WILLIAM IV

saying that as The Mediterranean Fleet are leaving he is sending a letter for my son Augustus... and hope Adolphus is on his passage on board the Glasgow... in the event of Captain Markham being detained I wish you to send him home in the first Navy vessel that is returning; Adolphus has served his time I am anxious for his passing at the Naval College that he be made a Lieutenant without loss of time: as for Augustus under your flag... he cannot be better for those three years: only give him as much sea work as possible.. the whole world is in such a critical state that no human foresight can conjecture what is or may happen; looking back to when we were Midshipmen what extraordinary changes have taken place. I do not like the present aspect... I make no doubt your conduct will be that of a prudent and able officer: the Cabinets of the different great powers have immense responsibility thrown on them. I will not further take up your time which must be fully occupied. I hope Lady Thane is quite well and not very unhappy that hitherto her residence abroad has not been the most agreeable and I am sadly afraid not likely to become more amusing for the present..., 3 sides 4to., with a note on the final sheet that The Duke of Clarence answered in March 1821, St James, 4th February