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Auction: 13050 - Postal History and Historical documents
Lot: 2070

Historical Documents
Horatio Nelson
1801 (5 Aug.) A.L.S. to Admiral Lutwidge, signed "Nelson & Bronte" whilst sailing on the Medusa. He writes, "My Dear Admiral, I am clearly of opinion that the Enemy are sick of Bologne and mean to get to the Westaward for if the wind comes a fresh tonight, breezest WNW they must be lost were (sic) they lay at present. I am this moment going towards Dunkirk and Flushing from whence to our coast at Margate or Hosley Bay most probably the former. I have extended Capt. Phillips as far to the Westward as Cape Antibes, ever yours faithfully, Nelson & Bronte ...". Annotated on the reverse, "Augst 5th 1801 - Recd 6th P.M. by the Express Advice Boat. Heldin sent farther Westwd to Cape Anti.". Fine and not recorded in Nicolas. Photo

Nelson served under Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge while stationed on the Downs. The Downs are an area of sea off the Kent Coast and the presence of the fleet here enabled Deal to become one of the premier port in England.

During the French Revolutionary Wars Britain wanted to stop all trade with France. An alliance of nations (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Prussia and Russia) was established to force free trade with France. April 1801 saw the British defeat the Danish-Norwegian fleet in the Battle of Copenhagen. This allowed the British navy to focus on the blockade of the French navy in their ports, particularly Toulon and Cadiz.

On August 4th he received the dignity of a Baron of the United Kingdom and Ireland; on the same day, having transferred his flag to the Medusa (Captain Gore) he launched what seems to have been an exploratory attack on the French flotilla in Boulogne harbour. Several French ships were sunk, damaged, or driven ashore.

Nelson did head for Margate as shown on a letter written on 6th August.

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