NELSON | autograph letter signed, to Alexander Davison, 1802

NELSON, HORATIO LORD

AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, TO ALEXANDER DAVISON

asking him to pass on his thanks to Lord Eldon for the gracious manner in which Eldon has granted the living of Bridgham ("...I should with pleasure call to personally thank his Lordship had I a chance of finding him at home..."), adding that "I hope your gout is better", 1 page, 4to, integral autograph address leaf, Merton, 24 June 1802, remains of black wax seal impression, postal markings

The recipient of this letter, Alexander Davison (1750-1829), was one of Nelson's closest friends and was responsible for many of the public monuments that glorified Nelson's image, such as the commemorative medal for his victory at the Nile, as well as private assistance from lending the funds for Nelson to buy Merton House to helping his family after Nelson's death. As this letter attests, Davison had also assisted his friend in obtaining the living of Bridgham in Norfolk for the Rev. Stephen George Comyn (1764-1839), who had been Nelson's Chaplain at the Battle of the Nile. The living was in the gift of Lord Eldon, the Lord Chancellor. Eldon had written on 23 June, the day before this letter, complying with Nelson's request.

PROVENANCE:

The Alexander Davison Collection, Sotheby's, London, 21 October 2002, lot 65

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