The New International Encyclopædia/Charles XIII.

CHARLES XIII. (1748-1818). King of Sweden from 1809 to 1818. He was the son of King Adolphus Frederic. As high admiral of Sweden, he distinguished himself by winning a notable victory over the Russians in the Gulf of Finland in 1788. He also rendered important political and diplomatic services to his brother, Gustavus III., who created him Duke of Södermanland. After the assassination of Gustavus III. in 1792, Charles assumed the regency for Gustavus IV. Adolphus, and held it until 1796. In 1809, when at a critical juncture Gustavus had proved unequal to the situation. Charles was made administrator of the kingdom. A few months later Gustavus was deposed and Charles accepted the kingship, under a constitution adopted by the Diet. He cultivated friendship with Russia and England. In 1814 the union of Norway and Sweden under one sovereign was effected. He died February 5, 1818. See Sweden.