Autograph letter signed by British Prime Minister Robert Peel 1838

PEEL, Sir Robert (1788-1850). Autograph letter signed to John Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer, concerning a meeting at the Freemasons' Tavern. Whitehall, 7 May 1838.
 
Single sheet, written on one side, approximately 185 x 200 mm. Old folds. Repaired from the reverse with archival tape in two places, with further tape reinforcement to three corners. Mounting, adhesive and ink residue to the reverse. Good only.
 
Peel writes to Lord Spencer explaining that his duties as chairman of a parliamentary committee may prevent him from attending a meeting at the Freemasons' Tavern, although Lord John Russell has promised to make alternative arrangements:
 
"I am Chairman of a Committee which meets on Monday and Wednesday, but Lord John Russell has promised an arrangement, and have no doubt that would enable me to have the satisfaction of attending the meeting at the Freemasons' Tavern."
 
Sir Robert Peel served twice as Prime Minister and was one of the leading political figures of the nineteenth century. At the time of writing this letter, Peel was leader of the opposition and Lord John Russell was Home Secretary. The recipient, John Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer, was a prominent Whig politician and former Chancellor of the Exchequer.