Emma, Lady Hamilton | Autograph letter signed, to Cornelia Knight, on preparations to flee Naples, 1798

Property from the Jean Hart Kislak Collection

Emma, Lady Hamilton

Autograph letter signed ("Emma"), to Cornelia Knight,

writing hurriedly that she has no time to visit her today "but keep yourselves in readiness do pray no embarcation for the things the weather be bad so patience we shall see the Queen this even", 2 pages, 8vo, integral address panel, [Naples, December 1798], remains of former mount on final verso

EMMA HAMILTON WRITES AN "AGITATED AND SINCERE" LETTER AS THE COURT PREPARES TO FLEE NAPLES. Nelson evacuated the royal family and court to Palermo ahead of the French advance south from Rome and with increasing unrest in Naples, which saw violence on the streets between Royalists and Jacobins. Sir William Hamilton was responsible for overseeing the evacuation of British citizens, but Nelson was struck most of all by Lady Hamilton's fortitude during the chaotic evacuation and stormy voyage to Sicily. Their affair probably began soon afterwards.