PERCEVAL (Jane, widow of Spencer Perceval, 1762-1812, from 1809 Prime Minister)

Touching Autograph Letter Signed to 'Sir', saying that "Lord Arden shewed me yesterday Evening a letter that he had received ... on the subject of a small loan (as you are pleased to consider it) that you received from Mr. Perceval in the year 1804 ... & ill should I repay that sacred trust which has so awfully devolved upon me if I did not make it a point of duty as it is of consolation to fulfill the spirit of all his wishes ... I am very certain that he never intended that you should repay him one shilling of it - he called it a loan to make it more acceptable to your feelings & much as I respect the high sense of honor that has led you ... I can safely assure you that the liberality of Parliament & the kindness of my own family ... render it impossible that such a trifle should ever be missed by me or my Children - and deprives this act of respect to the memory of my beloved Husband of all the merit of self denial", 4 sides 4to black-edged, Downing Street, 2nd June

Spencer Perceval was assassinated on 11th May 1812 by a bankrupt with a grievance against him.

Item Date:  1812

Stock No:  51182