| Collection | Correspondence of William IV |
| Description | The Prince confirms having received a packet with a letter from the King and is happy to know that the King approves of his conduct as commander of the ship. In the same packet Prince William received instructions from Lord Howe for the HMS Pegasus to return to Europe; in connection with this, the Prince received secret orders from Commodore Sawyer to proceed to Cork or Kingsale and to remain there until further orders. Although always ready to follow the King's orders, the Prince admits to prefer serving abroad since officers pay closer attention in the service abroad than at home.
He then asks the King for a favour: if the King's plan goes ahead of making him commander of a ship of the line, he would like to be in charge of the Foudroyant or Gibraltar.
Disagreeing with the common practice of Captains going on leave while their ships are refitted; the Prince will, therefore, not take leave unless the King commands differently. |