| Collection | Correspondence of William IV |
| Description | The King refers to a letter previously received by Lord Hill [GEO/MAIN/35994-36005] in which Lord Hill interpreted Lord Grey and Sir Herbert Taylor's suggestions of establishing better communication between the army and the government, as a command not to exercise his duties of Commander-in-Chief and therefore being put under the control of the King's ministers. The King denies to have ever wanted such influence over the Government and ministers in the distribution of military patronage. Commenting, then, on the appointment of Sir John Byng as Governor of Londonderry, the King agrees with Lord Hill that the decision might have been taken too hastily - as the communication might not have been passed to Lord Grey - but that, on the other hand, a rule cannot be established that Officers having Regiments cannot have Governments. Having clarified the misunderstanding, the King expresses his admiration for Lord Hill's service and hopes that he will keep on serving as Commander-in-Chief. |