[ Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland (later King of Hanover) and the Royal Naval Asylum, Greenwich. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ernest Augustus') to Rev. William Morgan, giving instructions regarding the appointment of matrons to the institution.

The Duke was the head of the Committee in charge of the Royal Naval Asylum, which had been founded as the British National Endeavour in 1798, for the orphans of military and naval personnel killed in action. It had moved from Paddington to the Queen's House, Greenwich, in October 1807, having received a large amount of public support (including that of Lord Nelson), and was responsible for upwards of 1000 boys and girls. 3pp., 4to. Bifolium. On aged paper, with damp damage resulting in some loss (including a little text). Repaired with archival tape. The letter proper is unsigned, ending 'I am | Sir | Yours &c &c', but a five-line postscript is signed 'Ernest Augustus'. Docketted on reverse of second leaf: 'Letter from His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland relative to choosing a Matron dated 1st. Jany. 1808. | to Revd Wm Morgan'. 'In consequence of the various applications for the office of Matron', the Duke apprehends that 'it may be considered as a nominal situation'. So that 'the most competent person may be chosen', he considers it necessary to 'require references from each Candidate for the purpose of inquiry being made into their respective qualifications previous to any vote of the Board upon a question so important', affecting 'the immediate care of 200 in females, & a supervision of the , & the proper discharge of all the female offices in the Establishment. This will require not only activity vigilance & discretion, but experience both respect to children & domestic concerns'. He asks Morgan to 'communicate these sentiments to His Majestys Commissioners'. The postscript suggests that 'the Matrons should not have any incumbrance & that they should not be under the age of twenty four or exceed that of forty'.