Emma, Lady Hamilton | Autograph letter signed, on Nelson's victory at Copenhagen, to Lady Malmesbury, 1801

Property from the Jean Hart Kislak Collection

Emma, Lady Hamilton

Autograph letter signed ("E. Hamilton"), to Lady Malmsbury,

reporting in jubilation of Nelson's victory at Copenhagen ("...our great Nelson covered with glory & himself safe 18 sail Large small be all taken burnt & destroyed & all by him...") and the response of the Danish public to Nelson's appearance in the city to negotiate peace ("...in the pallace of the King the stairs were crowded & calling Long Live Nelson...."), 1 page, 4to, integral autograph address leaf, undated but with free frank dated 15 April 1801, small seal tear not affecting text

NELSON'S LOVER REPORTS ON HIS VICTORY AT THE BATTLE OF COPENHAGEN. The battle had been a hard-fought victory for the British, but Nelson succeeded in breaking the Danish blockade of their capital on 2 April 1801. The following day Nelson negotiated an indefinite armistice with the Crown Prince of Denmark; his reception by the Danish public of the man was somewhat more mixed than is suggested by Lady Hamilton. Nelson had, after all, overseen the destruction of the Danish fleet, killing hundreds of Danish sailors, within view of Copenhagen. Emma Hamilton's correspondent here is Harriet, Countess of Malmsbury (1761-1830).

PROVENANCE

Sotheby's, 24 July 1987, lot 340