Blockade

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Blockade

  • Bound for Gibraltar
    "Here we are in the Middle of the Bay of Biscay nothing to be seen but the sky and water I left the Victory at 8 O'clock last night a reflection I think on those who ordered me for I am sure she is not wanted off Brest, Hardy takes good care of us and the Amphion is very comfortable..."

    Horatio Nelson, autograph letter signed, to Emma Hamilton, reporting on his progress to Gibraltar, HMS Amphion, 25 May–4 June 1803
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  • One More Battle
    “…this I may pride myself upon that no man ever Commanded a fleet better manned more healthy or more greater unanimity prevail'd than the one I have the honour of Commanding...”

    Horatio Nelson, autograph letter signed, to Edward Pellew, providing detailed intelligence on the French fleet and their likely plans, and his own exhaustion and likely retirement (“my services are now nearly at an end for in addition to other infirmities I am nearly blind, however I hope to fight one more battle and then unless my health and sight mends which is not very likely, I ought perhaps to lay down the cudgels”), 5 pages, HMS Victory, 1 May 1804
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  • How Delightful to Be Loved by Such a Man
    “…I have had letters from my Dearest Nelson of the 9th & 12th of septr He was very anxious expecting the orders from England for His leave of absence God knows if this Spanish war will prevent His coming my mind is torn with anxiety...I am so anxious I can neither eat or sleep — nor shall I be well till I know more of His movements He is very anxious to come home his letters are so good so tender so affectionate what a man he is & how delightful to be beloved by such a man…”

    Emma Hamilton, autograph letter signed, to Sarah Nelson, Merton, [1804]
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  • A Note from Charlotte
    “…[Lord Sidmouth] was quite smitten with Lady Hamilton He is very pleasant and merry Lady H. did her attitudes which was of course very much admired…"

    Charlotte Nelson, autograph letter signed, to her mother Sarah Nelson, with a postscript by Emma Hamilton, [4 March 1805]
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  • 'I am between Sardinia and the Coast of Africa'
    "...The French fleet sail’d on Sunday the 31st March from Toulon the wind at NE they steering SSW our frigates lost sight of them on Sunday Night ... I am between Sardinia and the Coast of Africa ... Their destination is entirely unknown but I should rather think it is Either Sardinia or Naples, Sicily the Morea or Egypt ..."

    Horatio Nelson, autograph letter signed, to Sir John Orde, on the escape of the French fleet from Toulon, 2 pages, HMS Victory, 6 April 1805
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  • Pursuit
    “…having received information that the Combined Fleet from the West Indies are gone northward I am proceeding in pursuit of them…”

    Horatio Nelson, autograph letter signed (Nelson & Bronte”), to Admiral Bickerton, ordering him to take command in the Mediterranean, 4 pages, HMS Victory, 25 July 1805
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