886) 5176&n2 Mills, Robert Twyford 5240&n1 Mills, William 5084n1 Milman, Henry Hart (Dean of St Paul’s) i 144n2, 5089n4, 5109n1, 5131&n5, 5133n4, 5152n1, 5159n9, 5218n2 Milward, Clement 5101n2, 5180n1 the Mint 5080&n2 Mitford, William Townley vii 3349n1, 5268ec, 5280 Moberly, George (Canon of Chester) 5089&nn2&6 Moira, Earl of. See Hastings, 4th Marquess of Monck, 1st Baron (4th Viscount Monck, Ireland) 4954n3, 5212n2 Moncreiff, James Wellwood (Baron Moncreiff 1874; 11th Bt 1883) ix 4445n1, 5117n8 Monk, Charles 4885n1 Montagu, Andrew viii 3683n1, 4738&n9, 4746n4, 5114&nn1&2 Montagu, Frederick 5114n1 Montagu, Lord Robert viii 3837n13, 4660nn1&3, 4669n3, 4672n8, 4766nn2&3, 4768&n1, 5005n5 Montefiore, Sir Moses ii 683n2, 4844n1

Montgomerie, Robert 5117n8 Moore, George Henry vi 2409n2, 5026&nn1–3 Morning Post 4766n3, 5292n1; Chelmsford’s dismissal (28 Feb 1868) 4771n2; d’s reply to Baker’s letter (15-16 Apr 1868) 4860n3; dukedom for Abercorn 5016n2; announces visit of Napiers of Magdala to Hughenden (22 Aug 1868) 5062n1 Morpeth 5078&nn1&3 Morritt, John, Jr 5290n2 Morritt, Mary 5290n2 Moss, Lady Edwards- (Sir Thomas) 5263n1 Moss, Sir Thomas Edwards-, 1st Bt 5249n3, 5259n2, 5263&n1, 5264ec Moustier, marquis de ix 4232n5, 5032&n2 Mowbray, John (1st Bt 1880) vii 3050n1, 4722, 4895&n7, 5088n3, 5162n3, 5177, 5224n4, 5244n1 Munich 5116&n1 Murphy, William 4922n1 Murrain (cattle plague) 5003, 5005&n5 Murray, Charles Augustus i 261n3, 5130&n2 Murray, Daniel (Archbishop of Dublin) v 2063n6, 4819n1 Murray, Herbert 5098n5 Murray, Mr 5191n2 Music: state concert 4969n1; concerts at Crystal Palace 4974&ec&n1; education 5017n1; opera 5028&n3; ‘the Music of the Future’ 5206 Napier, Catherine 4985&n3 Napier, Charles Frederick 4985n3 Napier, Sir Robert. See Napier of Magdala and Caryngton, 1st Baron Napier, 10th Baron (later also 1st Baron Etrick) iii 1088n2, 4985n1 Napier of Magdala and Caryngton, Baroness (1st Baron) 4993n1, 5051&n2, 5061, 5062&n1, 5065, 5070n4 Napier of Magdala and Caryngton, 1st Baron 4653n7, 4668n2, 4695n3, 4890&nn3–5, 4936nn1&2, 4951&n4, 4952n4, 4961, 4985&n3, 4986&n1, 4987&n1, 4989n1, 4992&n6, 4993n1, 5005nn2&3, 5045, 5051&n2, 5056&n3, 5061, 5062&n1, 5065, 5070&n4, 5073, 5212&n2, 5234&n4 Napoleon, Prince (Plonplon) vi 2714n1, 5032n2 Napoleon iii, Emperor of the French iii 971n7, 5032n2, 5035n2, 5093n1, 5291n1; relations with Prussia 4653&n2; sale of church property 4693; popularity 5045n10 Natal 4956&nn1&2 Natal, Bishop of. See Colenso, John; Macrorie, William Kenneth National Gallery 4668n1 National Training School for Music 5017n1 National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations 4837&n2, 5122&n1

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National Union of Working Men’s Associations 4747n1, 4748 Naturalization Commission 4817&ec&n1, 4867&n2 Neilson, John Finlay iv 1503n5, 5242&n1 Nelson, 1st Earl viii 3505n3, 4928n1 Nevill, Lady Cicely Louisa 5275&n4 Nevill, Lady Dorothy iv 1589n1, 4659&n2, 5275n2 Nevill, Lady Rose 5222&n2, 5275&n4 Nevill, Lady Violet 5222&n2, 5275&n4 Nevill, Viscount. See Abergavenny, 5th Earl of Newcastle, 6th Duke of ix 4207n7, 4656, 5024 Newcastle-under-Lyme 5212&n7 Newdegate, Charles Newdigate iv 1511n3, 4895&n8, 4918, 4949&n4, 5039n2 Newman, John Henry v 2122n5, 5177n5 Newmarket 4895&n10, 5157&n3 Newport Pagnell 4834&n1 Newton, Isaac 4706n3 New Zealand 5089&n5 Nightingale, Florence 4992n4 Nisbet-Hamilton, Miss 4804n5 Nisbet-Hamilton, Robert Adam iii 891n2, 4804n5 Noel, Gerard viii 3837n7, 4766n2, 5098, 5117n8, 5142n1, 5161&n2, 5163, 5203, 5276&n5, 5279, 5281, 5289, 5297n1 Norfolk 5219 Normanton, 2nd Earl of 4799n7, 5120n3 Normanton, 3rd Earl of (Baron Somerton 1873) 4799n7, 5101&nn1&4 Northamptonshire 4757, 5054&n2 Northcote, Sir Stafford, 8th Bt (1st Earl of Iddesleigh 1885) vi 2838n4, 3676x&n2, 4671, 4679&n1, 4687nn3&5, 4699&n1, 4700, 4716, 4718, 4746&nn3&4, 4757, 4807n2, 4854&n4, 4859, 4936&nn1&2, 4951&n4, 4954&n1, 4960, 4999n1, 5005, 5006n2, 5019, 5034, 5070&n1, 5084&nn1&2&4, 5097&n1, 5100, 5119&n3, 5149&nn1&2, 5158n5, 5167, 5229, 5279n2 Northumberland, Duchess of (6th Duke) vii 2703xn3, 4872, 4889, 4900&n3 Northumberland, 6th Duke of vi 2818n3, 4777n2, 4865n2, 4872&n2, 4882&n2, 4888&n1, 4889, 4891n1, 4896&n2, 4900 Norwich 5226&n8 Norwood, Charles Morgan 5226n6 Nottinghamshire 5185&n4, 5217 Nugent, Mr 5117n8 O’Brien, Mr (Paris) 5038&n5 O’Brien, Richard Baptist (Dean of Limerick) 4712&n5, 5178nn1&2 O’Brien, Stafford 4836n1 O’Farrell, Henry James 4890n1 Oldham 5226&n9 Oliphant, Margaret 4959&n3, 5172 O’Loghlen, Sir Colman Michael, 2nd Bt 4926&nn1&2, 5006n3

O’Neill, 1st Baron 4664&nn2&3, 4746n5, 4799n7, 4820&n1, 4855&nn1&2, 5212n2 Opium 4668n3, 4676n5 Orangeism 4712, 4835n5 Oranmore and Browne, Baroness (2nd Baron) 4712n3 Oranmore and Browne, 2nd Baron 4712&n3 Ormathwaite, 1st Baron iv 936xn6, 4738&n7, 4746n5, 4766n2, 4799n7, 4820&n1, 4855&nn1&2, 5212n2, 5219n2 Ormonde, 1st Duke of 5169&nn2&3 Ormonde, 1st Marquess of 5169n1 Ormonde, Marchioness of (2nd Marquess) 4876n1, 5169n3 Ormonde, 3rd Marquess 5169&nn1&3 Osborn, Sherard 5226n11 Osborne 4679&n2, 4689&n4, 4696, 4730, 4742&n3, 4746, 4748, 4761, 4762&n1, 4852&n2, 4875&n10, 4897, 4908&n1, 4916, 4988&n1, 4994, 4999&n1, 5001&nn1&6, 5006&n2, 5007&n1, 5011 Osborne, Ralph Bernal iii 1182n2, 4851&n4, 4869n2 Osborne (yacht) 4861n1, 4862&n2, 4863 Oswald, Alexander Haldane 5120&n9, 5127&n5 Oswald, Lady Louisa Elizabeth 5120n8 Ottawa Times 4954n3 Otway, Arthur John 4861n5, 4874&nn1&3, 4933&n7 Oxford, Bishop of. See Wilberforce, Samuel Oxford (diocese) 5152 Oxfordshire 4871 Oxford University 4905&n5, 4956&n2, 5083&nn1&3, 5109&n2&4&7, 5115&n2, 5117, 5162&nn3&4, 5224&n4, 5231&n2, 5244&n1; church appointments 5159&nn1&2&9 P, Mr 5099&n1 Paddington 5030, 5063, 5295 Padwick, Henry, Sr vii 2895n1, 5029&n1, 5042&n3, 5053&n1, 5054 Paget, Lord Alfred iii 900n8, 4680&n2 Pakington, Sir John, 1st Bt iii 713n4, 4676n2, 4687nn3&5, 4762n1, 4874n1, 4907&n1, 5048n2, 5084, 5150&n3, 5226&n19, 5244n2, 5264, 5279n2 Palk, Sir Lawrence vi 2666n2, 4966n3 Palliser, William (Kt 1873) 5060&n3 Pall Mall Gazette 4766n3, 4837n3, 4956n1, 5054&n10, 5067&n7, 5104&n1 Palmer, Sir Roundell (1st Baron Selborne 1872) v 2113n10, 4690&nn2&9, 4867n2, 5162n3, 5231&n2, 5281n1 Palmerston, 3rd Viscount ii 668n14, 5039&n4, 5086n5, 5109n4, 5175, 5215, 5235&n5; 1860 government 4992; clerical appointments 5196; ‘two dissolutions’ 5203n2 Pancras 5075

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Paris 4709, 5035, 5038&nn5&8, 5078, 5079, 5093 Parker, Sir Henry Watson 5217n4 Park Lane 4818&nn3&4 Parliament: meeting (1868) 4691&n5, 4713, 4716, 4723&n1, 4759&nn3–5; opening (1868) 4710n5; Derby’s resignation 4754&n1; ‘the will of the Queen’ 4885; officers of the Household 4895; cross benches 4896; 1865 election 4903&nn2&4; Queen’s interest 4919&n4; dissolution and meeting 4947&n1, 4951; prorogation 4976&nn1&2, 5003, 5017&n2, 5022&n8; dissolution 4998&n1, 5186, 5213n2, 5271&n1; private bills 5028n3; honours for mps 5219; reporters 5242&n1; ministry 5244; meeting (1869) 5249&n2, 5287; resignation of ministry 5258, 5259, 5269; re-election of Speaker 5276&n4, 5278, 5281&n1. See also Commons, House of; Lords, House of Parliamentary Elections Bill. See Election Petitions and Corrupt Practices at Elections Bill (1868) Pasley, Sir Thomas 4680&n1, 5001&n2 Patten, John Wilson vi 2360n2, 4660n6, 4706n1, 4722&n2, 4724&n5, 4746n4, 5019n4, 5022n5, 5102&nn1&3, 5103&n8, 5108n1, 5110, 5154n2, 5158n2, 5163, 5165n4, 5190n1, 5201n5, 5244n2, 5269&n1, 5273&nn2&3, 5281&n3, 5283 Paull, Henry 5034&nn1&2 Payne, James Bertrand 4868n2 Peck, Edmund. See Buckley, Sir Edmund, 1st Bt Pedro ii, Emperor of Brazil 5170n3 Peek, Henry William (1st Bt 1884) 4975n2 Peel, Jonathan vi 2402n4, 4755n1, 4893&n2 Peel, Sir Robert, 2nd Bt i 188n3, 4894, 4895, 5194&n5; Devon commission 4714n1; Tamworth Manifesto 5094n3; election (1841) 5189; dissolutions (1834 and 1841) 5203&n4 Peel, Sir Robert, 3rd Bt v 2113n3, 4895&n10 Pekin. See Beijing Pemberton, Edward Leigh iii 1145n7, 4799n3, 4894n3 Pembroke, 11th Earl of 4992n4 Penrhyn, Major 4975n2 Penrhyn, 1st Baron vi 2598n4, 4653n1, 5212n2 Pepys, Sir Lucas, Bt 4776n5 Pepys, Sir William Weller, Bt 4776n5 Perigord pie 5127&n2 Perkins, Frederick (Kt 1873) 5120n11 Perowne, Anna Maria 5054n13 Perowne, Edward Henry 5054&n12 Perowne, John James Stewart 5054&nn12&13 Perowne, Thomas Thomason 5054&n13 Persano, Count Carlo Pellion di 4686n10 Perth 5103&n8, 5104, 5106, 5107, 5129, 5131, 5136, 5137, 5138, 5143, 5148 Perth, Bishop of. See Giffard, Hardinge Peru 4686

Peterborough 5075&n4, 5089&n3, 5103&n4, 5152&n1, 5160 Peterborough, Bishop of. See Jeune, Francis; Magee, William Connor Peterhouse College, Cambridge 4905&n4 Peters, Hugh v 1812n5, 5103&n7 Phayre, Robert 4672&n7 Phillpotts, Henry (Bishop of Exeter) i 36n7, 4799n7 Photography 5133&n1 Piedmont 4693 Pim, Jonathan ix 4090n1, 5228n2 Pine, Benjamin 5055n2 Pitt the Elder, William. See Chatham, 1st Earl of Pius ix, Pope iv 1548n2, 4693, 4712n5, 5151&n5 Platt, John 5226n9 Plunket, David ix 4090n1, 5228n2 Plutarch 4817&n3 Plymouth 5148&n1 Police 5241&n1, 5264, 5273 Pollock, Frederick (3rd Bt 1888) 5076n1 Pomfret, 5th Earl of 5212n2 Ponsonby, 4th Baron 5212n2 Poole 5078&nn1&2 Poor Law Board 4766nn2&3, 4775&n4, 4810&n3, 5036&n2, 5045, 5067 Pope, Alexander 5285&n2 Pope, Samuel 5227n4 Portland, 5th Duke of 5000&n2, 5117n8, 5217&n3 Portsmouth 4682, 4977&n1, 5226&n13 Postal service 4654n7, 5049, 5104; book post 4868nn1&2; official mail 4934; rail or book post 4966n1; West Indian 4994; night post 4996&n1; electric telegraphs 5003n5, 5028&n4; sealed letters 5041; Scotland and North England 5131 Potter, Thomas Bayley ix 4149n1, 5226n12 Poverty 4739n2 Powell, William vi 2421n1 4161x Powis, 3rd Earl of v 1841n9, 4786n2, 5120&n2 Pownall, J.G. Henry 5014&nn1&2 Pratt, Daniel 5180n3 Presbyterians 4784, 4786n7 the Press 5020&ec, 5046&n3 Preston 5046, 5190&n1, 5194&n4, 5226&n5, 5227&n3 Preston, Jenico William (14th Viscount Gormanston 1876) 5235&n2, 5239 Priam, King of Troy 4858n2 Price, E.P. 5120n11 Price, William Edwin 5048n2 Prim, Juan 5119n2 Prince Albert (yacht) 4661n3 Probyn, John Webb 5098n2 Promissory Oaths Bill (1868) 4719&n6 Protestant Central Defence Association 4712&n2

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Protestants and Protestantism 4712&n2, 4835n5, 4857n1, 5045, 5053, 5057, 5064, 5074n4, 5075n8, 5080, 5089&n9, 5126&n1, 5215, 5239; Irish 4846n1, 4953n1; evangelists 4922n1; ‘a great Protestant struggle’ 5065; in Scotland 5117n6 Prothero, George 4951&n8, 5075n8, 5159n9, 5162n4, 5177&nn2&4, 5188&n3, 5192, 5193, 5206n4, 5231n3, 5233 Prussia 4652&nn1–3&8, 4880&n2; sale of church property 4693 Pryse, Sir Pryse 5219&n12 Public Houses Bill (1863) 4909n1 Public Schools Bill (1865, 1866, 1868) 4720, 4726&nn1&2 Punch 4959n4 Punchestown 4799 Punjab 4890n3, 4961&n3 Purnell, Thomas 4776n6 Pusey, Edward Bouverie v 1887n6, 4983n1 Puseyites 5045, 5159 Putney 5010&nn2&3 Queensland 5156&n3 Queen’s University of Ireland 4654n6 Quin, Frederic Hervey ii 494n6, 5113, 5128&n1, 5138 Raby Castle 5127n7 Race and racism 4684&n2 Railways 5295; Ireland 4486xn1; directors 4656&nn3&5; Canadian 4665n2, 5024; Ireland 4786&n1; special trains to Newmarket races 4895&n10; schedules 5011n2, 5173nn1&4; to Hughenden 5028; royal trains 5090n3; Caledonian 5103n8; goods train 5104, 5106; Scotland 5115n1 Ram, S. 4944n3 Randall, James Leslie 4871&n3 Raphael 4668n1 Rateable Property (Metropolis) Bill (1869) 4739n2 Rathbone, William 5228n1 Rathdonnell, 1st Baron 4996n2, 5235&n1, 5274&n1, 5276&nn1&2, 5277 Rattazzi, Urbano ix 4558n2, 4693n3, 5291n1 Ravensworth, 2nd Baron ii 410n6, 4799n7 Rawson, H. 5227n2 Rearden, Denis Joseph 4935&nn3&4 Redgrave, Alexander 4982nn1&2&4 Reform Act (1832) 4971n1, 5094n3 Reform Act (1867) 4656n2, 4663n2, 4719n2, 4790, 4835n5, 4867n3, 4881, 4903&n3, 4908n2, 4951, 4977n2, 5042n2, 5098n2, 5150&n1, 5212, 5219, 5234, 5236, 5287n2; £12 constituency 5064; disenfranchised constituencies 5219n4 Reform Bill (Ireland 1868) 4705, 4710&n3, 4711, 4719, 4720, 4725n2, 4766n3, 4805n3, 4821n2, 4853&n1, 4877n1, 4881, 4884n1, 4903, 4910n4, 4948, 4959, 4964&n1, 4976&n1, 4984n1

Reform Bill (Scotland 1868) 4685&n1, 4703, 4705, 4707, 4710&n1, 4711, 4712&n1, 4719, 4720, 4725n2, 4732&n2, 4766n3, 4800&n1, 4877n1, 4881&n3, 4903, 4929n1, 4938, 4941&n2, 4942, 4943, 4948, 4959&n1, 4976&n1, 4984n1, 5219&n5 Reform Bill (1859) 4790, 4927n1 Registration Bill (1868) 4978n2 Registration (Ireland) Bill (1868) 5005, 5006&nn1&3 Regium Donum 4786&n7 Regulation of Railways Bill (1868) 4719&n5, 4720&n8 Reichsflotte (Imperial Fleet) 4892n1 Reid, Margery Ann 4776&nn7&8 Reid, Rev Edward 5125n2 Reid, Sir Edward (Mayor of Londonderry) 5125&n2, 5166 Repington, Elizabeth Ash à Court-. See Herbert, Baroness (1st Baron) Representation of the People (Ireland) Bill. See Reform Bill (Ireland 1868) Representation of the People (Scotland) Bill. See Reform Bill (Scotland 1868) Reuter, Paul Julius von (Baron de Reuter 1871) 5116&n4, 5117 Reuters 4883, 5119, 5130 Rhone 5075 Richmond, 6th Duke of v 1799n5, 4653n1, 4676n2, 4687&n5, 4698, 4700, 4701n3, 4719&nn4&5, 4720, 4751, 4786n1, 4839n3, 4908&nn1–4, 4910&n5, 4912, 4929, 4979&n2, 5204ec&n1, 5241, 5244n2; ‘helps ... most loyally’ 4699; education bill 4710 Richmond and Lennox, Dowager Duchess (5th Duke) iv 1507n4, 5180n3 Richmond and Lennox, 6th Duke of v 1799n5 5180n3 Rinderpest. See Murrain (cattle plague) Riot Act 4922n1 Ripon 5057, 5059nn1&3, 5065, 5089, 5103, 5201&n9 Ripon, Bishop of. See Bickersteth, Robert Ripon, Dean of. See Goode, William; McNeile, Hugh Boyd Ritual Commission 4952&n2, 5201 River Plate 4686 Robertson, Dr 5013&n3 ‘Robinson, Mr F.’. See Peel, Sir Robert, 3rd Bt Robinson, Sir Hercules George Robert (Baron Rosmead 1896) 5156&n3 Robinson, Robert Spencer 4729n5, 4862n2, 5264n3 Roby Hall 5263&n1 Rochdale 5226&n12 Rochester, Bishop of. See Claughton, Thomas Rochester, Mark. See Kent, Charles Mark Roebuck, John Arthur ii 472n11, 4851&n1 Rogers, Samuel i 55n7, 4860n3

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Rolle, Baroness (1st Baron) iii 796n3, 5229&n1 Rolt, Sir John ix 4140n4, 4690n2 Romania 4844n1 Rome 4693, 5126, 5294&n2 Rose, Margaretta iv 1598n1, 5072 Rose, Philip (later 1st Bt) iv 1484n1, 4658&n2, 4667, 4785&ec, 4932, 4966n2, 4997&nn1&3, 5009&ec, 5027, 5058&nn1&5, 5072&n1, 5091, 5096, 5129n3, 5150&n1, 5164&n1, 5180, 5221, 5278; Watkin’s knighthood 4665&nn2&3; association of foreign bondholders 4834&n2; vicar for Hughenden 5282&n1; death of James Disraeli 5292&n3; James’s estate 5299n3 Rose, Sir William viii 3795n1, 3676x&n1, 4918n6 Rosebery, 4th Earl of 4800&n2, 5108n5 Rosebery, 5th Earl of ix 4201n2, 4799n7, 5124&n1, 5127n7 Rosse, 3rd Earl of i 278n2, 4664n1 Rosslyn, 1st Earl of 4774n1 Rothschild, Alfred Charles de iv 1451n1, 5127n7 Rothschild, Alfred de iv 1451n1, 5070&n1 Rothschild, Baron Charles Mayer de v 2032n4, 4880&nn1&2 Rothschild, Baron Lionel de iii 730n10, 4706&nn1&7, 4708, 4709, 4844, 5127n7 Rothschild, Charlotte, Baroness Lionel de iii 730n11, 4749&n1, 5121n4, 5246&n2, 5286&n2 Rothschild, Juliana, Baroness Mayer de viii 3510n1, 4584x Rothschild, Leonora de (later Baroness de Rothschild) iv 1451n1, 5127n7 Rothschild, Leopold (later Baron (Austria) de Rothschild) iv 1451n1, 5108n5, 5127n7 Rothschild, Nathaniel de iii 730n10, 5012n1 Rothschild, Nathaniel (or Nathan) Mayer de (later 1st Baron (UK) Rothschild) iv 1451n1, 5127n7 Rothschild, Sir Anthony de iii 730n10, 4825, 4947n3 Rowsell, Thomas James 5109nn1&2 Rowton, Lord. See Corry, Montagu LowryRoxburghe, Duchess of (6th Duke) 4682&n1 Roxburghe, 6th Duke of iv 1607n8, 4682n1 Royal and Central Bucks Agricultural Association 5012n1 Royal Bounty Fund 5076, 5299&nn6&7 Royal Charity Fund 5261 Royal Commission of Inquiry into Primary Education in Ireland (Powis Commission) 4786n2 Royal Commission [on] International Monetary Conference 4706&nn1&2, 4708&n1, 4709&n3, 4715&n2, 4717, 4722&n2, 4724, 4727n1, 4731&n3, 4732, 5028n2 Royal Geographical Society 4661n3

Royal Literary Fund 4661&nn1–3, 4911&nn1–3 Royal Parks 4923&n1 Royston, Viscount (5th Earl of Hardwicke 1873) v 2151n6, 4895&nn4&5, 4919nn3&4 Russell, Lady Frankland (7th Bt) iii 1085n11, 5012n1 Russell, Rev Lord Wriothesley 4978n3 Russell, Sir William, 2nd Bt vii 3331n2, 5226n8 Russell, William H. 5043n1 Russell, 1st Earl i 141n4, 4707, 4759n3, 4881, 5090n2; education question 4660n2; National Gallery 4668n1; in Commons 4705&n2; church affairs 4778n3; Irish church 4784&nn1&5&9, 4786, 5034n1; Alabama incident 4789n1; d’s Edinburgh speech 4790&n1; ‘waved his right to chieftainship’ 4885&n3; ‘feeble and spiteful’ 4947n1; ‘hereditary honors’ 5219&n7; elevation 5236 Russia 5085&nn1–3 Rutland, 6th Duke iii 1032n1, 4653n1, 5040&n5 Rutland Gate 4932, 5164&n1 Rylands, Peter 5226n16 St Helena 4684&n1 St James’s Square 5103 St John’s College, Oxford 4847&n2 St Mary’s Tower, Dunkeld 5179&n1 St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin 4791&nn3&4, 4799 St Paul’s 5075&n8, 5089&n4, 5103n8, 5109n1, 5152&n1, 5192, 5193, 5231n3, 5233 St Paul’s, Canon of. See Gregory, Robert St Paul’s, Dean of. See Mansel, Henry Longueville; Milman, Henry Hart St Peter’s 4757 St Thomas’s Hospital 4923n2 Salford 5227&n2 Salisbury, Bishop of. See Denison, Edward; Hamilton, Walter Kerr Salisbury, Marchioness of (3rd Marquess) ix 4187n4, 5106n4, 5133n4 Salisbury, 2nd Marquess iii 730n5, 4865n1, 4867&n3, 4891n1, 5040n5 Salisbury, 3rd Marquess of vi 2650n1, 4656, 4745n1, 4750n2, 4755n1, 4775n4, 4845&n3, 4865n1, 5067&n2, 5275n1, 5287&nn2&4 Salomons, David (1st Bt 1869) vii 3222n4, 5217n4 Samuda, Joseph D’Aguilar 5226n2 Sandford, George Montagu Warren v 1861n7, 4766n2 Sand Hutton 5212&n5, 5222&n1 Sandon, Viscount 5228n1 Saunders & Otley (publishers) 306xn1 Savile, 1st Baron 5116n1 Scandinavia 5040&n5 Scanes, A.E. 4913n1 Scarlett, Sir James Yorke iii 1060n5, 5226n4 Schofield, F. 5226n12 Scotland 4943&nn1&2, 5064&n1, 5072,

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5075&n3, 5090&n3, 5131; Queen’s descriptions of 4696; ‘great excitement’ about Lady Brewster’s pension 4776; bishops 4808, 4813&n3, 4815&n3; Queen’s visits 4827n7; ‘the Kirk’ 4830; Queen’s ‘Highland home’ 4838&n1; mps 4914&n2, 4938, 5219&n5; Liberal mps 4930&n1; measures to improve the law 5018&n1; elections 5054&nn4&5, 5098&n2, 5217&nn3&5; peerage 5060; church question 5117nn6&8, 5126; Highland Games (Braemar Gathering) 5123&nn1–4; d’s first visit to Highlands 5124&n4; ‘Scotch lease’ 5127 Scott, Edward W. Smythe 5051n2 Scott, Henry 5120n3 Scott, Lord Henry John 5101nn1&2 Scott, Thomas 4944n3 Seely, Charles 4728n1, 4739n1 Selwyn, George Augustus (Bishop of Lichfield) 4653n1, 5089n5, 5115n1, 5117&n5, 5206n4 Selwyn, Sir Charles Jasper viii 3551n4, 4690&nn2&3 Serrano, Francisco. See Torre, 1st Duke de la Servants 4682n1, 4940n1; d’s ‘body servant’ 5087 Sevenoaks, Kent 5011n2 Seven Years’ War 4653n3 Seward, William Henry viii 3790n4, 4789n2, 4817&n1, 5073n4 Shaftesbury, 7th Earl of ii 494n3, 4952&nn2&3, 4982&nn2–4, 5078n2, 5109n4, 5196n2 Shakespeare, William: Richard iii 4851n4 Shaw, Mr (police) 4658n5 Shaw, Richard 5226n4 Shaw-Lefevre, George John (Baron Eversley 1906) 4789&nn1&2 Shee, Sir William 4733&n1 Sherborne, 3rd Baron 4799n7 Sheridan, Richard Brinsley 4878n3 Sheriff, Alexander Clunes 5226n14 Shirley, Evelyn Philip 4799n7 Short Parliament (1640) 4835n3 Shrewsbury, Countess of (19th Earl) 5010&nn1&3 Shrewsbury, 18th Earl of iii 1067n16, 4952&n5, 5203n5 Shrewsbury, 19th Earl of vii 2921n1, 5010&n3, 5054&n1, 5203&n5 Shuttleworth, Sir James Kay, 1st Bt viii 3668n3, 4688n4, 5033&n2 Sicily 4928&nn1&2 Sidmouth, 3rd Viscount 4777&n2 Sierra Leone 4684&n2 Sierra Leone, Bishop of. See Beckles, Edward Hyndman Sigglesthorne 5152&n2 Simeon, Sir John 5120n11, 5185n1, 5297n2 Simmonds, Herbert v 1877n3, 5295&n2

Simpson, Sir James Young 4776&nn8&9 Sir Robert Napier Bill (1868) 4986&n1 Skelton, M. 5296ec&n1 Skelton, Mark 5296n1 Sligo 5212&n3 Smith, George Murray 5067n7 Smith, John Abel i 225n7, 5042n2 Smith, John Benjamin ix 4591n1, 4706nn1&7, 4715&n2 Smith, Robert Payne 5109&n4 Smith, Robert Vernon. See Lyveden, 1st Baron Smith, S.G. 5012n1 Smith, William H., Jr ix 4023n1, 5019&n5, 5226&n1 Snider-Enfield rifle 4694, 4695&n3 Snow, William Parker 4661&n3 Society for the Liberation of Religion from State Patronage 4860n1 Somerset County Herald 4925n2 Somerset Gazette 4925n2 Somersetshire, East 4975&nn1&2 Somerton, Viscount. See Normanton, 3rd Earl of Sophia, Electress of Hanover 5085n3 Southampton, 3rd Baron ii 666n6, 4653n1 Spain: revolution 5116&n5, 5117, 5118, 5119&nn1&2, 5124, 5130&n3, 5141&nn1&2; ‘unfit for a Republic’ 5153&nn1&2; Constituent Cortes 5197&n2 Speedy, Tristram 5003n9 Spinks, Thomas 5098n2, 5173n3, 5199n1 Spofforth, Markham viii 3882n1, 4871&n1, 4966&nn2&3, 5022&nn2&8, 5098n5, 5117n8, 5142n1, 5150, 5157n3 Stafford, Augustus Stafford O’Brien iv 1226n6, 4836n1 Stafford, Henry Stafford O’Brien 4836&n1 Stafford, Sir Humphrey 4836n1 Staffordshire 5212, 5219 Stamford, 6th Earl of 5019n6 Standard 4766n3, 4925, 5153n1, 5185; leading article (8 Apr 1868) 4864n1 Stanford in the Vale 5240 Stanhope, Countess (5th Earl) ii 543n4, 4911n3, 5011&n2, 5065, 5173&nn1&3&4 Stanhope, Lady Mary. See Beauchamp, Countess (6th Earl) Stanhope, Walter Spencer- 5054n8 Stanhope, 5th Earl i 91n7, 4661n1, 4706, 4708&n2, 4777n2, 4822&n2, 4826n1, 4911n1, 5034n1, 5063n3, 5065, 5073, 5173, 5268&n1, 5285&nn1&3 Stanley, Arthur Penrhyn (Dean of Westminster) 4846a&n1, 4918n5, 5089&n4, 5159n9, 5175, 5218&n2 Stanley, Baron (15th Earl of Derby 1869) v 1755n6, 4674, 4676&nn2&3, 4703, 4741, 4766n3, 4858&ec, 4873, 4881, 5049, 5074&n2, 5117, 5129n4, 5220, 5244n2, 5270; ‘nervous about Alabama claims’ 4653&n8;

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cabinet meetings 4668n3, 4974&ec&n1; education question 4672&nn1&5&8, 4687nn2&5, 4691, 4705n1; Derby’s illness 4692n2, 4725n1; Enfield rifles in Abyssinia 4695; ‘premature’ letter 4698; ‘letter of despair’ 4699&n1; Marlborough’s threatened resignation 4702; new Devon commission 4714&n2; ironclads 4728n2; Derby’s resignation 4734n1, 4736&nn1&5, 4737&n5, 4740n1; telegram to Derby 4738n10; ‘thinks delay pernicious’ 4742&n1; ‘more confused than ever’ 4745; d’s cabinet arrangements 4746n3; announces d’s formation of ministry 4749&n1, 4750&nn1&2; doing ‘all, that is necessary’ 4751; meets with d 4753&ec; writes to Gladstone 4758&ec&n2; moves adjournment 4759n4; Queen’s treatment of Derby 4775&n6; cabinet on Irish affairs 4776n10; Irish church 4784nn1&4, 4828n2; ‘policy of peace’ 4788n1; Alabama incident 4789&nn1&2, 4799&n7, 5098; lends reception rooms to ma 4801&nn1&4; naturalization commission 4817&n2, 4867&nn1&2; forwards letter to d 4823; amendment on Irish church 4838&nn2&4, 4839&nn1–3, 4851n3, 4852n1; ‘not successful’ 4845&nn2&3; Hardy’s speech 4846nn1&2; ‘our course’ 4877n1; Rothschild and Bismarck 4880&ec&nn2&3; reduction of armaments 4883&nn1&4, 4887; ‘very successful speech’ 4885&nn2&4&5; ‘a cold judge’ 4906; Gladstone’s resolutions 4916n2; against dissolution 4929n1; compliment to US minister 4965&n2; consulted about a spy 4968; subscription for election 4972, 4979&ec; agrees to accompany Queen to Switzerland 4994; speaks on d’s behalf at banquet 5005&n3; Queen’s prorogation speech 5019n8; attends Queen in Switzerland 5020&ec&nn1&2, 5030&nn1&3, 5056; ‘despondency’ 5022nn1&8; at Queen’s command in Switzerland 5024n4; absence from foreign office 5032&nn1&2; sends Figaro clipping 5035&n1; ‘likes hills’ 5038; despatch box 5041, 5087; reports from Paris and Lucerne 5045&nn1&10; ‘nothing to do’ in Switzerland 5065&n1; ‘rather jolly’ 5067; ‘an excellent letter writer’ 5073&nn1&4; ‘expedition successful’ 5078; returns from Switzerland 5079; ‘anxiety about Paris’ 5081&n2; council at Windsor 5088n3; France’s intentions for war 5093&n2; Afghanistan 5097&n1; opposition plans 5108&nn1&5; diplomatic appointments 5116&nn1&5, 5136&nn1–3; Spanish revolution 5119, 5130, 5141n1, 5197; d’s address to Bucks electors 5131&n2, 5150&ec; Spanish crown 5153n1; audience with Delane 5154n3; ‘de facto government of Spain’ 5168&n1; elections 5186&nn1&2; ‘A boutade at

Lynn’ 5201&n11; ‘letters: much prized’ 5202&ec&nn1&2; ‘need not go’ 5208&ec; speech at King’s Lynn 5211&nn1&2, 5217n5, 5223&nn1–3, 5249nn2&3; ‘without a cloud on our horizon’ 5225n1; ‘consult’ with d 5245&ec; signs patent for ma’s peerage 5250&n1; ‘a brother of the pen’ 5253&ec; ‘course to be pursued’ 5255&n1; ‘all agreed ... resignation’ 5258&n1; resignation of ministry 5259, 5271ec; last cabinet 5264; resigns seal of office 5279n2 Stanley, Frederick Arthur (Baron Stanley of Preston 1886; 16th Earl of Derby 1893) ix 4424n3, 4705n3, 4710n7, 4737n5, 4738n10, 4766n2, 5003&n8, 5019&n4, 5020n2, 5022&nn1&8, 5040, 5043n1, 5045&nn4&10, 5046nn1&3, 5067, 5081, 5190n1 Stanley, William Hans Sloane 5101&nn1&3, 5120n3 Stanley of Alderley, 2nd Baron iii 1114n2, 4878&n3 Starkey, Lewis 5054n8 Stephens, Mr Fitz-James 4660n3 Stewart, J. 5226n17 ‘Stock, Baron’. See Bonaparte, Laetitia Marie Wyse Stockport 5027 Stone, William Henry 4977n1, 5226n13 Stowe 4841&n2 Stowell, Hugh 5054n10 Strabane, Viscount. See Abercorn, 1st Duke of Stracey, Sir Henry, 5th Bt viii 3489n1, 4864&n1, 5226n8 Stratheden, 1st Baroness ii 469n2, 5236&n6 Strathnairn, 1st Baron 4936n1, 5212n2 Stuart, James Frederick Crichton- 5226n15 Stubbs, William 5159n2 Sturt, Henry Gerard (1st Baron Alington 1876) vii 3060n3, 4799n7 Sumner, Charles Richard (Bishop of Winchester) 4799n7, 4831&n3, 4832 The Sun 5256n1 Suspension Bill. See Established Church (Ireland) Bill (1868) Suther, Thomas George 4813&n3 Sutherland, Dowager Duchess of (2nd Duke) iii 790n1, 5170&n2 Sutherland, Duchess of (3rd Duke) 5170&n2 Sutherland, 3rd Duke of vii 3345n6, 5170n2 Sutton, John Henry Thomas Manners- (3rd Viscount Canterbury 1869) 5156&n3 Sutton, John Manners- i 307n6, 5082n1 Switzerland 4994, 5056, 5121; Queen’s admiration of scenery 5064n1 Sydney 5156&n3 Sykes, Sir Francis, 3rd Bt i 205n2, 306x Sykes, William Henry 4920n1, 5120n8 Tait, Archibald Campbell (Bishop of London; Archbishop of Canterbury) viii 3438n3, 4684, 4804n4, 4852, 4871, 4918n5, 5017n3,

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5109n3, 5201&nn2&11, 5202n1, 5206&nn2– 4, 5214&n2, 5215n6, 5224n1 Talbot, Lady Muriel 5010n1 ‘Tamworth Manifesto’ 5094&n3 Tankerville, Countess of (6th Earl) vi 2596n2, 4944&n5 Tankerville, 6th Earl of i 234n16, 4687n5, 4762n1, 4955n3 Tasmania 4977n2, 5019&n3, 5156&n3 Tauchnitz, Baron Bernhardt von 4868n2 Taunton 4925&n2 Taunton, 1st Baron ii 390n4, 4691n2 Taunton Courier 4925n2 Taylor, Edward 5163n2 Taylor, Thomas Edward v 1818n5, 4750n2, 4764&n1, 4766n2, 4778n3, 4784n9, 4801&n2, 4874, 4977n4, 5026n3, 5047n1, 5117n8, 5120n3, 5142&n1, 5154&nn2&3, 5161&n2, 5163&n2, 5287&n1, 5297&n3 Taylor, William (under-butler) 4940&ec&n1 Tegetthoff, Wilhelm von 4686&n10 Telegraph 4679&n2, 4684&n5, 4686, 4690&n2, 4697, 4742&n1, 4831&n2; to Philadelphia 4817&n2; submarine from Isle of Wight 4755&n2; from Romania 4844&n1; from Berlin 4880nn1&3; to Berlin 4883&n4; to Osborne 4885n5; from Australia and Abyssinia 4890nn1–3; from Australia 4892&n2; to Balmoral 4937&n1, 4938, 5119&n1, 5124, 5126, 5129&nn3&4, 5131; from Balmoral 4941, 5141&nn1&2; to Portsmouth 5001; from Osborne 5006; to Hughenden 5030; from Switzerland 5040, 5041, 5045, 5054, 5074&n2; from Perth 5104, 5105, 5106&n4; from Spain 5116&nn4&5; to Dunkeld 5179; to Knowsley 5263; from Dublin 5273. See also Electric Telegraphs Bill (1868) Telegraph Act (1868) 5028n4 Temple, William Cowper- 5101n2, 5180n1 Tennyson, Alfred (later 1st Baron Tennyson) iv 1566n2, 4868&nn1–3 Tennyson, Emily 4868nn1&2 Terrot, Charles Hughes 4813&n3 Tewodros ii (Theodore), Emperor (and King of Kings) of Abyssinia ix 4521n4, 4653n7, 4890&n2, 5003n9 Thackeray, William M. 3268xn1, 4959n4 Theodore, King. See Tewodros ii (Theodore), Emperor (and King of Kings) of Abyssinia Thetford 5212, 5219&n5 Thom, Alexander 5117n3 Thompson, Andrew Green- 4894n2 Thompson, Henry Yates 5067n7 Thomson, William (Archbishop of York) 4813n2, 4918&n5, 5159&n8 Thomson & Co 5278 Thornton, Edward ix 4550n6, 4817&ec&n1, 5045n1 Thring, Henry ix 4368n1, 4787n1, 4948 Thwaites, Sir John 4818&ec&nn1&4

Thynne, Lord Henry Frederick 5101n4 Tichborne v. Lushington 5039n1 The Times: extension to British Museum (1 Jan 1867) 4301x&n1; ‘Natal comedy’ (25 Jan 1868) 4684n1; letter from ‘Historicus’ (24 Jan 1868) 4686n6; navy estimates (11 Mar 1867) 4686n11; Taunton Report (2 Mar 1868) 4691n2; Cockburn’s letter (18 Feb 1868) 4710n4; Protestant Manifesto (1 Feb 1868) 4712n2; reconstruction of the government (Feb 1868) 4725nn1&2; attacks on administration of navy (14 Feb 1868) 4728n1; chief proprietor 4794n1; Mill’s pamphlet on Ireland (20 Feb 1868) 4806n2; poor law board secretary (14 Mar 1868) 4810n3; new road in Park Lane (17 Mar 1868) 4818n3; Gladstone’s motion on Irish church (23 Mar 1868) 4830n2; debate on Irish church (31 Mar 1868) 4845n2; d’s letter to Dartmouth (27 Mar 1868) 4851n3, 4852n3; d and Judaism (16 Apr 1868) 4860n3; naturalization commission (25 May 1868) 4867n2; Irish church question (17 Apr 1868) 4874n4; course of parliamentary business (20 Apr 1868) 4875&nn1&2; reduction of military forces (24 Apr 1868) 4883&n2; Brewer’s letter (10 Apr 1868) 4886&nn5&6; assault of Magdala (27 Apr 1868) 4890n4; recovery of Duke of Edinburgh (27 Apr 1868) 4892n2; Hereford bishopric (12 May 1868) 4905n2; government’s readiness for dissolution (5 May 1868) 4908n3; Gladstone’s resolutions (7 May 1868) 4916n1; gulf between churches of England and Ireland (7, 8 May 1868) 4918n5; reform bill (Scotland) 4929n1; Queen’s absence from London (20 May 1868) 4935nn1&2; living at West Ham (4 Jun 1868) 4944n3; governor-generalship of Canada (11 Jun 1868) 4954n3; pension for Leech’s children (23 Jun 1868) 4959n4; d’s speech at Merchant Taylors’ Hall (18 Jun 1868) 4967&ec&n1; Irish Church Commission’s report (21 Sep 1868) 4983n1; warns about deferring election (3 Jul 1868) 4984n1; banquet at Trinity House (21 Jul 1868) 5005n3; Abercorn’s dukedom (6 Aug 1868) 5016n2; Du Cane’s appointment (30 Jul 1868) 5019n3; Mayo’s promotion (12, 13 Aug 1868) 5022n3; ‘unscrupulous misrepresentation’ 5038n8; boycotted by d 5046&n3; arrival of American minister (5 Aug 1868) 5049n1; Northamptonshire elections (21 Sep 1868) 5054n2; Johnson’s return to Fenton’s (29 Aug 1868) 5070n6; governor-generalship of Canada (18 Sept 1868) 5082n2; Mills’s baronetcy (30 Oct 1868) 5084n2; d’s address to Bucks electors (3 Oct 1868) 5094n2, 5112n2, 5117n7; Peel’s ‘Tamworth Manifesto’ (18 Dec 1834) 5094n3; Leominster election (4 Sept 1868)

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5098n2; list of election candidates (11 Nov 1868) 5098n2; Sher Ali Khan (7 Sept 1868) 5100n1; appointment of new chief secretary for Ireland (21, 25 Sept 1868) 5102n1; Lancet article on Queen’s health (19 Sept 1868) 5120n4; Lennox’s acceptance of Duchy (22 Sept 1868) 5129&nn3&4; d’s address to Bucks electors (3, 6 Oct 1868) 5144n1, 5151ec&n6; Clubbe’s appointment (24 Oct 1868) 5152n2; candidates for Spanish crown (8 Oct 1868) 5153n1; hostility to d 5154&n3; Queen’s return to Windsor (7 Oct 1868) 5155n4; Heathcote’s resignation (12 Oct 1868) 5162n3; d’s policies (26 Oct 1868) 5185&n2; elections (18 Nov 1868) 5186n3; Spanish revolution (30 Oct 1868) 5197n2; Leominster election (30 Oct 1868) 5199n1; Conservative election prospects (2 Nov 1868) 5201&nn7&8; Great Grimsby election (11, 12 Nov 1868) 5210n2; list of d’s appointments (10 Dec 1868) 5218n1; Stanley’s speech at King’s Lynn (16 Nov 1868) 5223n2; d’s speech to Bucks electors (20 Nov 1868) 5224nn2&3; reprints Gazette announcement of ma’s peerage (2 Dec 1868) 5238n2; parliamentary reporter 5242n1; review of Helps’s book (2 Jan 1869) 5254n2; does not report d’s visit to Windsor 5258n2; resignation of ministry (3 Dec 1868) 5273&n6; death of James Disraeli (24 Dec 1868) 5292n1; Catholic candidates for election (19 Nov 1868) 5297n2; royal bounty fund (24 Dec 1868) 5299n6 Tomline, George iii 1158n3, 5210&n2 Topete, Juan Bautista 5119n2 Toronto Globe 4954n3 Torre, 1st Duke de la 5119&n2 Torrens, William ix 4419n9, 5031n1 Tower Hamlets 5226&n2, 5227&n1 Tractarians 4850n1 Traill, George 5117n8 Treaty of Washington (1871) 4653n4 Tredegar, 1st Baron vii 3268n7, 4653n1 Trelawny, Augusta 5090n2 Trelawny, Edgar Brereton 4968n1, 5090&nn1&2&4, 5125n1, 5178nn1&2, 5232&nn1&2 Trelawny, Edgar John 5090n2 Trench, Richard Chenevix (Archbishop of Dublin) viii 3608n1, 4813n2, 5089n4 Trevelyan, George (2nd Bt 1886) ix 4424n1, 4758n2, 4766n3, 4933n6 Trevelyan, Sir Walter 4661n3 Trinity College, Dublin 4712 Trinity House 5005&n3 Trollope, Sir John. See Kesteven, 1st Baron Trower, Walter John 4901n1 Tudway, Mr 4975n2 Turkey 4885&nn1&2 Tyrone, Earl of. See Waterford, 5th Marquess of

Ulster, 1st Earl of (UK) (Duke of Edinburgh) 4996n2, 5022&n8 Ulster Protestant Defence Association 4953n1 Ultra-Montane Party 4712nn2&5 Uniformity of Public Worship Bill 4952&n3 United States: Alabama claims 4653&nn4&8, 4789&nn1&2, 4817&n2; postal service 4654n7; navy 4686&nn3&7, 4697; Civil War 4965n1, 5045nn1&10; minister in London 5070, 5075; ‘American difficulties’ 5098&n3 University College, Oxford 5177&n4 Vale of Aylesbury 4948 Van de Weyer, Elizabeth Ann iii 906n1, 5127&n1 Van de Weyer, Sylvain i 228n4, 5127&n1 Van de Weyer family 5120n11 Vane, 2nd Earl (5th Marquess of Londonderry 1872) iii 874n1, 5019&n6, 5059n3, 5256n1 Vaughan, David James 5066&n5 Vaughan, Herbert Alfred 5109nn1&2 Verner, Edward Wingfield (4th Bt 1886) 5055&nn1–3 Verney, E.H. 5150n4 Verney, Sir Harry, 2nd Bt ii 377n2, 4977n3 Victor Emmanuel ii, King of Italy vii 3388n1, 4693 Victoria, Princess iii 1118n1, 4696&n4 Victoria, Queen 4678, 4860, 5195; Leaves from the Journal ... 4663&nn1&2, 4696&nn2–4; invites d to Osborne 4679n2; ‘spoke of everything’ 4682; family at Osborne 4682&n1; bishopric of Natal 4684; Scotch reform bill 4685, 4712&n1; private secretary 4689&nn3&4; ironclads 4697n3; royal commission on international monetary conference 4706, 4708, 4709; father 4720&n2; tax on sheep dogs 4724&n3, 4726; Derby’s retirement 4725nn1&2, 4736nn1&5, 4737n5; Derby’s resignation 4738n10, 4771&nn1&2; wishes Walpole to remain in cabinet 4746nn2&3; accepts Derby’s resignation 4747; commands d to Osborne 4748; d’s ministry 4750n1, 4768, 4780&n2; approves of Grey’s assisting d 4752&n3; Chelmsford’s services 4754&n1; d’s devotion 4756; ‘cordial support’ for d 4757&nn2&5; approves of Hunt for exchequer 4759&n5; arranges audience with d 4760; confidence in Walpole 4761n1; audience with d 4762n1; audience with Chelmsford 4763; messengers 4765; ‘radiant with smiles’ 4766&n1; ‘very radiant face’ 4767&n2; ll Ireland 4768; Chelmsford’s dismissal 4772; recognizes Chelmsford’s services 4774&n1; treatment of Derby 4775&n6; mistress of the robes 4779; Irish question 4786&n8; Prince’s visit to Ireland 4791&nn1–3, 4797&n2, 4799&n7, 4827&nn2&4&7, 4833, 4861&nn1&2&5; ‘more competent to advise, than to be advised’ 4800; ecclesiastical titles 4808&n1,

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4815&n3; ‘Scotch Bishops’ 4813&n4; concern for princess’s health 4814&nn1&2; distinction for Atholl 4816&n2; new peerages 4820&n1, 4855&n1; Irish church 4821n2, 4871n1; ‘misapprehension’ of d’s meaning 4826&nn1&4; Gladstone’s motion on Irish church 4835&n5, 4875&nn3&10; visit to Scotland 4838&nn1&3; ll Bucks 4840&n1, 4841&n3; travels to Switzerland as Countess of Kent 4843&n1; debate on Irish church 4845&n5, 4846&n2; clerical appointments 4847&nn1&4, 4848; ‘covert assistance’ to d 4851&n6; admires ma’s handwork 4853n3; ‘excitement, and determination’ 4856&nn1&3&4; ‘dread ... of Gladstone’ 4857n1; royal yachts 4862&n2, 4863; lord mayor of Dublin 4874&nn1&4; ‘especial desire & command’ 4877; ‘wise intimation’ 4878&n4; call for abdication 4885&nn1&5; vacant bishopric 4886&n2; attempted assassination of Duke of Edinburgh 4890&n1; address of sympathy for 4893&nn1&3; physician 4895&nn2&5&7; Garter for Northumberland 4896&n2; ll Middlesex 4898&n2, 4899, 4900; dines with d 4902&n2; Irish church 4903&n4, 4914&nn1&4; vacant bishoprics 4905&n2; refuses d’s resignation 4906&nn1–3; audience with d at Osborne 4908&nn1–3, 5006&n2; permission for dissolution 4910&n5; Garter for Marlborough 4915&n2; Gladstone’s resolutions 4916&nn1&2; ‘worst of the storm ... over’ 4918&nn1&2&5; answer to Gladstone’s resolutions 4919&nn3&4; sends flowers to d 4921&n2; riots at Ashton 4922; attends new hospital ceremony 4923&nn2&3; birthday dinner 4925n1; royal residence in Ireland 4926&nn1–3; ecclesiastical titles 4927; ‘the great subject’ 4929&n3; at Balmoral 4933&n1; absence from London 4935&nn1– 3; special message to Napier 4936n1; daily reports from d 4937&n1; Marlborough’s Garter 4941&n3; ‘anxious exertions’ 4942&n2; returns to Windsor 4943&nn1&2; engraver 4950&nn1&4&7; ‘better, quieter & stronger’ 4951&nn1&6&7&9; ‘strength & solace’ 4952&n6; Thanksgiving for success of Abyssinian Expedition 4955&n3; bishop of Natal 4956n1; pension list 4959; honours for Napier 4961; colonial despatches 4963&ec; gift of books from d 4970&n2; concerts at Crystal Palace 4974ec; reappearance among her subjects 4976&n3; Bishop of Hereford 4978&n3; Irish Church Commission 4983n1, 5034; styles herself Countess of Kent 4985&n1; pension for Napier 4986&n1; title for Napier 4987&n1; ‘foreign Royal relatives’ 4988&n1; messages to Parliament 4989n1; Sir Hope Grant’s service 4992&nn1&6; visit to Switzer-

land 4994; council at Osborne 4999&n1; Queen’s speech 5001&n5; care of Prince Alemayehu 5003&nn1&9; offer of knighthood refused 5014; ‘family circle’ at Osborne 5015&nn1–3; dukedom for Abercorn 5016&nn1&2; prorogation speech 5018&n1, 5019&n8; ‘sensible of’ Stanley’s ‘kindness’ 5020&n1; ‘regal brow ... clouded’ 5022&n8; departure for Switzerland 5024&n4; ‘health & happiness’ 5024&n4; at Paris 5025n2; refuses to visit Empress 5032&n2, 5035; knighthood for Bennett 5033; approves appointments to poor law board 5036&n2; new judges 5037n1; ‘happy ... delighted’ in Lucerne 5038&nn1&3&6&8; objects to McNeile 5040&n6; ‘keeps herself very close’ 5045&nn1&10; ‘languid & tired’ 5054n11; attended by Stanley 5056; deanery of Ripon 5057; ‘unfortunate Irish Church business’ 5064&n1; elections 5065&n1; Rhone glacier 5067&nn3&9; ‘supposed incivillity’ 5073n4; church appointments 5075&n8; non-return of visit ... rankles’ 5078; returns from Switzerland 5079, 5088&nn1&3; agrees to visit Empress 5081&n2; son’s proposed marriage 5085&nn1&3, 5089&nn4&9; despatch boxes 5087&nn1&3; at Balmoral 5090&n3, 5091; messengers 5106&n4; ‘a considerate message’ 5108&n1; church appointments 5109&nn1–3, 5117&n8, 5152&n3, 5159&n9, 5162&n4; parish church in Scotland 5113&n3; peerages 5114, 5234, 5272; ‘name & authority in India’ 5116; ‘simple, but sufficient, dinner’ 5118; Spanish revolution 5119&nn1&3, 5130, 5141&n1; article about her health 5120&n4; ‘little dinners’ 5121&n4; ‘National Union’ pamphlets 5122; Leaves from the Journal ... 5123&nn1&2&5; knighthood for Londonderry mayor 5125; gives d ‘plenty to do’ 5127&n1; ‘amusing’ ladies 5128n2; ‘direly offended’ by Lennox 5129&n3; photographer 5133&nn2&4; ‘absurd’ diplomatic appointments 5136; ‘a Scotch shawl’ for ma 5138&nn5–7; ‘souvenirs’ of d’s visit 5139&n1; ‘audience before leaving’ 5140; ‘anxious about the Elections’ 5143&n1; grandchild 5145&n1; ‘the gloomy present’ 5146; civil list 5147&n2; son’s voyage to India 5148, 5149; d’s premiership 5150; refuses ‘Crown of Spain’ for sons 5153&n2; handwriting 5155&n4; Duchy of Lancaster 5163; knighthoods 5166&nn1&3, 5241, 5243; ‘Prince’s visit to India’ 5167&nn2&3; pensions 5172, 5242; prince’s voyage 5174n3; British Museum 5175; baronetcies 5176&n3, 5179n3, 5181, 5182, 5188, 5219&n7, 5222, 5263; Church appointments 5177&nn4&6; speech from the throne 5186, 5217n5, 5249n3; deanery 5187&nn1&2, 5193&n1; clerical appoint-

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ments 5192, 5206&nn1&4, 5231&n3, 5233; election results 5194; successor to Archbishop 5196&n5, 5200&n1; council at Windsor 5198; peerages and baronetcies 5212; ‘will only be annoyed’ about archbishopric 5215&n6; museum trustee 5218&n2; bishoprics 5224&n5; Irish peerages 5235, 5274, 5276&nn1&2; peerage for ma 5236&nn1&7, 5238, 5246, 5254nn1&3; ‘inestimable favor’ to d 5237; ‘traditional mode’ of announcing resignation of ministry 5248; d’s ‘public services’ 5249n3; honours 5250; ‘Irish Functionaries’ 5257; approves of d not coming 5258&nn2&3; ‘resignation of the Ministry’ 5259; ‘implicit reliance’ on Grey 5260; accepts d’s resignation 5264&n1, 5269&n1, 5270; county lieutenancy 5265; formation of new government 5265; knighthood for solicitor-general 5267&nn1&2, 5273&nn5&6 Victoria & Albert (yacht) 4696n3, 4843n1, 4861n1, 4862 Victoria Alessandra, Princess 4989&n1 Victoria Street 4966&nn1&2 Vienna 5135&n1 Villiers, Charles Pelham i 146n5, 4706nn1&7, 5127n7 Vitzthum von Eckstaedt, Count Carl Friedrich viii 3774n1, 4767n2 Vivian, John vii 3134n1, 4933n6 Voluntaries 4784&n5, 4786, 4835 Waddington, Horatio ix 4213n6, 5264&n5 Wadham, Dr 5101n1 Wake, Baldwin Arden 4997n1 Waldegrave, Samuel (Bishop of Carlisle) 5038n8, 5066&n5 Walden, Howard de 5073n4 Wales 5219&n12 Walker, James Robert 5212n5, 5219&n1 Walker, Sir James, 1st Bt 5212&n5, 5222&n1 Wall, Henry 4847&n3, 5134&nn1&2, 5153n2, 5159&nn3&7 Walpole, Horace 4706&n3 Walpole, Isabella vi 2692n1, 4746nn3&4, 4761n1 Walpole, Spencer v 1781n3, 4676n2, 4687n5, 4707, 4713&n2, 4746&n3, 4905&nn2&5, 5054&n13, 5276n4, 5283, 5284; Derby’s opinion of 4660&n5; public schools bill 4726&nn1&2; kept ‘in the fold’ 4751&n1; ‘still at Ealing’ 4752; considers d’s proposition 4756; Queen’s confidence in 4761n1; boundary bill 4958&n2; inspectors of factories 4982n2 Walsh, Sir John Benn. See Ormathwaite, 1st Baron Walter, Flora ix 4449n2, 4794 Walter, John, Jr iii 1009n5, 4794&n1, 5154n3 Waring, Charles 5078n2 Warren, Robert Richard 4712&n7, 5158&n2 Warrington 5226&n16

co Waterford 5060&nn1&5 Waterford, Marchioness of (3rd Marquess) iv 1252n3, 4952n5 Waterford, 3rd Marquess of 5060&n2 Waterford, 5th Marquess of 5060&nn1&4&5 Waterloo station 4682 Watkin, Sir Edward William (1st Bt 1880) iv 1374n1, 4656&nn1&2&4–6, 4658&n2, 4665n2, 5024&n1, 5027 Welbeck Abbey 5000n2 Wellesley, Gerald Valerian (Dean of Windsor) 4886&n2, 5089n6 Wellington, Duchess of (2nd Duke) iii 918n3, 4779&n1 Wellington, 1st Duke i 122n7, 4971n1 Wellington, 2nd Duke of i 340n3, 4865n1, 4891&n3, 4898&nn1&2, 4899, 4900, 5014&nn1&2, 5095&n1 Wensleydale, 1st Baron v 1841n6, 5212n2 Western News 4925n2 West Ham, Essex 4944&n3 West Indies 4994&n2 Westminster 4905&n5, 5019&n5, 5089&n4, 5159&n9, 5162, 5177&n2, 5192, 5193, 5226&n1, 5227&n1, 5231n3, 5233 Westminster, Archbishop of. See Manning, Henry Westminster, Archdeacon of. See Wordsworth, Christopher Westminster, Dean of. See Stanley, Arthur Penrhyn Westmorland 5265&n2 West Riding. See Yorkshire Wethered, Thomas Owen 5150n4 Whalley, George viii 3803n3, 4736n3 Wharton, [John Lloyd?] 4799n7 Whigs 4835 Whippingham 4951&n8 White, Mr 4766n3 Whitehaven 5226&n17 Whitehead, Robert 5225nn1&2 Whitmore, Adelaide Anna 5297&n4 Whitmore, Henry viii 3517n3, 4781&n1, 5297&nn1&2&4 Wilberforce, Samuel (Bishop of Oxford) v 1696n1, 4869&n3, 4871&n1, 4918n5, 5059n1, 5086&n5, 5089&n6, 5120n11, 5126&nn1&3, 5196, 5201&nn3&11, 5206, 5215, 5282n3 Wilhelm, Prince of Prussia 4892n1 William i of Prussia (Emperor William i 1871) v 1643n2, 4653n2 William iii 4738n9, 4786n7 William iv 5094n3, 5123n4 Williams, Sir Fenwick 4989n1 Wilson, Charles Rivers ix 4504n1, 4676, 4706nn1&2, 4717, 5028&n2, 5080n2 Wilson, Effingham vi 264xn2, 306x&n1 Wilson, George Washington 5138n5 Wilson, Richard Fountayne 5114&n1 Wilson, William Scot 4813&n3

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Wilton, 2nd Earl of i 322n11, 5108n5 Wiltshire 5101n4, 5212&n1 Winchester, Bishop of. See Sumner, Charles Richard Windsor 4827&n7, 4838&n1, 4853&n3, 4856&nn1&3, 4857&n1, 4859, 4867, 4877, 4927, 4964, 4978&n3, 5075&n3, 5090&n3, 5091, 5092, 5093&n2, 5096, 5198, 5207&n2, 5248, 5258&nn2&3, 5263&n3, 5264&n1, 5267&n2, 5277 Windsor, Dean of. See Wellesley, Gerald Valerian Wodehouse, John 5082n1 Wodehouse, Philip Edmond 4684&n6 Women: medical education 4776n9; ladies’ gallery at dinner 4911&nn1–3; guilds and associations 5015n4; ‘have not votes yet’ 5065; ‘trying moments’ 5069; sisterhoods in Church of England 5201&n3, 5206&n3; journalists 5291n1 Wood, John Stewart 5241&n1 Wood, Sir Charles. See Halifax, 1st Viscount Wood, Sir William Page. See Hatherley, 1st Baron Woodford, James Russell (later Bishop of Ely) 5083&n5 Worcester 5089&n8, 5226&n14 Worcester, Archdeacon of. See Hone, Richard Brindley

Worcester Cathedral 4848 Worcestershire 4933&nn2&3 Wordsworth, Charles 4813&n3 Wordsworth, Christopher (Archdeacon of Westminster; Bishop of Lincoln) 4804n4, 4905&n5, 5083&nn1&6, 5224&n1, 5231n3, 5240&n1 Wordsworth, William: literary executor 4905n5 Wylie, J.W.S. 4778n1 Wynne, Mr 5120n11 Wynter, Philip 4847&n2, 4848, 4850&n1 Wynyard Park 5019&nn6&7 Yarmouth 4656&n2 Yate, Eleanor iii 763n3, 1240x&n2 York 5036, 5196&n3 York, Archbishop of. See Harcourt, Edward; Magee, William Connor; Thomson, William York, Dean of. See Duncombe, Augustus Yorke, Grantham Munton 4886&n3, 5196&n4 Yorke, John Reginald 5048n2 Yorkshire 5114&nn1&2, 5152&n2, 5212&n5, 5219, 5288; West Riding 5054&n8 Young, Adolphus 4656n2 Young, Sir John, 2nd Bt (1st Baron Lisgar 1870) v 2113n9, 4954n3, 5082&nn1&2, 5251&n2 Zula 4668n2, 4695n3

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