Description:Duchess Harriet’s papers feature correspondence from an array of prominent contemporary figures, including William Gladstone and Elizabeth Fry. Notable amongst her papers are the social letters which she received from her many famous connections.
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784-1865)
One such letter was sent to Duchess Harriet by Lord Palmerston, dated the 24th August 1835. Lord Palmerston, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784-1865) had a long political career and served as British Prime Minister from 1855-58 and again from 1859-65.
Lord Palmerston’s letter, featured above, suggests that he greatly admired Duchess Harriet, as he compliments her beauty throughout this highly amusing letter. He writes: ‘I am sorry the Duke will not be returned by Thursday but why should that prevent me from having the pleasure of seeing you & Lady Elizabeth Howard’
Lord Palmerston requests Harriet’s assistance at a reception he planned to hold for the French Prince. Referring to the occasion he writes ‘I want to get together a good specimen of English Beauty for my French Prince, and I hope that you who can give me such powerful aid in this occasion will not refuse me your assistance’.
Contextual Information on Lord Palmerston, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784-1865)from: David Steele, ‘Temple, Henry John, third Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edn, Jan 2008 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/27112]