| Collection | Correspondence of William IV |
| Description | The Prince expresses his feeling about the King's decision of sending him to America.
During his first period of service in the West Indies he fell ill several times, but, because sometimes the illness was of a venereal nature, he was determined to go abroad again - even if this was against the doctors' advice. Before making up his own mind, however, he received orders from the King to leave England even if, he admits he wanted to stay in England and, in particular, in Devonshire [i.e. Plymouth] where he stayed for a while - enough to get attached to it. The officers are also upset about the King's orders and, in particular, for having to proceed abroad without anchoring - it does not give them time to prepare themselves and to leave provisions to their families.
The Prince wants to make clear that this letter is written with coolness and respect. |