[ Sir Stafford Northcote. ] Long Autograph Letter Signed ('Stafford H. Northcote') to Henry Barnett of Woodstock, regarding W. E. Gladstone's candidacy for MP for Oxford University. With copy of letter by Gladstone and proof of speech by Barnett.

ONE: Northcote's letter to Barnett. 7pp., 12mo. On two bifoliums, in a close hand. In good condition, in aged envelope, with red wax seal and two postmarks (one of Woodstock), addressed to 'Henry Barnett Esqre | Woodstock | Oxon.' At the time of writing Northcote was Gladstone's personal secretary at the Board of Trade. The letter begins: 'Coleridge has left town for Sessions, and will not I fear return for some time. This will account for your letter of the 1st. remaining so long unanswered. I am sure we are much indebted to you for your suggestions, by which I doubt not we shall profit. At the same time it is not very easy to make any public statement of the nature you indicate, for the University rule against the interference of the candidates with the proceedings of the Election appears to preclude the possibility of addresses from themselves; and addresses or statements by others are less satisfactory.' From his 'own knowledge of Gladstone, which is of some standing', he 'can confidently say that the one object whhich he proposes to himself in political life is theh welfare of the Church, and that his conduct will be governed entirely by considerations of what is really for her advantage'. He proceeds to discuss what he considers to be Gladstone's position on the question at length, pointing out that Barnett's talk of 'maintaining inviolate the integrity of the Church of England' is 'a phrase which different people take in different senses'. This leads to a passage on Church and State, including a reference to the 'question whether the principle of the Regium donum to Socinians should be applied in the shape of a Maynooth grant to the Roman Catholics'. He discusses Gladstone's position on 'the question of paying the priests', and states that he is enclosing 'a copy of a letter which Gladstone has recently written to an interrogator on the subject of the Priest-endowment, which will perhaps explain his views more clearly than I could do, even were I authorised to attempt an explanation which I am not'. A postscript concerns the use which can be made of the letter. TWO: Manuscript copy of letter from Gladstone to Rev. S. Price Davies. 4pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Referred to at the end of Northcote's letter. THREE: Galley proof of report of a speech by 'MR. BARNETT'. In one column, 46cm long, and paginated 385 at foot. A parliamentary report, regarding a bill brought forward by Stephen Cave, involving the Board of Trade, the Court of Chancery, and the Albert Life Assurance Office. In good condition, lightly aged. Also present is a newspaper cutting, dated in manuscript 7 August 1852, giving the result of the 'Oxford University Election'.