British statesman (1809-1898) who served as prime minister on four separate occasions between 1868 and 1894. ALS signed “W. Gladstone,” one page both sides, 4.25 x 6.5, March 4, 1895. Handwritten letter to Grant Allenby, in part: “I must not omit to thank you for your great courtesy in sending me your…work…I am very sensible of the eloquence and talent which have devoted to the defiance and recommendation of social ideas opposed to what are now considered fundamental. It has always appeared to me that the great bulk of such happiness as is to be found on earth is associated with and dependent on the family and I own that I have not gathered from your work what provision you propose to make for maintaining that sine qua non of the social order. If this be my own fault you will forgive me.” Matted with a portrait and the original hand-addressed mailing envelope that Gladstone has franked in the lower left corner; framed to an overall size of 19.25 x 17.25, with a window to backing revealing the second, signed page. In fine condition.