Books, articles and pamphlets of statesman William Ewart Gladstone were published by John Murray over many years. This connection resulted in hundreds of letters of Gladstone to his publishers, in particular John Murray [III]. The letters largely concern the publishing process, including translations and commissions. However, Gladstone also writes of political events and his reflections on them. In addition, he also writes of mutual acquaintances, including sending Murray the news of the recent death ('within the last half hour') of Robert Peel.