Benjamin Disraeli - 4 Page Letter About "Mechanics' Institutes"

Benjamin Disraeli - 4 Page Letter About "Mechanics' Institutes"

Benjamin Disraeli

ALS 4.5" x 7" September 5, 1859

File Foreign VWSBDD

By 1842, Disraeli was head of a group of young Tories, and in 1846 he brought about Peel's political downfall. As Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the lower House, he disregarded Protectionism. In 1868 he became premier but resigned soon after and returned to power in 1874, becaming closer to Queen Victoria. He was defeated in 1880.

Fabulous content 4 page Disraeli with excellent content About "Mechanics' Institutes"

Autograph Letter Signed "B. Disraeli, " 4 pages, 4.5" x 7", front and verso on conjoined sheets. Red embossed

"Hughenden Manor" [England], September 5, 1859. To James W. Hudson, Ph.D. Adhesive stains at top edges, minor flaws. Fine condition. Three months earlier, Disraeli had been replaced as Chancellor of the Exchequer by William E. Gladstone.

In full, "I delayed replying to your first letter from sheer unwillingness to decline an invitation so highly honorable to the person to whom it was addressed; &, at the same time, from the difficulty of making arrangements, wh: [ich] referred to a distant date. I hardly know, whether the inevitable uncertainty of my movements justifies my entering into an engagement, wh: [ich] I might, from uncontrollable circumstances, be prevented from fulfilling, but the deep interest, which] I take in your Association, renders it impossible for me to resist your second appeal. The Quart: Sess: for this County, [ar]e on the 18th Octr.; &, if not inconvenient to the Societies, I would propose to reach Manchester on Monday the 24th of the same month; & I shall be glad, if my presence can, in any way, assist a great cause."

Mechanics' Institutions were educational establishments which provided free libraries and education, especially in technical subjects, to working men and women. Dr. James W. Hudson was Visiting Secretary of the Association of Lancashire and Cheshire Mechanics' Institutes, Manchester. The President of the Association was "His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, K.G." (Prince Albert). As of 1859, the Association consisted of 110 Literary, Mechanics, and Mutual Improvement Societies, with 22,000 members.

Deaccessioned from Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, The Disraeli Project at Queen's University

(1975-2014).