60. George III. Autograph letter signed (“George R.”), 1 page (7.5 x 9.5 in.; 191 x 241 mm.), “Queen’s House”, 6 February 1783 to his eighteen-year-old son, Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who succeeded his brother, George IV, as King William IV, known as “The Sailor King” and “Silly Billy.” Prominent vertical fold with light soiling.

King George III writes to his son, Prince William Henry, of his progress in the Royal Navy and, after Cornwallis’ defeat at Yorktown, states, I should hope Peace will soon be effectually complete.

George III writes in full: I have received the letter you had entrusted to Mr. Majendie, and cannot help expressing the pleasure I have felt on his account of the general improvement of your conduct and that you begin to feel that as you advance in years an improvement and circumspection of behavior is necessary. Mr. Majendie seems to be in good health, and he certainly deserves to be provided for as soon as I can conveniently affect it. I should hope Peace will soon be effectually complete; in which case I shall not hurry recalling you, as I think it highly necessary to compleat your knowledge in the practical part of your profession, and I am anxious you should prove both a Scientific and practical Sailor. I have not time to add more than that I shall ever remain Dear William Your most Affectionate Father George R.

Having entered the Royal Navy at his father’s behest in June 1779, William served in the relief of Gibraltar and, from March to April 1782, in New York, where he was nearly captured by one of Washington’s agents. It was during this period that he first met Horatio Nelson, who would later write of the youthful midshipman, “He will be a disciplinarian and a strong one…With the best temper and a great good sense, he cannot fail of being pleasing to everyone”. While Lord Cornwallis’ surrender to Washington at Yorktown on 19 October 1781 marked the end of the Revolution, it was not until 3 September 1783 that the above-mentioned peace was finally concluded in Paris. $4,000 - $6,000

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