KING GEORGE IV (GREAT BRITAIN) - MILITARY APPOINTMENT SIGNED 01/01/1812 CO-SIGNED BY: RICHARD RYDER - HFSID 44698

KING GEORGE IV of the UNITED KINGDOM
The then-Prince Regent and his Home Secretary sign 1812 military appointment
Military appointment signed: "George PR" as Prince Regent of the United Kingdom in brown ink. Also, "R. Ryder" as Home Secretary. 1 page, 16x11½, docketed on verso. Embossed seals affixed in right margin. Carlton House, London, England. January 1, 1812. Commissioning of Sir George Pigot as a Lieutenant General in the BritishArmy.KING GEORGE IV (1762-1830, reigned from 1820) served as Regent of Great Britainfrom 1811, when his father, George III, was declared insane. As Prince of Wales he had very poor relationships both with his father, and with his wife, Princess Caroline of Brunswick, whom he forbade to attend his coronation and tried to divorce. As Regent, however, his choice of cabinet helped conclude the Napoleonic Wars (1815). War's end brought both peace and depression when government demand for supplies ceased. Prices fell and thousands became unemployed, instigating the first labor unions. He took steps to curb the depression with such acts as the Corn Law (1815). During his reign as King of Great Britain & Ireland (1820-1830), George IV's appreciation of the arts led to the development of Regent Street and Regent's Park and the restoration of Windsor Castle. He also initiated penal code reform and abolition of the death penalty (1822). George became increasingly unpopular, due in part to his lavish expenditures. His visit to Scotland in 1822 was the first by a British monarch since 1650. RICHARD RYDER (1766-1832) was the second son of Nathaniel Ryder, 1st Baron Harrowby, and served as a member of Parliament as a Tory form 1795-1830 and was sworn of the Privy Council in 1807. Most notably, Ryder served as Home Secretary 1809 to 1812. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Creased and worn throughout. Slightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.