Benjamin Disraeli – Historic Diplomatic Letter and Cover to U.S. Minister Edwards Pierrepont, Signed “Beaconsfield”, 1877 Historic three-page autograph letter by Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, together with its original cover. Written from 2 Whitehall Gardens, London, and dated July 7, 1877, during Disraeli’s second premiership. The letter is addressed to Edwards Pierrepont (1817–1892), then the United States diplomatic representative in Great Britain. The identification is further supported by the manuscript address on the accompanying cover: “His Excellency, The Minister of the United States.” Official U.S. State Department records confirm Pierrepont’s service in London at the date of the letter. Disraeli thanks Pierrepont for his kind letter, explains that the state of his health presently requires him to withdraw from society, and expresses the hope that he may later have the pleasure of visiting “your distinguished countryman.” The letter was written during former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant’s celebrated visit to Britain; official correspondence records that Grant had been Pierrepont’s guest in London only days earlier. The letter closes with the clear signature “Beaconsfield.” Accompanied by the original cover, addressed in manuscript to “His Excellency, The Minister of the United States” and also signed “Beaconsfield.” The reverse bears a royal armorial emblem. An important diplomatic autograph ensemble from Disraeli’s premiership, comprising a three-page letter and its original cover, bearing two “Beaconsfield” signatures. Dimensions: The dimensions stated above refer to the letter when fully opened. The accompanying original envelope measures 12.5 × 9.5 cm.
Auction 01: Auction 01 – Historical Letters, Documents & Autographs — Melis Antiques & Art