| Collection | Correspondence of William IV |
| Description | Lord Melville submits to the Duke's consideration a list of Line of Battle Ships in Commission in the Channel and North Sea (which will be assembled at Spithead in three weeks) and suggesting some reductions in the number of ships. In addition, a few other ships are expected homeward in the following five to six weeks. Melville also suggests the opportunity to withdraw the British Troops from France as soon as possible, and to postpone the Duke and the King of Prussia's visit to Portsmouth.
Lord Melville confesses another circumstance in connection with this subject: in 1783 and 1802, at the end of the wars, serious disturbances broke out in the Fleet so that, even if there are no unpleasant feelings at the present moment, it would be opportune to avoid gathering too many ships in one port and to pay them off gradually and separately . The current situation, with some men discharged at the end of the French War, while others are still retained on account of the American War, could create tensions.
Letter concludes with a list of Battle ships stationed in, respectively, the Channel, North Sea, and Portsmouth. |