Letter from Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent, London, to John Wentworth, 1805 March 4 : autograph manuscript signed.

Acknowledging receipt of October 13 letter on November 15 and of January 30 letter on 5 March; informing there is no longer talk of a possible French invasion; assuming this is due to Buonaparte's present preoccupation with "the vain assumption of Imperial Dignity"; predicting the "long foretold" division of the United States between its northern and southern parts "seems to approach with heavy strides"; refraining from venturing an opinion on the benefit of such an event to Britain; predicting that a potential a re-unification of the northern states with Britain would outweigh the significance of southern states coming under French dominion; expressing the general opinion in England that Buonaparte's "usurpation of the Imperial Dynasty" has been the greatest boon to "the cause of order" since the beginning of the French Revolution as it has exposed his intentions to the world; relaying a general hopeful expectation of "great things from Russia and Sweden" that will in turn secure the "warm cooperation of the Emperor of Germany" in a "Coalition"; responding to Wentworth's comments on Nova Scotian politics, including continued opposition from W. Tonge, and shipping troubles from the war; expressing gladness at prospect of Wentworth visiting England; complimenting Wentworth's son on fruitful trip to the United States, with reference to a Mr. Merry; conveying good wishes of Madame de St. Laurent and informing she has been sick throughout the winter; asking in post-script to consider "poor old Lyons" for the post of Surveyor of the Customs should John Newton vacate it.