Autograph free frank lettercover, addressed, dated and signed in Lord Melbourne's hand "London, October four 1838. Mr Moffatt, Clumber Park, Notts. Melbourne".  with Lord Melbourne's black wax seal on verso and the receipt stamp of the post-office at Tuxford, 5th October 1838.

 Folded 4to sheet. Folded size approx 14.5 x 8 cms. Slight dust soiling and light edge creasing, else near fine.

Signed whilst Lord Melbourne was Prime Minister. Mr Moffat was the secretary to the Duke of Newcastle, Henry Pelham-Clinton. Newcastle had become leader of the "Ultra-Tory" faction and was a vocal opponent of electoral reform and, as a result, attacks had been made upon his properties and Clumber Park had to be fortified against the mob.