Autograph letter signed by Archbishop of Canterbury William Howley dated 1839

HOWLEY, William (1766–1848). Archbishop of Canterbury. Autograph letter signed “W. Cantuar” to Lady Aberdeen, 22 April 1839.
 
3 pp. on a mourning-bordered bifolium (approx. 250 × 190 mm). Written in clear brown ink on mourning stationery; folded, with light handling wear and minor toning, but well preserved. Very good or better.
 
A formal letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury responding to Lady Aberdeen’s intercession on behalf of the Revd Mr McPherson, whom she wished to see appointed to ecclesiastical service connected with British India. 
 
Howley explained that he has “abolished the power of conferring degrees, though I exercise that privilege with great caution,” but accepted that McPherson appeared to be a clergyman of sufficient merit and indicated his willingness to support the application. He emphasised, however, that any such appointment must proceed through the proper ecclesiastical channel, namely via the diocesan authority, the Bishop of Calcutta.
 
Addressed to Lady Harriet Aberdeen (née Douglas, 1769–1864), a prominent evangelical and philanthropic figure and the wife of George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, later Prime Minister (1852–55). Lady Aberdeen was active in missionary and charitable causes and frequently acted as an intermediary in clerical appointments relating to Britain’s overseas territories.