Queen of Great Britain and Ireland (born 1819) from 1837 until her death in 1901. Her more than 63 years on the throne remains unmatched in the history of Great Britain and ranks her among the longest-reigning monarchs of any nation in modern times. The unprecedented growth and prosperity of the British Empire under her rule—as well as a strangely prescient public fascination with the queen and her family—made her one of the most celebrated public figures of her day, and her name would become synonymous with an entire age. ALS signed “VR,” eight pages on four sheets, 4.25 x 7, Balmoral Castle letterhead, May 29, 1881. Victoria writes to Mrs. Drummond, sending thanks for a “beautiful, touching & valuable” remembrance from the library of Dean Arthur Stanley (Dean of Westminster Abbey, of whose will the Drummonds were executors). She goes on to mention possible replacements for Stanley, mentions that the Prime Minister has made his own recommendation to her, and concludes by describing a visit to an infirmary and her surprising at being kissed on the hand by a 92-year-old woman. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and a copy of a New York Times article describing the terms of Stanley’s will. In very good condition, with letter and envelope lightly affixed to a larger sheet (marginal adhesive hinges) and mild scattered soiling, faint spotting and handling wear. R&R COA.
