NELSON, Horatio, Admiral (1758-1805). Two autograph letters signed (with the right hand, 'Horatio Nelson'), to Captain Maitland, La Minerve, Porto Ferrajo, 30 December 1796, in the first being unable to recommend 'the best track' for Maitland's passage to Gibraltar but suggesting alternatives including the straits of Bonifacio 'but I by no means advise this passage in light airs as I believe the crossing may have privateers lurking near Corsica, one page, 4to; in the second (signed in two places), asking him if he meets the Pallas to tell the Captain he is very anxious for them and in a postcript declaring himself 'pleased with your conduct for the very short time I have had the honor of knowing you', and wishing him a good passage and a better ship, 2 pages, 4to, signed recto and verso, address leaf (the correspondence mounted on paper, bound together, repaired with silk ribbon and tape, slightly discoloured).