Details:

Richard Cobden autographed handwritten letter (ALS), dated February 27, 1854, from 38 Grosvenor Street, London. Addressed to Lord Canning, then serving as Postmaster General, the letter concerns postal regulations and the difficulties faced by members of Parliament when changing their London residences during parliamentary sessions. Signed "R. Cobden" at the conclusion.

Cobden writes, in part: "According to the rules at the post office, members of parliament who are liable to change their Town residences, can never be sure of benefitting by the prepayment of their letters. Be kind enough to look at the hardship, nay absurdity, of their case."

He explains that members of Parliament provide their new addresses to the appropriate offices upon arriving in London, yet the Post Office refuses to forward correspondence to those addresses without additional charges, even when the new residence is closer than the previous one.

Cobden urges Lord Canning to reconsider the regulation, arguing that it places an unreasonable burden on members of Parliament whose correspondents have not yet been informed of their change of address.

An interesting letter reflecting Cobden's practical concerns with government administration and his willingness to challenge regulations he considered inefficient or unfair.

The letter comprises three handwritten pages on two adjoining sheets, measuring approximately 4.5 x 7 inches folded. Near fine condition with light age toning, original folds, minor handling wear, mounting remnants, and a rusty paperclip impression on the reverse.

Richard Cobden (1804–1865) was a British statesman, manufacturer, and influential advocate of free trade, economic liberalism, and international peace. Alongside John Bright, he became a leading figure in the Anti-Corn Law League, whose campaign helped secure the repeal of Britain's Corn Laws in 1846. Cobden believed that free trade would promote economic prosperity and peaceful relations between nations. He later played a central role in negotiating the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty of 1860, a landmark commercial agreement between Britain and France. His ideas had a lasting influence on classical liberal economic thought and British foreign policy.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11705 1419752-1