KING GEORGE IV (GREAT BRITAIN) - MILITARY APPOINTMENT SIGNED 01/14/1813 CO-SIGNED BY: HENRY (VISCOUNT SIDMOUTH) ADDINGTON - HFSID 53528

KING GEORGE IV of the UNITED KINGDOM
As Prince Regent he appoints Henry James Schodds an Ensign in the 2nd West India Regiment
Military Appointment signed: "George PR" as Prince Regent of the United Kingdom. Also, "Sidmouth" as Home Secretary. 1 page, 13x9½, docketed on verso. Carlton House, London, England. 1813 January 14. Appointment Henry Leslie as Ensign in the 56th West Essex Regiment of Foot". Paper seal affixed below signature. King George IV (1762-1830, reigned from 1820) served as Regent of Great Britain from 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. HENRY ADDINGTON (1757-1844), ennobled as Viscount SIDMOUTH in 1805, served as Britain's Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer (1801-1804), both negotiating with and making war on Napoleon while working to re-forge an anti-French coalition of European powers. As Home Secretary (1812-1822), he was responsible for many repressive measures to curb popular unrest, including suspension of habeas corpus. Multiple folds. Creased and toned. Edges and corners slightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.