Sir John Somerset Pakington (1799-1880), later 1st Baron Hampton. Autograph Letter Signed, 24 May 1862.
A highly interesting political autograph letter signed by Sir John S. Pakington, written from 41 Eaton Square, S.W., on 24 May 1862, concerning arrangements for attendance at a deputation to meet WE Gladstone,the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Downing Street.
Addressed to George Clarke Esq., Pakington writes:
"I shall be happy to attend the Deputation to the Chancell. of Exchequer next Wednesday..."
He explains that a prior committee engagement near the Treasury will prevent him from joining the party at its planned rendezvous in Waterloo Place, adding that he will instead attempt to meet the deputation directly at the Chancellor's house in Downing Street at 2.30pm.
The letter provides a fascinating glimpse into the operation of Victorian political lobbying and organised pressure groups, with a formal deputation having secured an audience with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Historical Context
At the date of writing, Pakington was one of the leading Conservative politicians of the era, having served in several senior ministerial offices including First Lord of the Admiralty and Colonial Secretary. The Chancellor of the Exchequer in May 1862 was William Ewart Gladstone.
The letter is particularly intriguing because the deputation was scheduled for Wednesday, 28 May 1862, at a time when London was hosting the celebrated First Japanese Embassy to Europe (Takeuchi Embassy). The Japanese mission was then engaged in a series of high-profile negotiations with the British government concerning treaty and trade matters.
While no definitive connection has yet been established between Pakington's deputation and the Japanese embassy, the coincidence of date, location and governmental activity is noteworthy. Current research suggests the deputation may have been connected with commercial, diplomatic or trade matters then under discussion in Whitehall, though the precise subject remains unidentified.
Research Notes
The letter contains several useful clues for further investigation:
- Reference to a formal deputation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
- Planned assembly point at Waterloo Place.
- Meeting in Downing Street at 2.30pm on 28 May 1862.
- Prior committee meeting "near the Treasury".
- Recipient George Clarke, who appears to have acted as organiser or secretary of the deputation.
The identity of the deputation has not yet been conclusively determined, making the letter an attractive research piece for collectors of Victorian politics, Gladstone material, Downing Street history, Anglo-Japanese relations, and nineteenth-century diplomatic affairs.
A desirable signed political letter with excellent Westminster, Treasury and Downing Street associations, and an intriguing possible connection to one of the earliest Japanese diplomatic missions to Britain.
Condition as photos. Guaranteed Original. All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as described.
John Somerset Pakington, 1st Baron Hampton, GCB, PC, FRS (Feb 1799 – Apr 1880), known as Sir John Pakington, Bt, from 1846 to 1874, was a British Conservative class="MsoNormal">One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil.
Winifred Alice Myers (1909 - 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.
Complete with digital .jpg CoA - as photo - for you to print if needed
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