Admiral Lord Nelson | Autograph letter signed, to Emma Hamilton, 1-2 August 1801

Vice Admiral Horatio, Viscount Nelson

Autograph letter signed, to Emma Hamilton

an exceptional letter passionately expressing his love for her as he reflects on the anniversary of the Battle of the Nile, continued the following day commenting that he will "take a look at Boulogne" later that morning to view the coastal defences in advance of his planned raid ("...many of the officers here think that the enemy are afraid we have some design of invading their Coast for they are creating many new batteries on this part of their Coast..."), 4 pages, 4to, "Medusa at sea between Calais & Boulogne", 1 August 1801, mounted, framed, and glazed (345 x 490mm)

"When I reflect my dearest Emma that for these last two years on this day we have been together the thoughts and so many things rush into my mind that I am really this day very low indeed even Parker could not help noticing it by saying on this day you should be very cheerful but who can tell what passes in my mind yes you can for I believe you are feeling as I do, when I was in the battle perhaps I did not feel so strongly our separation or whether being at Sea makes it appear more Terrible for terrible it is My heart is ready to flow out of my Eyes but we must call fortitude to our aid..."

A PASSIONATE OUTPOURING OF LOVE WRITTEN ON THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE NILE, AS NELSON PREPARES TO PREVENT THE INVASION OF ENGLAND. 

Nelson returned from the Baltic and his victory at the Battle of Copenhagen at the beginning of July 1801, but was immediately placed in command of naval forces in the Channel. England once again faced the possibility of invasion from France: Napoleon's conclusion of peace with Austria had left his armies idle, and he began massing forces near the Channel ports. Nelson wrote this letter as he was making final preparations for the bombardment of Boulogne. On the evening of 3 August his squadron sailed to within 3 km of the port, and his five gunboats began a 16-hour bombardment. The raid was not a success, and neither was its follow-up on 15-16 August. This made little difference, however, because the concentration of French forces near the Channel was primarily an attempt to concentrate British minds on peace negotiations rather than a serious invasion plan. Nelson was kept on duty in the Channel until peace with France was secured in the autumn of 1801. 

This letter is apparently unpublished: it is not in the Despatches and Letters. 

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's, London, 13 March 1979, lot 94; Sotheby's, 13 December 1990, lot 404