Draft of Autograph Letter Signed to the Earl of Derby.

British statesman (1792-1861), Home Secretary under Sir Robert Peel. Three pages, octavo. Good, though on lightly-creased, discoloured paper. An interesting sidelight into the relations between two important nineteenth-century politicians. Says he can never forget Derby's 'constant kindness': 'nothing has occurred to alter or to diminish the Sincere Respect with which I regard both your Public & private Character.' 'Circumstances which it was impossible to control have divided us in Politics: but I care little for these divisions, when the grounds of difference are honorable; and your whole life is the pledge of the purity and sincerity of your Motives.' Regrets that he does not 'Contemplate the appointment of any new Commissioners'. 'Commissioners can, for the present at least inspect the Mines & Collieries without any additional assistance'. He will however make a note of 'Major Spillers name and of your nomination of his merits'. Ends with reference to his eldest son ('at Vienna, but I hope to meet him on the moors on the 12th of August'), and of Derby's 'marked kindness towards him'.