KING GEORGE IV (GREAT BRITAIN) - MILITARY APPOINTMENT SIGNED 02/23/1811 CO-SIGNED BY: RICHARD RYDER, GENERAL THOMAS BATES - HFSID 53545

KING GEORGE IV of the UNITED KINGDOM
As Prince Regent (in the first year of the Regency), he appoints a surgeon to the 16th Royal American Regiment, composed of American Loyalists
Military Appointment signed: "George PR" as Prince Regent of the United Kingdom. Also, "R. Ryder" as Home Secretary. 1 page, 13½x9¼. Carlton House, London, England. 1811 February 23. Appointment of Christopher G. Berger to Assistant Surgeon, 16th Royal American Regiment of Foot. Signed in top left corner. Paper seal affixed below signature. Countersigned "Thos. Bates" as General of Muster. King George IV (1762-1830, reigned from 1820) served as Regent of Great Britain from 1811, when his father, George III, was declared insane. This document was therefore among the first he signed as Regent. As Prince of Wales, he had 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. Although Britain had been obliged to recognize the independence of the United States in 1783, it still employed Royal American Regiments in the Napoleonic Wars, composed of Canadians but also a second generation of American Loyalists. Multiple folds. Creased and toned. Edges and corners slightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.