Autograph letter signed ("George R"), to his son Frederick, Duke of York ("My Dear Frederick"), telling him that he really must be firmer when dealing with the King's ministers: "The propriety of Your having last night hinted to Me the inconsiderate Application made to You in the name of my Ministry by Mr Sec.y Dundas for additional Troops for the West Indies particularly Seven Regiments of Cavalry must appear very clearly to You, as by having given Me this early information, I am enabled to put You into a proper train to bring some regularity in forming the general plan the Want of which caused all the disasters in the different Services from the outset of this War"; and, after telling him that "It is not sufficient to state that such and such requisitions are necessary", setting out (in some detail) the way in which he should conduct business in the future and so arrive at "a Regular Plan, from which some general idea may be formed"; he then launches into particulars, beginning with the defence of the realm: "It is obvious that the defence of this Island is the first Object, for which purpose the reports of the Generals who command its districts must be examined; each of them will naturally desire to have a larger proportion of Troops than can be furnished, but at the same time care must be taken that they have what appears sufficient in case of emergency to secure Success provided they use every kind of exertion"; he then turns his attention to the subjects of his German possessions, Gibraltar, the Channel Islands, cavalry and the Irish garrison: insisting that cavalry be left to defend Hanover ("...After I have consented to let the British Infantry return from Germany which cannot but be looked upon as a personal sacrifice considering the exposed situation in which my Electorate will be left..."), that Gibraltar should be kept "by sending Young Corps" ("...The Same measure must be followed up in Guernsey and Jersey, and the Island of Corsica...") and that "Some Irish Troopers" could be sent "as the foundation of some new Corps of Cavalry and sent with Such Recruits as may be raised to form a Corps of that nature in the West Indies"; summing up: "Upon the whole I would have You therefore state the whole on Paper, then Send for the Secretary at War and apprize him of the whole and perhaps as a Military Man also the Marquess Cornwallis, indeed I have no objection to Your telling them that I am apprized of the proposition and have directed You to have such a paper framed without which no solid Opinion can be formed, and You may afterwards lay the Paper before Me if they having stated the business in Your name afresh to the Cabinet a more reasonable proposition is not proposed for Your laying before Me than the one sent the last Night by Mr Dundas"; ending his long letter by apologising for "the loose manner in which I have stated my thoughts", which has however been prompted by his wish to let him know as soon as he can "the result of my thoughts on what You mentioned last Night"; subscribing himself "Your most affectionate Father", 4 pages, guard, slight dust-staining to first page, but overall in fine and attractive condition, 4to, Queen's House, 20 March 1795