Nelson, Horatio

Highly important autograph letter signed ("Nelson & Bronte"), 4 pages (9 x 7 3/8 in.; 228 x 184 mm), Merton, 12 October 1802, to the Honorable Colonel William Stewart, containing a bitter attack on Napoleon Bonaparte; docket and trace of seal on fourth page, small blot on signature made when the letter was originally folded; mounted at left margin in a buckram covered folder with engraved portrait of Nelson and contained in a half morocco gilt folding case with marbled boards.

Highly important autograph letter signed ("Nelson & Bronte"), 4 pages (9 x 7 3/8 in.; 228 x 184 mm), Merton, 12 October 1802, to the Honorable Colonel William Stewart, containing a bitter attack on Napoleon Bonaparte; docket and trace of seal on fourth page, small blot on signature made when the letter was originally folded; mounted at left margin in a buckram covered folder with engraved portrait of Nelson and contained in a half morocco gilt folding case with marbled boards.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Nelson declares Napoleon is a Mad Man. Nelson is outspoken in the present letter with a bitter attack on Napoleon who has had "the impudence to tell Europe My Word is good for nothing, other Monarchs may act so but none till this Chap had the impudence to say so. I really think he is bringing forward his own destruction Europe must soon combine against such a Mad Man."

Nelson continues his tirade on Napoleon cleverly quipping he has "no sense but  insolence."  He then makes an interesting comparison: "I consider him as a Man on the finest Horse but which is so high Spirited that notwithstanding his rider thinks he has a secure seat a plunge too far or a rear up too high throws the rider and breaks his neck, when by not managing his Horse in this unusual manner He might arrive with safety, with Honor and with the Character of a good rider to his Journeys End . . . ."

Expressing approbation of his government's conduct he then contemplates the prospects of a coming war, Nelson sums up:"I think there is no prospect of a War. Buonap[ar]te will hang himself in his toils for others . . . ."

Nelson's loathing of Napoleon was not a reciprocal sentiment. After the ratification of the Peace of Amiens in March 1802, Napoleon installed a bust of the English admiral on his dressing room mantlepiece.

Apparently Unpublished. Not in Nicolas, The Dispatches and Letters

The Honorable William Stewart, the recipient of the present letter, commanded the marines at the Battle of Copenhagen and served on Nelson's flagship during the battle. It was Stewart who recorded the anecdote about Nelson turning a blind eye. By Nelson's wish Stewart's eldest son was christened Horatio. At the very beginning of the present letter, Nelson acknowledges receipt of a letter from Stewart and states,"few things in this world give me more real pleasure than keeping alive by a free communication a friendship formed never I hope to end but with our lives."