MALMESBURY (James Edward Harris, 1778-1841, 2nd Earl, Deputy Secretary for War)

Autograph Letter Signed 'Malmesbury' to Laurence Sulivan, (1783-1866), saying that he has executed, and is returning "the Power of Attorney", the Bowles's have just been visiting "& I was glad to hear ... so good an account of you all", of Harry "I have great hopes that he will distinguish himself at Oxford ... With the Exception of Edward, who came last week, I have seen but little of my Sons - James being in the Scotch Highlands - & Charley reading for his Degree in the I. of Wight ... Public affairs cease to be an attraction to me - tho', God knows, they are not without interest - I may say fearfull interest. The constant changes in almost every Dept. of the state cannot but be injurious ... and anything but pleasant to those, like yourself, who must have to act with such a continual variety of individuals. All, more or less, necessarily inexperienced in their duties", 4 sides 8vo., Heron Court, Christchurch, Hampshire, 26th August

The 2nd Earl was a close friend of Palmerston, who was the 1st Earl's ward. Sulivan was Palmerston's closest friend at Cambridge. He was Private Secretary to Palmerston at the War Office from 1809, and married his sister Elizabeth ('Lilly'), 1790-1837, in 1811. He was Deputy Secretary for War 1826-1851.
The Reform Bill ushered in a mass of new legislation and Royal Commissions.

Item Date:  1834

Stock No:  15102      £60

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