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Auction: 20025 - Historical Documents, Postal History and Autographs
Lot: 568

Great Britain
King George III, Botany Bay
1789 (9 May) autograph note, all in George III's hand from Windsor making plans to hold a "Council on the remaining Irish Bills" and, most significantly, referring to the "Secretary of War's proposal for raising the corps to relieve the Marines at Botany Bay", adding that "I believe it is as economical as the Service may permit, therefore Lord Sydney may forward it". Signed "G R.". A most important document of historic significance. Generally good condition with remains of collectors' mount.

provenance:
Sotheby's, 29 Oct. 1968 (collection of Richard Hunter).

In 1790, Major Francis Grose's New South Wales Corps arrived in Australia with the Second Fleet to relieve the New South Wales Marine Corps which had arrived at Botany Bay with the First Fleet in January 1788. King George III, - with the advice of botanist, Sir Joseph Banks - took a great interest in the area and appointed the New South Wales Marine Corps to accompany The First Fleet.

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Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£2500