GEORGE III, KING OF ENGLAND | His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, On Tuesday the Eighteenth Day of November, 1760. London: Printed by Thomas Baskett ... and by the Assigns of Robert Baskett: Sold by John Bowles ... and Thomas Kitchen, 1760

Property from the Eric C. Caren Collection

GEORGE III, KING OF ENGLAND

His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, On Tuesday the Eighteenth Day of November, 1760. London: Printed by Thomas Baskett ... and by the Assigns of Robert Baskett: Sold by John Bowles ... and Thomas Kitchen, 1760

Printed broadside (17 3/8 x 11 in.; 452 x 280 mm). Fine engraved headpiece vignette incorporating a medallion portrait of George III framed with flags and ordnance with ships in the background, woodcut initial and ornamental frame, text in two columns; small chip to top left margin. Matted, framed, and glazed. The consignor has independently obtained a letter of authenticity from PSA that will accompany the lot.

George III's speech for the opening of Parliament, following his succession on 25 October⁠ — a rare French and Indian War broadside

"Born and educated in this Country, I glory in the Name of Briton ... The total Reduction of the vast Province of Canada, with the City of Montreal, is of the most interesting Consequence, and must be as heavy a Blow to My Enemies, as it is a Conquest glorious to Us; the more glorious because effected almost without Effusion of Blood, and with that Humanity, which makes an amiable Part of the Character of this Nation..."

In July of 1758, British forces won their first significant victory in Canada at Louisbourg. A month later, they took Fort Frontenac at the western end of the St. Lawrence River. In November of that same year, General John Forbes captured Fort Duquesne for the British after the French had destroyed and abandoned it. Fort Pitt was built on the site, giving Britain a stronghold. Following this, the British closed in on Quebec, and with the fall of Montreal in September 1760, the French lost their last foothold in Canada. Shortly thereafter, Spain joined with France against England, and for the rest of the war Britain concentrated on seizing French and Spanish territories in other parts of the world.

REFERENCE:

Not found in ESTC or Sabin