Nelson, Horatio

Highly important pair of autograph letters signed ("Bronte Nelson"), each 1 page (8 7/8 x 7 1/4 in.; 226 x 185 mm) and (9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.; 245 x 192 mm), 18 and 20 February [1799], to Sir William Hamilton; the earlier letter with integral address leaf with seal tear (repaired) and red wax seal, the latter with integral blank; both with light browning.

William Randolph Hearst—Gimbel Brothers—Purchased 18 February 1941—By descent to the present owner

Not in the Nicolas edition of Dispatches and Letters (1845)

the earlier letter with integral address leaf with seal tear (repaired) and red wax seal, the latter with integral blank; both with light browning
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Nelson reports the capture of a French ship amid the Battle of the Nile. On 18 February 1799, Nelson sighted Le Généreux, a survivor of the Nile and gave chase, capturing her after a short battle. In his letter of 18 February [1799], Nelson writes: "I have got Le Géneréux and a frigate full of Troops & Stores for Malta and am making sail after 2 frigates & a corvette." His letter of 20 February [1799] to Hamilton, recounts the capture of the "French Villains" and notes Lord Keith "rec[eive]d my account and myself like a Philosopher (but very unlike you) it did not that I could perceive cause a pleasing muscle in his face." Though the capture won the approval of Lord Keith, their relationship was strained as evidenced by Nelson's remark in his letter of 20 February. Nelson was gaining a reputation for insubordination after refusing to send ships when Lord Keith requested them and on occasion returning to Palermo without order, pleading poor health. Indeed, Nelson, notes towards the close of his letter of 20 February, "I am very sick and unwell . . . ."

 A highly important  pair of letters recounting Nelson's triumphs at sea.