Statesman, author, orator, political theorist, and philosopher (1729-1797) who, after relocating from Ireland to England, served for many years in the House of Commons. Considered a philosophical founder of modern conservatism, he is mainly remembered for his support of the American Revolution, and his later opposition to the French Revolution. ALS signed “Edm. Burke,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 8.75, November 4, 1794. Letter written from the Nerots Hotel, addressed to Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville, in full: "The unfortunate division in Ministry is no secret to the World, & consequently it is [is] known to me. To some it may be an object of indifference; to others perhaps a matter of exultation. But I must regard it, & feel it too, as a dreadful misfortune. In what a tremendous state of our affairs abroad & at home does this calamity fall upon us? I am sure, under this sense of things, you will not think it a breach in my purpose of retirement, in which I am fixed by age, inclination, & the heavy hand of God, if I so far interfere (though I confess with too much hope of success) as to do all in my poor power to promote union amongst those, on whose mutual good understanding the very being of mankind depends. Perhaps if I had not been as active as I have been in forwarding this coalition I might have beheld its rupture with a greater degree of tranquility. Whilst I was yet in the world, you have been so kind as sometimes to bear me with patience on matters of some moment's thought at that time you might well enough suspect that my judgment was warped by my many common Motives. Now, with less claim perhaps to vigour of understanding, I have the claim of a mind free from all Bias. In the Character, not of an able but an impartial man, I wish to lay before you such thoughts as occur to me. You will be so good as to let me know, when I can (or whether I can have at all) an Hour's conversation with you? I have the honour to be with sincere respect & regard." In fine condition.
Despite retiring from Parliament some four months prior, Burke, perhaps eager to busy himself in the wake of his son Richard’s recent death, remained involved with governmental affairs. This letter was written during the early part of the first Napoleonic wars, and was an attempt on Burke’s part to conciliate the dissenting ‘old’ and ‘new’ Whig factions in William Pitt the Younger’s ministry. Melville was Pitt’s right hand man, and at that time Secretary of War and President of the Board of Indian Control. A rare political missive from a founder of modern conservatism.
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