![VICTORIA, Queen of England (1837-1901). Autograph letter signed ('Ever yours aff[ectionate]ly V.R.I.') to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Osborne, 12 July 1885, on mourning paper, 5 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope, seal; and TENNYSON, Alfred, 1st Baron (1809-1892). Autograph draft letter to Queen Victoria, Farringford, Isle of Wight, dated (in Hallam Tennyson's hand) 20 July [18]85, on half-mourning paper, 1½ pages, 8vo.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2003/CKS/2003_CKS_06868_0111_000(064750).jpg?w=1)
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VICTORIA, Queen of England (1837-1901). Autograph letter signed ('Ever yours aff[ectionate]ly V.R.I.') to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Osborne, 12 July 1885, on mourning paper, 5 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope, seal; and TENNYSON, Alfred, 1st Baron (1809-1892). Autograph draft letter to Queen Victoria, Farringford, Isle of Wight, dated (in Hallam Tennyson's hand) 20 July [18]85, on half-mourning paper, 1½ pages, 8vo.
Opening with an effusive expression of thanks for Tennyson's 'exquisite touching, beautiful lines' (on the marriage of Princess Beatrice), the main theme of the letter is a request for Tennyson to influence Gladstone to resign: 'Can you not have some influence with Mr Gladstone in preventing his making another round of agitation in the autumn ....Ever since he took office in 80 he said he wishes soon to retire and quite lately refused & now the contrary....It is as much for his own reputation as for the good of the Country that I urge this on all who are his true friends'. A postscript continues with acid references to 'your friend the former Prime Minister'.
Tennyson's reply expresses doubts about the influence he may have: 'Mr Gladstone differs in so many of his political views from myself that whatever I say on these subjects would have I fear no weight with him - however, I can but try'. But for the Queen's and 'the Royal Bride's approval' (of his verses) he had feared, on entering, his 77th year, that 'the flower of Poetry was faded or fading'.
While opposed to many of Gladstone's policies, Tennyson had a great personal respect for him.
(2)
Opening with an effusive expression of thanks for Tennyson's 'exquisite touching, beautiful lines' (on the marriage of Princess Beatrice), the main theme of the letter is a request for Tennyson to influence Gladstone to resign: 'Can you not have some influence with Mr Gladstone in preventing his making another round of agitation in the autumn ....Ever since he took office in 80 he said he wishes soon to retire and quite lately refused & now the contrary....It is as much for his own reputation as for the good of the Country that I urge this on all who are his true friends'. A postscript continues with acid references to 'your friend the former Prime Minister'.
Tennyson's reply expresses doubts about the influence he may have: 'Mr Gladstone differs in so many of his political views from myself that whatever I say on these subjects would have I fear no weight with him - however, I can but try'. But for the Queen's and 'the Royal Bride's approval' (of his verses) he had feared, on entering, his 77th year, that 'the flower of Poetry was faded or fading'.
While opposed to many of Gladstone's policies, Tennyson had a great personal respect for him.
(2)
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