SMITH (William Henry, 1825-1891, Founder of the Railway Book Stores and Statesman, MP and First Lord of the Admiralty)

Autograph Letter Signed to “My dear GORST” (Sir John Eldon, 1835-1916, Lawyer and Politician) saying that he has “sent your letter on to Lord Salisbury who has not communicated with me directly or indirectly as to the vacancy to which you refer. I don’t think he likes the appearance of a hurry in filling up posts of this nature when a death has occurred. I suppose your re-election at Chatham is assured?...”, 2 sides 8vo., Walmer Castle, Deal headed paper, 29th August

Smith was twice Secretary of State for War, the first time during Lord Salisbury's brief ministry between 1885 and 1886, and the second when the Conservatives won the 1886 general election. He succeeded this appointment in 1887 as First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House of Commons and became Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1891. He died shortly afterwards at Walmer Castle.
At a by-election in 1875 Gorst re-entered parliament as member for Chatham, which he continued to represent until 1892.

Item Date:  1891

Stock No:  42899      £125

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