Lot #5062

Horatio Nelson Autograph Letter Signed, Thanking the Secretary to the Board of Admiralty for "the plan for an attempt to destroy the Dutch ships at Goree"

Description

Nelson sends thanks "the flattering compliment paid me by sending me the plan for an attempt to destroy the Dutch ships at Goree"

War-dated ALS signed “Nelson & Bronte,” two pages both sides, 7.25 x 9.25, September 11, 1801. Handwritten letter to Secretary to the Board of Admiralty Evan Nepean, written on board HMS Amazon, enthusiastically offering his opinion on a plan to destroy the Dutch fleet at Goree. In full: "I feel sensibly the flattering compliment paid me by sending me the plan for an attempt to destroy the Dutch ships at Goree, and nothing could give me more real satisfaction than the aiding and assisting in any manner for the success of the enterprise, all thoughts of prize money to come (if you will believe me) sink to nothing for although I do not believe I am 10,000£ in the world, yet I declare to God I would not do an unhandsome thing by a brother officer & be worth millions…I am one of those who are of the opinion Boats might burn our fleet at Spithead or Torbay, and that there is nothing which boats may not accomplish by surprise…the boats must be in several divisions under officers of movement. The smaller the divisions the better. 30 boats can certainly be fitted to fire carcasses, and if these have resolution 4 or 5 to each ship of the line of fire each 3 to 4 carcasses into the ship, will the carcasses not be broke to pieces passing through the ships side and will the combustible take fire after such a resistance. Capt. Congreve can tell you. If he says yes, then there requires only for the service to be directed." Professionally inlaid into slightly larger sheet and in fine condition. Plans to destroy enemy fleets in port continued to be discussed after Nelson's failed raids at Boulogne in August 1801, but were finally shelved on account of the inherent difficulties and the peace concluded in the autumn.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Remarkable Rarities
• Dates: September 04, 2024 - September 28, 2024

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