DURHAM (John George Lambton, Earl of). - Lot 291

DURHAM (John George Lambton, Earl of). British politician. 1792-1840. Governor General of British Canada and Whig reformer, known as Lord Durham. L.A.S. "Durham", addressed to Prince de Lieven. St. Petersburg, May 6, 1836. 1 page in-12 mounted on tab. Short but elegant autograph letter written during Lord Durham's diplomatic mission to St. Petersburg. Addressed to the Prince de Lieven, it thanks his correspondent for sending a translation: "Many thanks for your lordship letter which I accept with gratitude. The translation is excellent. The letter is signed "Durham" with his characteristic initials. An important figure in British liberalism, John George Lambton was Ambassador Extraordinary to Russia before becoming Governor General of Canada. His famous "Durham Report" (1839) played a major role in the constitutional evolution of the British Empire and the birth of responsible government in Canada.