Horatio Nelson 1803 Important ALS Discussing Admiralty Affairs 1 Month Before Disembarking For Toulon Blockade

Lot description

Horatio Nelson n.p., April 8, 1803 Horatio Nelson 1803 Important ALS Discussing Admiralty Affairs 1 Month Before Disembarking For Toulon Blockade ALS A 1p autograph letter signed by British naval hero Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) as "Nelson + Bronte" at lower left. (Nelson signed his name incorporating part of the honorific title, the Duke of Bronte, bestowed upon him by the Kingdom of Sicily in 1799.) April 8, 1803. N.p. Inscribed on laid bifold paper with an integral address leaf also engrossed in Nelson's hand as: "John Tyson Esqr. / Woolwich / Dock Yard / Kent." The address leaf bears multiple partial and complete philatelic hand-stamps, and is docketed by the recipient near the gutter. Two of three words found on Line 2 of the letter have been eradicated, with a former collector venturing to supply what they were. Expected wear including even toning, flattened transmittal folds and wrinkles, and isolated ink ghost impressions. Minor areas of loss to the address leaf, with the corners appearing to have been restored. Else very good to near fine and very legible. The letter and address leaf are matted and framed behind glass to the left of a handsome engraving of Nelson in military uniform after J. Hoppner & J. Cochran. Not examined out of the frame. The sight size of the letter and leaf is 14.25" x 8.5" while the beautiful hardwood veneer frame measures 27.125" x 15.5" x 1." Isolated corner chips to the frame do not detract from its stunning presentation. Nelson wrote this letter to John Tyson, his former secretary and "confidential friend." Tyson and Nelson mostly corresponded about financial matters pertaining to Admiralty work. For example, in letters exchanged between the two in later 1803, they discussed bank account balances and prize money. This letter is no different, as Nelson refers to paying bills and "Com. Expences +c." But Tyson was not just Nelson's personal assistant - he was a deeply trusted friend and advocate. It was Tyson who later provided an affidavit to Nelson's May 10, 1803 will. Later, when Nelson was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805, Tyson was tasked with personally delivering his remains to a rendezvous point off the British coast. Tyson also served as a principal mourner at one of Nelson's preliminary state funeral events on January 5, 1806. Nelson wrote in full, with original spelling and usage: "April 8th: 1803 My Dear Tyson, Many thanks for your kind letter [former collector believed that it read: "of Lady Hamilton"] + all here thank you. If I had known you had been here certainly I would have seen you if Duckworth has given no orders to pay part of the Com. [?] expences he has done wrong but I will take the troffee [?] for Civita Vecchia when payable but not before. We are truly sorry to hear of your illness you must take great care of yourself both this month + May - all here join in my kind wish to you + Mrs. Tyson + Believe me Ever Most faithfully yours Nelson + Bronte John Tyson Esqr." Nelson refers to "Duckworth" in this letter: Rear-Admiral Sir John Duckworth (1748-1817) was Commander-in-Chief of the Jamaica Station around this time, underscoring the fact that the Napoleonic Wars were being waged in the Caribbean in addition to Europe. Nelson's letter dates just two days after the death of Sir William Hamilton (1730-1803), the much older husband of Nelson's lover, Lady Emma Hamilton. Contrary to expectations, Nelson actually maintained a very friendly relationship with William Hamilton, and was at his bedside at Merton Place when he expired. Much of Nelson's correspondence in the days immediately following Hamilton's death relates to reporting the event to various friends, and eulogizing Hamilton as an "upright and accomplished gentleman." Nelson had been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Navy's Mediterranean Fleet during the ongoing Napoleonic Wars. He assumed command of the Fleet around this time, departing Portsmouth in mid-May 1803 aboard his flagship, "H.M.S. Victory." The course was set for Malta and then the British fleet's final destination, Toulon. Nelson would supervise the British blockade of the French Fleet there for the next 18 months. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!