HENRY AUSTIN "1ST BARON ABERDARE" BRUCE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/10/1868 - HFSID 81122

HENRY AUSTIN BRUCE, 1ST BARON ABERDARE
The future Baron, as Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, asks his correspondent to consider becoming a member of the Judicature Commission, which has thought it expedient to add a County Court Judge to its membership.
ALS: "H A Bruce" as Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, 2p, 4½x6½, cut apart and affixed to 9x9½ sheet. No place, but probably London, 1865 August 10. On sheet embossed with the seal of "Secretary of State, Home Department" to "My dear Whitmore". In full: "The inquiries of the Judicature Commission are to be extended to the operation of the County Courts, & it has been thought expedient to add to the Commission a County Court Judge - I should be very glad to hear that you would consent to be added to the Commission & to give them the benefit of your long experience. Believe me Very truly yours". Imprinted article, including a history of Aberdare and a brief biography of Bruce, affixed at lower margin beneath first page of letter. Imprinted biography, including a photograph, b/w, 1½x1½, affixed at lower margin beneath signature page of letter. Henry Austin Bruce (1815-1895), a former attorney, became a Member of Parliament in 1854. He served as Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department from 1862-1869 before Gladstone appointed him as Home Secretary from 1869-1873. In 1873, Bruce became Lord President of the Council and was named 1st Baron Aberdare. A Fellow of the Royal Society from 1876, he served as President of the Royal Historical Society from 1878-1891 and was elected as President of the Royal Geographical Society in 1881. The Baron was also involved in the National African Company, becoming its chairman in 1882. Letter is lightly creased with folds, not at signature. Slightly rippled from mounting. Tackhead-size hole at blank area on second sheet. Mounting sheet is irregularly cut. Overall, fine condition.