An address from the members of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce to the King from Lord Romney, President of the Society, 2 April 1789 (HO 55/18/22)
The Royal Society was founded by William Shipley in 1754. The letter notes George III’s recovery from illness; this was a reference to his a mental condition, possibly a symptom of the genetic disease porphyria.
Transcript
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty
The Humble Address of the President, Vice President and Members of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce
We your Majesty’s most Dutiful and Loyal Subjects, the President, Vice President and Members of the Society instituted at London for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce Humbly beg leave in the most respectful manner approach the Throne with our Sincere and unfeigned congratulations on your Majesty’s happy Recovery from your late Indisposition.
We trust that Society formed and associated for the express purposes of promoting the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce of this country may with becoming propriety Approach the Beloved Sovereign, who has ever distinguished Himself as the Patron of every Useful and Ornamental Art, and under whose Auspices the Commerce of the British Empire now flourishes to an extent which these Kingdoms never before experienced.
That your Majesty enjoying every Domestick Happiness may long continue to Reign over a Truly Loyal and Affectionate People, are the Sincere Prayers of us your Majesty’s most Dutiful and Faithful Subjects.
Signed at the unanimous request of the Society,
Romney [Lord] President