WELLINGTON, Arthur Wellesley, duke of (1769-1852).
Autograph Letter Signed ('Wellington') to General Sir [James W]illoughby Gordon, 2 pages 8vo, S[tratfied] Saye, 7 September 1827. A fine political letter.

'... I am inclined to think that the King did say something civil in respect of Lord Holland, which was calculated to satisfy Lord Lansdowne. The political office offered to Brougham I believe was that of Chief Baron; and Peerage!! I don't understand that Brougham thinks his silk gown does him an injury. That which hs been injurious to him has been the promotion of others of his Brethren at the Bar; which he wished to have postponed for a year. This postponement was to have given him the Lion's share of Mr Scarlett's business. ...'

The letter was written at the beginning of Lord Brougham's seeking for political power, and anticipates later events when, in 1830, having already been affronted by the offer of becoming attorney-general, he very reluctantly accepted the lord chancellorship and the peerage which accompanied it.The others referred to are James Scarlett, later first Baron Abinger), Henry Richard Holland, third Baron Holland (1773-1840)

The earlier reference is described thus in Oxford DNB: 'In the political vacuum caused by Liverpool's stroke on 17 February 1827, Holland's Letter to the Rev. Dr. Shuttleworth argued the advantages of Catholic emancipation. Unlike Grey, Holland supported the administrations of Canning and Goderich. Those whigs in office were eager to have him in the cabinet. George IV disingenuously assured Lansdowne on 1 September that Holland should fill the first vacancy. On 11 December, a month before his resignation, Goderich himself proposed this to the king.'

The further reference is to James Scarlett, later first Baron Abinger (1769-1844), judge.

£750 [No: 26669]