- 6
Nelson, Horatio, Lord.
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Autograph letter signed ("Nelson"), to Rear-Admiral Duckworth
- ink on paper
sending him two ships including the Thalia, commanded by his stepson ("...perhaps you may be able to make something of Capt: Nisbet, he has by his conduct almost Broke my heart..."), providing explanatory orders on the disposition of ships under his command, commenting on the possible sighting of a French squadron, discussing his plans to deal with the French force occupying Malta ("...I want, If Malta is not effectively relieved, to get troops from hence to assist in reducing it..."), and with other naval news, 4 pages, 4to, Port Mahon, 14 October 1799
An informative and well-preserved letter written during Nelson's brief trip to Minorca from Palermo as temporary Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, written to his second in command, Sir John Thomas Duckworth (1748-1817). There is a strong sense of personal hurt evident in Nelson's references to Josiah Nisbet, despite the crisp professional tone of the letter. Nelson had pushed hard to further his stepson's naval career, but Nisbet was ill-suited to command and frequently drunk. There is a telling difference between the text of this letter and the version preserved in Nelson's letter-book (as printed in The Dispatches and Letters): in the latter Nelson pleads that the Thalia under Josiah Nisbet be sent on a convoy to England or "anywhere out to try", but the letter as actually sent is more personal and heart-felt, as Nelson asks that his stepson be sent "any where but to me".
An informative and well-preserved letter written during Nelson's brief trip to Minorca from Palermo as temporary Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, written to his second in command, Sir John Thomas Duckworth (1748-1817). There is a strong sense of personal hurt evident in Nelson's references to Josiah Nisbet, despite the crisp professional tone of the letter. Nelson had pushed hard to further his stepson's naval career, but Nisbet was ill-suited to command and frequently drunk. There is a telling difference between the text of this letter and the version preserved in Nelson's letter-book (as printed in The Dispatches and Letters): in the latter Nelson pleads that the Thalia under Josiah Nisbet be sent on a convoy to England or "anywhere out to try", but the letter as actually sent is more personal and heart-felt, as Nelson asks that his stepson be sent "any where but to me".
Literature
The Dispatches and Letters, ed. Nicolas, vol. 4, pp.50-52
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."