Charles MAHON, 3^rd Earl Stanhope (1753-1816)

Autograph Letter in the third person to Sir Robert Smith, canvassing support for his brother-in-law William Pitt.
1 page 4to with integral address leaf, bearing the near-intact black wax seal, Harley Street, “Monday”, n.d. [but most likely 1780 or 1784].                                              

“Lord Mahon presents his best Compl[imen]ts to Sir Robert Smith, and should he propose to go towards Cambridge on Saturday next the 9^th Instant he should take it as a great obligation, if Sir Robert would have the goodness to favour Mr. William Pitt with his support, and any interest he might be able to make, as Mr. Pitt[‘s] principles he believes must be highly approved of by a person of Sir Robert Smith public way of thinking
Should Sir Robt. have promised one vote, his second vote possibly is not engaged.”
Eighteenth century British politics were largely dominated by a few interconnected aristocratic families, and this letter exemplifies the manner in which such connections were put to use.
Lord Mahon was married to William Pitt’s sister, Hester, and Pitt is known to have stayed with them at their house on Harley Street. Catherine, the eldest daughter of Sir Robert Smith, later Baron Carrington, was eventually to marry Lord Mahon’s son by his second marriage, Philip, later 4^th Earl Stanhope.
Perhaps the most remarkable progeny of any of these marriages was Lord Mahon’s eldest daughter, Lady Hester Stanhope.
Pitt had hoped to be elected to represent the University of Cambridge in 1780, but failed to win the seat. He contested the seat again in 1784, won it, and retained it until his death in 1806.
The address leaf has tears where it was opened, but the letter is otherwise in good, clear condition.

Delivery

Autographs can be delivered worldwide. Delivery costs are calculated at the time of order and items will be sent by the most appropriate means, depending on your location and the value of the item. This will usually be by Royal Mail Special Delivery within the UK and Royal Mail Tracked outside the UK. 

The current delivery charges are:

• UK:

  Royal Mail Special Delivery £9.00

• Europe:

  Europe Royal Mail Tracked £15.00
  EU customers should note that, following brexit, local VAT and customs duties may apply to their purchases. 

   USA:

• Royal Mail Tracked £25.00

  Rest of the World:

• Rest of the World Tracked £20.00

   

Export Licensing

Customers should be aware that all letters and documents over 50 years old require an export licence, which may delay delivery by anything from one to three weeks. Signed photographs are not subject to export licence regulations, and can be sent immediately.

There is no charge for the export licence and I will take care of the application, the only inconvenience to you will be the delay.

Authenticity

The authenticity of the letters and documents offered is guaranteed.

Payment

Online sales orders

Payments made via the website are processed by Shopify Inc and can be made using Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

Telephone sales orders

Items may be purchased by phone. Please contact me using the website Contact Form and I will call you within 48 hours to discuss your requirements. Payment for purchases ordered by phone can be paid upon receipt of the invoice and must be paid within 7 days. Phone orders can be paid by cheque (in pounds sterling only) or bank transfer.

Items will be reserved for one week following the order confirmation and will be dispatched either within 7 days after full payment has been received, or after any required export licenses have been granted.

Returns Policy

Should you be in any way dissatisfied with your purchase, items may be returned within six weeks of delivery and a full refund will be made upon receipt of the returned item. The item must be received by Richmond Autographs in the same condition as when dispatched.  For full details, please read our Terms and Conditions.