COBDEN RICHARD: (1804-1865) British Radical & Liberal Statesman. A.L.S., R Cobden, four pages, 12mo, London, 20th April 1857, to Rev. G. W. Conder. Cobden states that he would have gladly assisted at his correspondent's meeting, but can not be in Yorkshire the following week, explaining 'Our parliamentary duties & engagements are every day thickening upon us, & we are not free to quit our posts even for an evening.' He continues, 'The statement made by Gladstone in the beginning of his budget speech in reference to our increased expenditure for military purposes was intended I suppose to help the peace party - certainly it was a very useful & practical illustration of the folly of our panic-mongers. The invasion cry of last autumn has cost us an addition of £1,500,000 a year to our expenditure'. Together with Charles W. Dilke (1843-1911) English Radical & Liberal Politician. L.S., Charles W Dilke, two pages, 8vo, (London), 17th November n.y., to Captain O'Shea, on the blind embossed stationery of the Foreign Office. Dilke states that he has received his correspondent's letter regarding a Vice Consulate and has presented it to Lord Granville 'with whom the appointment will rest'. With blank integral leaf. Also including John Wodehouse (1826-1902) 1st Earl of Kimberley. British Liberal Politician. Colonial Secretary 1870-74 & 1880-82, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1894-95. A.L.S., Kimberley, one page, 8vo, Colonial Office, Whitehall (although on the printed stationery of 10 Downing Street), 25th February 1882, to Sir Henry [Ponsonby 1825-1895, British Soldier & Private Secretary to Queen Victoria 1870-95]. Kimberley states that the Secretary of State will be present at the Council, adding 'I have therefore asked Lord Spencer to present Mr. Samuel'. With blank integral leaf. Some light staining at the head of Cobden's letter, G to VG, 3 €125-150