Benjamin Disraeli ALS in French!

A 3pp autograph letter in French signed by future British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) as "B Disraeli" at the bottom of the third page. Written on June 16 of an unspecified year, ca. 1849, at Disraeli's London residence at 1, Grosvenor Gate. On bifold stationery. Expected paper folds. A later paper strip, perhaps added to conceal prior mounting traces, is discretely located verso along the letter's left edge. There is a pen mark and reversible pencil inscription located on the top and bottom of the first page respectively, mentioned just for accuracy. Else near fine. 4.375" x 7.25." Comes with a typed English translation. Currently contained in an archival folder from Maggs Bros. Ltd. (London, England).

This charming note in French to an unknown recipient reveals another side to Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman and future two-time Prime Minister: that of a worldly man of letters. Before, during, and after his political career, Disraeli was also a prolific novelist. One gets a better sense of his fluency with language--even a foreign one--by reading this letter.

Transcribed, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"Mon cher Monsieur

Je suis très faché, que vous avez des engagemens pour Lundi: Est il possible que vous pouvez venir diner ici, Dimanche prochaine le 18?; j'espere que oui, parceque c'est le seul jour, q' est libre á moi pour quelque tems.

Si mon invitation est à heureuse, voulez vous avoir la bonté de me repondre a bonne heure a demain, que j'aurois l'occasion de donner quelques de mes amis le plaisir de faire votre connaissance.

Mille complimens,

B Disraeli

Grosvenor Gate
Juin le 16."

Translated:

"My dear Sir

I am very upset, that you are engaged on Monday: Is it possible that you can come dine here, next Sunday the 18?; I hope so, because that is the only day, t[hat] I have free for some time.

If my invitation is auspicious, would you have the goodness to respond to me by early tomorrow, so that I will have the occasion to give several of my friends the pleasure of making your acquaintance.

A thousand compliments,

B Disraeli

Grosvenor Gate
June the 16."

Benjamin Disraeli would serve two terms as British Prime Minister in 1868 and between 1874-1880. He devoted 44 years of service to Parliament and was one of Queen Victoria's most cherished advisers. He wrote more than a dozen novels and also produced poems, non-fiction works, and plays over a 50-year-long period.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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