Lot 18
  • 18

Nelson, Lord Horatio.

Estimate
9,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Autograph letter signed, to Rear Admiral John Knight
  • ink on paper
with news of ships in his squadron including that repairs are being made to the Donegal's sails, instructions for taking on supplies, and emphasising his wish for an easterly wind, 2 pages, 4to, HMS Victory, 17 October 1805, remains of mount at top corners of recto and right margin of verso, slight ink smudging to date

Literature

Apparently unpublished: not in the Dispatches and Letters or New Letters.

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

"...we shall soon be in distress for water, but this keep to yourself or we shall see it in an English newspaper..."

Final preparations for the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson tells Knight that he is "anxious for an Easterly Wind" that would facilitate his own ships' communication with Gibraltar and encourage the combined Franco-Spanish fleet to leave harbour. The very next day the wind swung to the south-east, and before nightfall Villeneuve was flying the signal to unmoor: the greatest naval battle of the age was about to unfold.

Knight, Nelson's correspondent, was in command at Gibraltar, the nearest friendly port to Trafalgar. It was to Gibraltar that Nelson was sending his ships for supplies and repairs, and it was to Gibraltar that Nelson's body was returned just ten days after this letter was written.