| Description | The Duke of Kent thanks his brother for the update on the two situations in Ireland and Scotland, and explains that he expressed an interest to Mr Dundas should either Command become vacant whilsts he is out of the country. He still wishes to hold the Irish or Scottish Command, although he is aware that either role would be much more limited in terms of power and authority than his current role, however this does not matter to him. He is also aware that there are potential appointments as General Officers commanding the East, West and South West Regions of South Britain, and if he is not successful in his pusuit of the Irish of Scottish Commands then he would be happy with either the West or South West Regions, and asks his brother for assistance in this regard. If he granted one of the South Britain appointments then he wonders if he could retain his current salary [Commander- in-Chief on £10 a day] but if this is not possible could the shortfall of £4 per day be made up through an increase to his 'table money' or Civil List payments. He would prefer one of the above options to staying in his current role, and as an active man by nature being stuck behind a desk for hours on end approving every decision, expenditure etc is "the greatest possible punishment that I could possibly undergo". As such the role has been detrimental to his health. He asks his brother to speak to the King on his behalf asking for him to be appointed to a role closer to home, himself having mentioned to their father, prior to his departure, his wishes on this matter.
HRH mentions that he feels abandoned by their parents, and that when he was permitted to return to Britain, his relationship with Madame St Laurent was the highlight of his life and that he had endeavoured to keep their association private whilst they were in London, ensuring that they were not seen together in public. As such he was disappointed to learn that knowledge of his relationship had indeed made it into the public domain. In the event that he is given one of his prefered commands, he lays out his plans in regards to his conduct and his continued association with Madame St Laurent which he hopes his brother will takes as his assurance of the perfect propriety of his conduct on this matter.
If he should not be recommended for any of these posts then he asks the Duke to recommend to the King that he be given 12 months leave from his current post for his health, but if this was not possible then he wishes to resign, and while he is honoured to have been granted such an appointment he wishes to serve nearer the King. He has been home for approximately 9 months in the last 15 years. If he was not given either a new commission or a break then he will resign his current commission. He mentions that this document and an official letter for the King were to be delivered to the Duke by Lt-Col Wetherall. |