This collection (1.5 linear feet) contains correspondence and writings pertaining to English politician John Russell, 1st Earl Russell.
The Correspondence series (138 items) is made up of incoming and outgoing letters of John Russell, and a small number of items between other individuals. Early correspondence includes personal letters that Russell wrote to his father, the Duke of Bedford, in the early 19th century, and a copied extract from a letter to Princess Charlotte regarding the British constitution (March 5, 1812). Much of the correspondence pertains to political issues and religion, including a lengthy draft letter by John Russell about the Reform Bill of 1832 ([1831], approximately 100 pages). Some of the later letters mention William Ewart Gladstone. One group of undated items specifically regard Ireland.
The Writings series (approximately 150 items) contains essays, fragments of essays, speeches, and notes. Most items pertain to British politics and politicians, British and European history, and religion. The series includes essays about Charles James Fox, Warren Hastings, Thomas Moore, the reform of corporations, literature, the peerage, and photographs.
Documents (approximately 8 items) include a travel pass for British citizen Thomas Adams, authorized by John Russell; an item addressed to Queen Victoria concerning the Church of Scotland; a list of members of the peerage and information about their titles; and a document about the membership of Parliament under Prime Minister William Lamb, Viscount Melbourne.
The manuscript County Information Book contains demographic information about England's counties, including each county's number of residents and number of representatives in Parliament.
Miscellaneous items include manuscript notes and lists concerning political topics, religion, and other subjects.
John Russell was born in London, England, on August 18, 1782, the son of John Russell, Duke of Bedford (1766-1839), and Georgiana Elizabeth Byng (1768?-1801). After briefly attending Westminster School, he studied under private tutors and later matriculated at the University of Edinburgh. Russell first entered Parliament as a representative for Tavistock in 1813 and aligned himself with the Whigs. In 1830, he became paymaster of the forces, and he became known for his work on and support of the Reform Bill of 1832; he also supported reform in the government's dealings with Ireland. Russell became increasingly influential and served as prime minister from 1846-1852, foreign secretary from 1859-1865, and again prime minister from 1865-1866. In 1860, he was made Earl of Kingston Russell. He and his wife, Adelaide Lister, Lady Ribblesdale (1807-1838), married on April 11, 1835; after her death, he married Frances Anna Maria Elliot (1815-1898). Russell's children included John (who became the Viscount Amberley), Francis Albert Rollo, and William. John Russell died on May 28, 1878.
