HORATIO NELSON, 1ST VISCOUNT NELSON
Document signed Horatio Nelson, regarding the dedication of two books, one on "Lord Duncan's action" (presumably at Camperdown). Bond St., dated 13th November (year not stated, but probably 1797-98, see below). Approximately 8 1/2 x 7 3/8 inches (22 x 19 cm), single sheet, written on one side only. 10 lines, plus salutation and felicitation, all written in a secretarial hand, signed at bottom right by Nelson's using his left hand, subsequent to the loss of his right arm in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife action of 1797. Mounted to browned and friable card, which has caused uniform browning to the letter. The card is chipped and cracked in the margins, though the letter itself appears in good condition otherwise. There is a small label attached to the head of the letter, documenting its gift by B. Orme to J. Everett in 1821.
Nelson lived at 147 New Bond Street in 1797, and 103 New Bond Street in 1798, so this letter could have been written from either address. In it, Nelson states that he has seen Lady Spencer (wife of the First Lord of the Admiralty) and that she has no objection to having "the one" dedicated to her, however a second dedication on the work on Lord Duncan is "out of the question." He goes on to wish his correspondent every success.
Sold for $2,000
Estimated at $3,000 - $5,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
HORATIO NELSON, 1ST VISCOUNT NELSON
Document signed Horatio Nelson, regarding the dedication of two books, one on "Lord Duncan's action" (presumably at Camperdown). Bond St., dated 13th November (year not stated, but probably 1797-98, see below). Approximately 8 1/2 x 7 3/8 inches (22 x 19 cm), single sheet, written on one side only. 10 lines, plus salutation and felicitation, all written in a secretarial hand, signed at bottom right by Nelson's using his left hand, subsequent to the loss of his right arm in the Santa Cruz de Tenerife action of 1797. Mounted to browned and friable card, which has caused uniform browning to the letter. The card is chipped and cracked in the margins, though the letter itself appears in good condition otherwise. There is a small label attached to the head of the letter, documenting its gift by B. Orme to J. Everett in 1821.
Nelson lived at 147 New Bond Street in 1797, and 103 New Bond Street in 1798, so this letter could have been written from either address. In it, Nelson states that he has seen Lady Spencer (wife of the First Lord of the Admiralty) and that she has no objection to having "the one" dedicated to her, however a second dedication on the work on Lord Duncan is "out of the question." He goes on to wish his correspondent every success.
Auction: Books and Prints, Apr 30, 2008