Bibelotslondon Ltd is a UK registered company based in London Bridge dealing in ephemera and curiosities from Britain and around the world. Our diverse inventory is carefully chosen and constantly evolving. We work very hard to offer the highest quality works at competitive prices. Our inventory is listed online, and we strive to keep our website completely up to date, so our customers can easily check availability. We believe in offering clients items that are unique and rare for aficionados of the antique and collector’s world. Bibelot is a late nineteenth century word derived from the French word bel beautiful, meaning a small item of beauty, curiosity or interest. The word ephemera is derived from the sixteenth century Greek word ephmera meaning a printed or hand written paper not meant to be retained for a long period of time. Fine and rare handwritten and signed watermarked letter from the Duke of Clarence later King William IV (William Henry; 21 August 1765 20 June 1837). He was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of Hanover from 26 June 1830 until his death. In this letter the Duke refers to the Ecuadorian War of Independence fought from 1820 to 1822 between several South American armies and Spain over control of the lands of the Royal Audience of Quito, a Spanish colonial administrative jurisdiction from which would eventually emerge the modern Republic of Ecuador. The war ended with the defeat of the Spanish forces at the Battle of Pichincha on May 24, 1822. He further refers to “the infamous woman” undoubtedly meaning “Princess” Olivia Serres who spent much of her life claiming to be the product of an alleged secret marriage between Henry Duke of Cumberland (King George III’s brother) and the sister of her guardian. In 1822 she sued for the production of the will of George III in support of her claim, one daughter continued the claim into the 1860’s, which were eventually dismissed as based on forged evidence. The Duke also mentions Capt. Fox, later Major-General who married Mary FitzClarence the Duke’s second daughter by his mistress Mrs Jordan. She became the housekeeper of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle and he the equerry to Queen Adelaide and ADC to the Duke when he became King. The Marquis of Hastings to whom he also refers was Rowdon-Hastings, the Governor of Bengal. In the last 12 months or so, Venezuela, Peru, Guatemala, Panama, and San Domingo had achieved independence from Spain, and on the same day as this letter was written, Brazil from Portugal. Written from his London residence: Bushey House Octr 12 1822 Dear Sir, In answer to your two letters P. At the same time I feel you attentive to the Royal Family. As to the Chaos now going on in South America I agree with you that country must ultimately be independent of Old Spain, but it will require considerable time before any one in his senses were to undertake to put himself at the head of any one of those governments. I thank you for turning your thoughts towards Captain Fox whose head and heart are agreeably good and will be. I make no doubt, well received by the Marquis of Hastings and my daughter treated in the kindest possible manner by the Marchioness. I ever remain yours sincerely William. William, the third son of George III and younger brother and successor to George IV, was the last king and penultimate monarch of Britain’s House of Hanover. George III created him Duke of Clarence and St Andrews and Earl of Munster on 16 May 1789, He served in the Royal Navy in his youth and was, both during his reign and afterwards, nicknamed the “Sailor King”. He served in North America and the Caribbean, but saw little actual fighting. Since his two older brothers died without leaving legitimate issue, he inherited the throne when he was 64 years old. His reign saw several reforms: the poor law was updated, child labour restricted, slavery abolished in nearly all the British Empire, and the British electoral system refashioned by the Reform Act 1832. Though William did not engage in politics as much as his brother or his father, he was the last monarch to appoint a Prime Minister contrary to the will of Parliament. Through his brother, the Viceroy of Hanover, he granted that kingdom a short-lived liberal constitution. At the time of his death, William had no surviving legitimate children but he was survived by eight of the ten illegitimate children he had by the actress Dorothea Jordan, with whom he cohabited for 20 years. William was succeeded in the United Kingdom by his niece, Victoria, and in Hanover by his brother, Ernest Augustus I. Size: 22.5 x 18.5 cm approx. Photos form part of the description. The item “Duke Clarence King William IV Handwritten Signed Autograph Letter 1822 Ecuador” is in sale since Monday, March 12, 2018. This item is in the category “Collectables\Autographs\Uncertified Originals\Historical”. The seller is “bibelotslondon” and is located in london. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Type: Historical
• Sub-Type: Royalty
• Object: Signed Letters