George III 5 Page Signed Document, Important Diplomacy With Sweden

5pp with two blank pages, measuring 8" x 12.5", St. James, London, dated November 1, 1808. The original document is written in English, accompanied by a copy written in Latin, attached with a purple silk ribbon. Signed by the King "George R" and addressed to the Lord Chancellor, John Lord Eldon. George III instructs Eldon to affix "Our Great Seal of Great Britain…to an Instrument bearing date with these presents, a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed containing Our Full Power to Our Trusty and Well beloved Anthony Merry Esq., authorizing and empowering him to treat and agree with the Minister or Ministers of Our Good Brother the King of Sweden [Gustavus IV Adolphus]…" Countersigned at the end by the Foreign Secretary George Canning. With flattened folds, light soiling, and edge toning. Ink bleeding at the "G" in the King's signature, which has stained the lower portion of the document when it was folded. Boldly signed. Small tears at the edge where the ribbon is attached. Accompanied by the original folder and printed description used by Maggs Bros. Ltd., Ca. 1992. Expected wear to the folder, with original pencil notations.

In the late 1780s, George's health was already beginning to deteriorate and he was showing signs of mental illness. By 1808, he was practically blind with cataracts, making his signature labored as we see in this document. An operation had been suggested in 1805 but was never attempted. His mental illness returned and he became dangerously ill in 1810, following the death of his favorite daughter, Princess Amelia. The Regency Act of 1811 was enacted, and his son (later George IV) acted as Regent until his father's death in 1820.

Gustavus IV Adolphus succeeded to the throne of Sweden in 1792. His reign was ill-fated, largely due to his incompetence during the Napoleonic Wars. The final straw came in February 1808, when he lost Finland to Russia and was consequently deposed in a Coup d'état the following year. This document represents the last British diplomatic approach to him before his dethronement.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.