Highly esteemed British admiral (1758–1805) best known for his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, during which, in the Battle of Trafalgar, he lost his life. ALS signed “Nelson & Bronte,” one page, 7.25 x 9, October 18, 1803. While aboard the Victory, Nelson writes a letter of thanks to Sir William Fawcett. In full: “I have to return you many thanks for the fulfillment of your kind promise in giving your vote for the…Scholarship to my relation. Nelson it was I can assure you a real act of charity to a clergy man’s Widow and son, and I feel truly sensible of your goodness on the occasion and I hope someday soon I shall be able to return you my personal thanks (in peace) and be able to show to you how much I am Desr Sir William your obd svt.” Letter is affixed to an identical size sheet. Repairs to complete separations along intersecting folds, one vertical fold touching a single letter of signature, and scattered toning and soiling, otherwise very good condition.
Sir William Fawcett (1727–1804) was a longtime soldier who eventually served as Adjutant-General to the Forces. At the time he received this letter, he was serving as Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Given the letter’s timing, as well as Nelson writing “a clergy man’s Widow and son,” one can certainly assume that Nelson is talking about about his younger brother, the Rev. Suckling Nelson, Several months earlier, Britain had declared war on France, and Nelson was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet and became captain of the HMS Victory. His flagship and fleet were then responsible for the blockade of the French fleet at Toulon. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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