NELSON, AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, TO ADMIRAL LUTRIDGE, 29 SEPTEMBER 1801

mourning the death of his protégé Captain Edward Parker ("...thank God the to me dreadful scene is closed & time must soften down my feelings to a pleasing remembrance of his Worth...") and thanking Lutridge and his wife for their kindness to Parker, 1 page, 4to, HMS Amazon, 29 September 1801

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."

NELSON REFLECTS ON THE DEATH OF A YOUNG CAPTAIN WHOM HE HAD JUST TAKEN ON AS AN AIDE-DE-CAMP. Edward Thornborough Parker (1780-1801) had served under Nelson on the Vanguard and the Foudroyant and became one of his favourite young officers. He took on his new role on the Medusa in July 1801 and was wounded in the thigh during Nelson's ill-judged second bombardment of Boulogne with bomb vessels on 15 August. The young man's wound festered over the following weeks and Nelson, in his anguish, increasingly began to refer to Parker as a surrogate son. When it was clear that the wound would prove fatal Nelson wrote to his doctor: "I beg that his hair may be cut off and given to me; it shall remain and be buried with me" (to Doctor Baird, 26 September 1801). Parker died the following day. This letter is apparently unpublished.