Lord John Russell

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The Prime Ministers of Queen Victoria

Edited by Stuart J. Reid

LORD JOHN RUSSELL

[Illustration: Reproduced by permission from an unpublished picture by G. F. Watts, R. A. in the possession of the Dowager Countess Russell at Pembroke Lodge, Richmond

Photogravure by Annan & Swan.]

The Queen's Prime Ministers

A Series of Political Biographies.

Edited by Stuart J. Reid

Author of 'The Life and Times of Sydney Smith.'

The volumes contain Photogravure Portraits, also copies of Autographs.

I.

THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELD, K.G. By J. A. FROUDE, D.C.L. (Seventh Edition.)

II.

VISCOUNT MELBOURNE. By HENRY DUNCKLEY, LL.D. ('Verax.')

III.

SIR ROBERT PEEL. By JUSTIN MCCARTHY, M.P.

IV.

THE RIGHT HON. W. E. GLADSTONE, M.P. By G. W. E. RUSSELL. (Twelfth Thousand.)

V.

THE MARQUIS OF SALISBURY. By H. D. TRAILL, D.C.L. (Second Edition.)

VI.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON. By the MARQUIS OF LORNE. (Second Edition.)

VII.

THE EARL OF DERBY. By GEORGE SAINTSBURY.

VIII.

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN. By LORD STANMORE.

IX.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL. By STUART J. REID.

* * * A Limited Library Edition of TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY COPIES, each numbered, printed on hand-made paper, parchment binding, gilt top, with facsimile reproductions, in some cases of characteristic notes of Speeches and Letters, which are not included in the ordinary edition, and some additional Portraits. Price for the Complete Set of Nine Volumes, Four Guineas net. No Volumes of this Edition sold separately.

* * * * *

London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Limited, St. Dunstan's House, Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, E.C.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL

by

STUART J. REID

I have looked to the happiness of my countrymen as the object to which my efforts ought to be directed

Recollections and Suggestions

London Sampson Low, Marston & Company Limited St. Dunstan's House Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, E.C. 1895 [All rights reserved]

TO THE

LADY MARY AGATHA RUSSELL

THIS RECORD

OF

HER FATHER'S CAREER

IS

WITH TRUE REGARD

DEDICATED

PREFACE

THIS monograph could not have been written--in the intimate sense--if the Dowager Countess Russell had not extended a confidence which, I trust, has in no direction been abused. Lady Russell has not only granted me access to her journal and papers as well as the early note-books of her husband, but in many conversations has added the advantage of her own reminiscences.

I am also indebted in greater or less degree to Mrs. Warburton, Lady Georgiana Peel, Lady Agatha Russell, the Hon. Rollo Russell, Mr. G. W. E. Russell, and the Hon. George Elliot. Mr. Elliot's knowledge, as brother-in-law, and for many years as private secretary, touches both the personal and official aspects of Lord John's career, and it has been freely placed at my disposal. Outside the circle of Lord John's relatives I have received hints from the Hon. Charles Gore and Sir Villiers Lister, both of whom, at one period or another in his public life, also served him in the capacity of secretary.

I have received some details of Lord John's official life from one who served under him in a more public capacity--not, however, I hasten to add, as Chancellor of the Exchequer--but I am scarcely at liberty in this instance to mention my authority.