Autograph letter signed by William Gladstone about a political appointment 1869

GLADSTONE, William Ewart (1809-1898). Autograph letter signed (“W. E. Gladstone”) concerning the proposed appointment of a Deputy Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire under the Earl of Kintore. 10 Downing Street, Whitehall, 9 November 1869.
 
Four pages on bifolium, written in ink on official 10, Downing Street stationery. Old folds from posting; a little light creasing and handling wear; several small marginal stains; overall very good.
 
A Gladstone letter written during his first premiership, delicately discussing the patronage surrounding a proposed Deputy Lieutenancy appointment in Aberdeenshire under Francis Keith-Falconer, the 8th Earl of Kintore, then Lord Lieutenant of the county. Gladstone carefully avoids direct interference in Kintore’s authority - before proceeding to outline “three things” which ought nevertheless to guide the selection. An excellent Prime Ministerial letter about Scottish political patronage, written from 10 Downing Street. A transcript of the letter is available on request.