William Gladstone

William Ewart Gladstone (1809–1898) was a British Liberal Party statesman, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and four-time Prime Minister (1868–74, 1880–85, 1886 and 1892–94). He was a champion of the Home Rule Bill which would have established self-government in Ireland.

Gladstone is also famous for his intense rivalry with the Conservative Party Leader Benjamin Disraeli, and his strained relationship with Queen Victoria for much of his career. He is still regarded as one of the greatest British prime ministers.

William Gladstone in The Guns of the South
In October, 1862, Chancellor of the Exchequer William Gladstone commented on the conflict that came to be called the Second American Revolution. Gladstone complimented Confederate President Jefferson Davis had "made a nation". However, the course of the war throughout 1863 left many believing that Gladstone had been premature in his pronouncement.

However, the arrival of the AK-47 and Robert E. Lee's successful invasion and conquest of Washington City soon validated Gladstone's words.

Lord Lyons referenced Gladstone's speech during a meeting with Lee shortly after Washington was captured.