- 157
Conrad, Joseph
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
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Description
- Autograph letter signed ("J. Conrad") to G.F.W. Hope, discussing the sinking of the HMS Hampshire.
- paper, ink
Four pages (7 15/16 x 5 in.; 201 x 125 mm) on paper. [N.P.: N.D., c. 1916]. With envelope (4 3/4 x 3 3/4 in.; 120 x 95 mm) addressed to Hope in Conrad's hand.
Catalogue Note
"All Portsmouth is gone into mourning because of the Hampshire," Conrad writes. "Personally I have a notion this might have been an internal explosion of some sort. In war-time as you know accidents with ammunition will happen...I don't know, but it seems to me if I had the job of taking England's biggest naval asset to Norway I would have stuck the ship out due west for 60 miles (at least) clear of the islands before continuing on to a northerly course."
The HMS Hampshire was present at the Battle of Jutland (1916). Shortly thereafter it struck a mine laid by a German submarine, and sank west of the Orkney Islands. There was heavy loss of life, including Lord Kitchener and his staff.