[ENGLAND] Duchess of Sutherland, Harriet Sutherland, Leveson-Gower (1806-1868) was Mistress of the Robes under several Whig administrations: 1837–1841, 1846–1852, 1853–1858, and 1859–1861; and was a great friend of Queen Victoria. She was an important figure in London's high society, and used her social position to undertake various philanthropic undertakings including the protest of the English ladies against American slavery. ALS written in the 3rd person, dated July 26, no year, 1p. Approx. 4-1/2 x 7-1/4". Written from Stafford House, (St. James's Palace), which became an important centre of society, and the starting-point of various philanthropic undertakings. There the protest of the English ladies against American slavery was framed in 1853. On the accession of Queen Victoria the duchess was appointed Mistress of the Robes, and held that post when the Whigs were in office until her husband's death (August 1837 to September 1841, July 1846 to March 1852, January 1853 to February 1856, June 1859 to April 1861). From the Queen's refusal to part with the Duchess and her other ladies arose the bedchamber crisis of 1839, with the result that the Whigs returned to office. Victoria gave a sympathetic description of the Duchess's character, and after the death of Prince Albert, the prince consort, spent the first weeks of her widowhood with the Duchess as her solitary companion. The Duchess's last public appearance was at the Prince of Wales's marriage in 1863. In that year she was seized with an illness from which she never recovered. However, she was able to entertain Garibaldi, for whom she had great admiration, at Chiswick House and Trentham, Staffordshire, during his visit to England in April 1864. In her letter she is declining assistance. VG. RARE!.Picture of her is NOT included.

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