1799 Admiral Horatio Nelson autographed letter signed ALS (Garry King LOA)
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A scarce ALS written by Admiral Nelson during the Neapolitan campaign. The letter - dated April 12th 1799 - was penned from Palermo, where Nelson had organised the evacuation of the Royal Family, several nobles and British Nationals (including the Hamiltons) in December 1798. In January the French entered Naples under General Championnet and proclaimed the Parthenopaean Republic. Nelson was promoted to Rear Admiral of the Red on 14 February 1799, and was thereafter occupied for several months in blockading Naples. This letter reports on events during that time.
In part Nelson informs "… I have the pleasure to tell you that Capt. Troubridge has taken possession of all the Islands in the Bay of Naples & that the Inhabitants most joyfully hoisted H.S.M. Colors and cut down the Trees of Liberty. The municipalities are confined either on board Ship or in the Castle of Ischia, the lower order at Naples are also loyal and only wait a proper occasion to hire against the French, In the provinces the Main Army as they call themselves are more than 40,000, Rabble to be sure but the French have not a force to encounter. If the 9000 Russian auxiliarys promised to come by Zar – would happily arrive I see no reason that His Majesty should not again in 24 hours be on his Throne …". His Majesty - King Ferdinand IV - was able to recapture Naples on the 20th June 1799 thanks to substantial support from Nelson and the English fleet.
Regarding the English blockade of Malta, which Bonaparte had seized in 1798 as part of his Egyptian expedition, "… the Garrison holds out on a belief that Sicily will soon fall into the hands of the French". The British would reconquer the island in 1800. Nelson concludes the letter with a more personal reflection, noting that "… I cannot brag much of my own health and nothing but the very particular circumstances I have been thrown into should keep me here one hour. I am more of a Secretary of State than an admiral …". The "very particular circumstances" can be personified in Lady Hamilton, who was by now his lover. It was her who had prompted him at the request of Queen Caroline to attack Naples.
A fascinating letter, penned entirely in Nelson's hand, and signed at the conclusion "Your most obliged servant, Nelson". Folio, written across the first two pages in ink. Very good condition. Original fold lines from mailing, a couple of which have minor splitting at the outer edge. The ink is a shade lighter on the second page. The manuscript provides an important insight into military operations during the campaign as well the effects of Nelson's burgeoning love affair with Lady Hamilton on his personal life. LOA from Garry King of Autografica.
In part Nelson informs "… I have the pleasure to tell you that Capt. Troubridge has taken possession of all the Islands in the Bay of Naples & that the Inhabitants most joyfully hoisted H.S.M. Colors and cut down the Trees of Liberty. The municipalities are confined either on board Ship or in the Castle of Ischia, the lower order at Naples are also loyal and only wait a proper occasion to hire against the French, In the provinces the Main Army as they call themselves are more than 40,000, Rabble to be sure but the French have not a force to encounter. If the 9000 Russian auxiliarys promised to come by Zar – would happily arrive I see no reason that His Majesty should not again in 24 hours be on his Throne …". His Majesty - King Ferdinand IV - was able to recapture Naples on the 20th June 1799 thanks to substantial support from Nelson and the English fleet.
Regarding the English blockade of Malta, which Bonaparte had seized in 1798 as part of his Egyptian expedition, "… the Garrison holds out on a belief that Sicily will soon fall into the hands of the French". The British would reconquer the island in 1800. Nelson concludes the letter with a more personal reflection, noting that "… I cannot brag much of my own health and nothing but the very particular circumstances I have been thrown into should keep me here one hour. I am more of a Secretary of State than an admiral …". The "very particular circumstances" can be personified in Lady Hamilton, who was by now his lover. It was her who had prompted him at the request of Queen Caroline to attack Naples.
A fascinating letter, penned entirely in Nelson's hand, and signed at the conclusion "Your most obliged servant, Nelson". Folio, written across the first two pages in ink. Very good condition. Original fold lines from mailing, a couple of which have minor splitting at the outer edge. The ink is a shade lighter on the second page. The manuscript provides an important insight into military operations during the campaign as well the effects of Nelson's burgeoning love affair with Lady Hamilton on his personal life. LOA from Garry King of Autografica.
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