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Auction: 16043 - Autographs, Historical Documents, Ephemera and Postal History
Lot: 19

Documents
Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson
1795 (5 May) A.L.S. from H.M.S. Agamemnon in Leghorn, shortly after the Battle of Genoa. Addressed to Mr Williams (the Police Magistrate Daniel Williams) writing about the fate of his son " ... The last time I was here the neutrality of Tuscany being but just settled I could not send to your son the £20, which you desired & which I should had it been possible have had the greatest satisfaction in sending, and at this time 3 Cartels are expected from Toulon [with] sick prisoners amongst whom I hope & have little doubt is your son. I therefore have not sent the money, but have desired Mr. Udney the Consul to advance him £20 immediately on his arrival to get him those things which he must want, & assure you I shall with his other friends be very glad to see him. I think that this account of your son will be acceptable. and is signed "Horatio Nelson". There is a postscript, " I beg my compliments to Mr. Prestwood". Part of the red wax seal remains; there are traces of folds; occasional brown stains and slight edge tear from opening seal, otherwise fine. Photo

Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté KB (1758 – 1805) was a British flag officer in the Royal Navy. He was noted for his inspirational leadership, superb grasp of strategy, and unconventional tactics, all of which resulted in a number of decisive naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars.




Lieutenant Charles David Williams had belonged to the "Agamemnon" and had in February been taken prisoner by the French while navigating a vessel with bullocks to Toulon at the orders of the English consul.



provenance: "In the possession of William Upcott, Esq." (note in 1845 edition of Nelson’s Letters). Published in: The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson (1845), vol. II, p. 38.

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Sold for
£3,500