Augustus, Ernest and Frederick. Letters, 1812-1813, 1823-1842

This collection consists of nineteen letters that Ernest Augustus, King of Hanover, wrote to John Wilson Croker between March 12, 1812, and March 28, 1842, as well as seven letters that Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, wrote to primarily unidentified recipients between December 16, 1822, and July 17, 1825 (including 2 undated items).

In his first four letters to Croker (dated 1812-1813), Ernest Augustus primarily mentioned military and personal matters, such as a soldier who deserted from the King's Hussars. His fifteen remaining letters (dated 1832-1842) are generally lengthier and concern political issues in Great Britain, Germany, and other Western European countries. Augustus frequently discussed British politicians, even after his move to Hanover, and complained of his treatment in British newspapers. He also commented on German politics, increasing radicalism throughout Western Europe, tensions between Great Britain and France, the reign of Louis Philippe, and the Corn Laws.

Prince Frederick Augustus wrote six brief notes to unidentified correspondents (dated 1822-1825, with two partially dated items) and one to Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville (June 20, 1823). His letter to Viscount Melville, which concerns a proposed military promotion, includes an unsigned response. The remaining correspondence is largely personal, with one brief reference to the death of George Russell.

See Administrative/Biographical History and Administrative Information for more information.