George IV (1762–1830) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1820 to his death. The eldest son of George III, he alienated his subjects with his prodigious spending and contemptuous treatment of his wife, Queen Caroline, whom he refused to admit to his coronation. ALS signed “George PR,” one page both sides, 7.25 x 9, June 22, 1815. Letter to a friend. In full: “The glorious news [of Napoleon's defeat on the field of Waterloo] which has this moment reached me has, at the same time, been accompanied with the distressing intelligence of the State of my most excellent and much-loved friend. Frederick Howard, who fell, most gallantly leading a division of my regiment. I have neither the words nor courage to announce the sad tidings to our worthy and highly respected friend, his dear father [Frederick Howard 5th, Earl of Carlysle], for to him, as well as to the rest of his family, I feel from my heart. I therefore throw myself upon you to consider the best mode of performing this melancholy office. I could not retire to my pillow until I reported to you, My Dear Lord, as the only channel that occurs to me, through which this sad event might be broken to poor Lord Carlisle without an aggravation at least, of the sorrow and distress which must attend it. This is not the moment, for me, to say anything of my own feelings, nor of these which I would wish to express to Lord Carlisle, upon the present most melancholy occasion.” In good condition, with paper irregularly stained pink, resulting in light, but legible text, with some darker blotches at the top of each page, light edge wear, and tape remnants at upper corners. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
