Lot 399 , New Zealand History: Two Downing Street Letters dated 1846, Framed and glazed

New Zealand History: Two Downing Street Letters dated 1846, addressed to Matthew Whytlaw and written on behalf of 'Secretary Gladstone' [William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1889) Secretary of State for War and the Colonies at the time], both signed and inscribed 'Lyttleton' [George William Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton], Framed and glazed
Estimate £100-150

Matthew Whytlaw (d.1879) was a machinery and iron merchant, of Sydney, New South Wales and a former native of Edinburgh, Scotland. He claimed land bought on the Manukau from Samuel Harvey in 1839, bought land in Titirangi and Karaha in 1844; and in Kororareka, Bay of Islands pre-1840. Owned land at Whangaroa in 1863 at the time he wrote to Donald McLean (as a friend of 16 years) from Auckland. Author of 'New Zealand flax; its culture and preparation for the purposes of manufacture', Auckland, 1861 (NZ National Bibliography Part 2 p 1122 / Bagnall). Died on 28 July 1879 at his residence, Hampton Cottage, Balmain, in his 77th year (Sydney Morning Herald, 29 July 1879, p 1).

In January 1846 George William Lyttelton, 4th Baron Lyttelton became Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies in the Conservative government of Sir Robert Peel, a post he held until the government fell in June of the same year. Lyttelton was also Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire from 1839 to 1876 and the first President of the Birmingham and Midland Institute in 1854. Moreover, he promoted the settlement (1850 onwards) of Canterbury, New Zealand with Anglican colonists.



Letter dated 13th March 1846
Sir I am directed? by Mr Secretary Gladstone to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 7th.. and to acquaint you in reply, that on a consideration of the statements which your letter contains, even if your view of the conduct of the local authorities of New Zealand could be made good, Mr Gladstone does not consider that it would be for him to propose that your ? .. in New Zealand, under the circumstances which you describe, should be made a ?... of the community. This being the view, which, with whatever respect, it is his duty to make known to you, Mr Gladstone does not anticipate you will con... to desire an interview with him on the subject. I am Sir Your obedient humble servant Lyttleton.
Each letter 40 x 31cm. As they are glazed, the paper may be delicate, we would recommend Mailboxes in Brighton for shipping


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Sold for £50