# - Oliver, Francis.

the first discoursing on the relative merits of Vienna and Dresden but with a preference for the first, and his opinion on aspects of life in the city from the availability to fish to crime, claiming support from Lord Nelson ("...His Lordship will tell you the same that you would soon be tired of Dresden..."), concluding his letter by describing his position with nelson ("...Of myself I have only to say, that the greatest happiness of my life is to be well with my great & good Patron Ld N. My supreme delight is to serve him & his..."), 7 pages, 4to, Merton, 1 January 1803, autograph wrapper in nelson's hand signed ("Nelson & Bronte") and dated 14 January 1803, with trace of seal, minor creasing, seal tears to wrapper with loss of a few words on final page



the second letter concerning a patent that Oliver is proposing on Matcham's behalf, noting in conclusion that "My Lord [i.e. Nelson] Could hardly see to frank this which is the reason he dont write to you this Post", 3 pages, folio, integral autograph address panel by nelson, postal marks, traces of wafer seal, 19 February 1803, tear at seal, nicks at folds, some creasing

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate. If you require additional information we would recommend viewing the item during the exhibition or contacting one of the specialists for this sale.
"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."

Francis Oliver had been secretary to Sir William Hamilton in Naples, and became reacquainted with the Hamiltons and Nelson in Vienna in 1800. In the years that followed Oliver acted as a confidential courier between Nelson and Emma, but he quarrelled violently with Emma in 1809 and it is believed that in revenge he undertook the publication of the love letters between Nelson and Emma.

The patent which is the subject of the second letter was for a method to raise sunken vessels by sinking a leather bag filled with water and attached to ropes and pulleys, which would rise to the surface when filled with air.

For Francis Oliver's ticket to Nelson's funeral procession, see lot 14.