WILLIAM IV (1765-1837, King of Great Britain)

Fascinating Autograph Letter Signed "William", with transcription, to Sir Henry BLACKWOOD, (1770-1832, the distinguished Vice-Admiral, he witnessed Nelson's codicil to his will as he lay dying on Victory), saying he "never can forgive nor forget the bad temper of Sr: George Cockburn" (1772-1853, full Admiral, 1837, 1st Naval Lord, 1841-1846), "or his conduct to me in Office", as chiefly responsible for William's resignation from the post of Lord High Admiral, "but I really believe he is fully aware of my knowledge and anxiety for our Service and is anxious to gain ... popularity by following the plans I had proposed", he laments that "Sir T[homas] B[yam] Martin" (1773-1854, Comptroller of the Navy, 1816-1831), permitted himself "to be misled by the ignorance and prejudice of that blockhead Sepping[s]", (Sir Robert, 1767-1840, Master Shipwright, Surveyor of the Navy, 1813-1832), suggesting Blackwood come next Monday "to talk over the business and to read what you may have to show me. Of course you will dine and sleep here", and ending "The Dutchess and I myself unite in every kind and sincere wish towards yourself and Lady Blackwood", (Harriet, née Gore, his 3rd wife, d. 1851), 2 sides 4to., Bushy House, 26th December

In 1827 the office of Lord High Admiral was revived for William, now heir apparent. In London, his orders needed the approval of his council; at sea, of at least one council member present with him. By going ahead, in particular with instructions to the commission on naval gunnery which was in great need of improvement, he was held by the council to have exceeded his patent. William handled the situation badly and was forced in 1828 to resign. William commissioned the Navy's first steamship, a policy later taken up by Cockburn.
Blackwood, a man of great courage and initiative, was told by Nelson to use Nelson's name, in employing the sternmost ships "as struck me best", during the rest of the battle of Trafalgar, a remarkable sign of trust.
Cockburn, is also remembered for conveying Napoleon to St. Helena.
Martin, whom "No one can more value or respect ... than myself", had been at sea with the young William in the 1780s.
Seppings made important advances in the strength of ships and in the means to repair the keel and hull in dry dock.
Written with a great deal of passion, perhaps reflected in the upstroke of the "m" in William's signature, so as to form a tall spike.

Item Date:  1828

Stock No:  55489      £750

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