W.E. Gladstone ALS as Leader of the Liberal Party, 1 Yr Before Becoming PM

A letter signed "W Gladstone", written on mourning stationery and addressed to an unknown recipient. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 4.5" x 7.25", London, dated July 30, 1867. The letter has flattened mail folds, with light toning and soiling. Boldly signed.

Gladstone declines the honor of appearing on a committee, writing in part: "I would be personally very happy to offer you such an indication of good will as you request by appearing on your committee. But unless I am much mistaken I declined to act on Mr. [name erased] Committee on the present of not being an Elector…and an adverse effect might arise from what would be judged an official interference from without. I fear the same reason prevails in the present…probably when this reason is made known it will (if any) have a better effect than would have been produced by compliance." 

William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898) was a British statesman and Liberal politician, known affectionately by his supporters as "The People's William" or the "G.O.M." ("Grand Old Man"). This letter was written while Gladstone was the leader of the Liberal Party and one year away from his first term as Prime Minister.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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