To

THE RIGHT HON. LORD ROWTON.

Dear Lord Rowton,

You have been kind enough to say that you would allow me to dedicate this volume to you. There are two reasons why I wish your name to be connected with the book. Throughout his life my husband was a warm admirer of Lord Beaconsfield, with whom, when Mr. Disraeli, he was closely associated in the House of Commons. I look upon it, therefore, as a pleasure to be permitted to inscribe this biography to one who is known everywhere as the great friend and confidant of the most brilliant statesman of this century.

us.

Nor is political sympathy the only bond of union between It is in memory of your friendship for my dearly beloved eldest son that, as you so touchingly said, you accepted' the honour of this dedication because you knew he would like it.'

Believe me, dear Lord Rowton,

January 26, 1887.

Yours very truly,

C. NAPIER.

PREFACE.

IT had been the intention of Mrs. Gardiner, the third daughter of Sir Joseph Napier, to write the biography of her Father. For that purpose she had collected all letters and papers bearing upon the public career of Sir Joseph, and had received the necessary permission from the owners, or the representatives of the owners, for their publication. Unfortunately, when all the material was ready to her hand, she was compelled at the last moment to abandon her task by a departure, which could not be postponed, for India. Under these circumstances I was asked by Lady Napier to proceed with the object which Mrs. Gardiner was now no longer able to carry out. The issue of this volume is my answer to that request. I have to express my thanks to Mrs. Gardiner for so materially lightening my labours by her excellent arrangement of the MSS. upon which this political biography is based.

LONDON: January 1887.