(Vol. iii., p. 427.; Vol. iv., pp. 69. 154.)
Your correspondent J. H. M. remarks (Vol. iv., p. 69.): "In justice to
King George IV., the letter which he addressed to the late Earl of
Liverpool, on presenting the books to his own subjects, should be
printed in your columns." Heartily concurring in this opinion, I have
much pleasure in supplying your readers with a transcript of the same. I
copied it some years back from the original, then in the possession of a
noble friend:
"Dear Lord Liverpool,--The king, my late revered and excellent
father, having formed, during a long period of years, a most
valuable and extensive library, consisting of about one hundred
and twenty thousand volumes, I have resolved to present this
collection to the British nation. Whilst I have the satisfaction
by this means of advancing the literature of my country, I also
feel that I am paying a just tribute to the memory of a parent,
whose life was adorned with every public and private virtue. I
desire to add, that I have great pleasure, my lord, in making this
communication through you. Believe me, with great regard, your
sincere friend,
"G. R.
"Pavilion, Brighton, 15th of January, 1823."