ALS signed “Nelson & Bronte,” one page, 7.5 x 8.5, May 8, 1802. Nelson writes to the Reverend Mr. Este. In full: “My brother in law Mr. George Watchane is going to Paris and purposes to make some purchases. I have therefore to request that you will ask your son to give Mr. Matchane that advice and assistance which he may require, and be so good as to send me a letter for Mr. M. to take with him. He purposes going on Wednesday and we wish to see you more at Merton [Nelson’s home] where at all times you will find attached friends and none more so than your obliged….” The adjoining sheet contains the integral address panel in Nelson’s hand. Also included is a 1 x 2 fragment of planking from the H.M.S. Victory, the ship under Nelson’s command when he was killed during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The items are framed and matted, together with a nineteenth-century portrait engraving, to an overall size of 22.75 x 30.5. In good condition, with usual folds, scattered wrinkling, toning and soiling, a few blots, and seal-related loss at upper edge, affecting blank portion of address leaf and a few words of greeting, the writing remaining clear, dark, and fully legible. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
