Autograph Letter Signed by Civil Servant Thomas Lack about George Canning 1821

[CANNING, George]; LACK, Thomas (1768–1846). Autograph letter signed about sending future Prime Minister, George Canning on appointment to India, Office for Trade, Whitehall, 1 December 1821.
 
Single bifolium, 360 × 230 mm when unfolded (180 × 230 mm folded), 3 pages written in a neat clerical hand, with address panel, red wax seal, and Board of Trade free-frank. Minor fold wear, one small marginal loss from opening, a short repaired tear, light browning and a small strip of old mounting tape to one edge; otherwise very good.
 
An official letter from Lack, Secretary to the Committee of the Privy Council for Trade (the Board of Trade), acknowledging receipt of a bill for £2,250 “on account of Duchy Rents”, and discussing both private travel plans and current political speculation. Of particular interest is his contemporary comment on George Canning’s uneasy position in late 1821, noting that the Morning Chronicle reports political changes for the present suspended and that there is talk of “a compromise by sending Mr Canning to India”, adding that it would be an awkwardness to have Canning, “with his splendid Talents, in the House of Commons, without being a Member of the Government.” This reflects the uncertainty surrounding Canning’s role following his resignation in 1820, in opposition to the treatment of the King to his estranged wife Queen Caroline.