![NELSON, Horatio, Viscount Nelson (1758-1805). Autograph letter signed ('Nelson') to Rear Admiral John Thomas Duckworth (his second in command), n.p. [Naples], 22 July 1799, marked 'Most Secret', 'Lord K[eith] ... has lost the Combined Fleet means to follow them to Ireland if necessary has directed me to take care of Minorca', for which purpose Duckworth is to take 5 vessels, but without marines; 'I mean the ships to sail tomorrow night, say for Leghorn ... You are to dine ashore', one page, 4to, endorsed on verso by recipient. Provenance: Phillips, 18 March 1993, lot 31; private collection.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2010/CKS/2010_CKS_07854_0214_000(nelson_horatio_viscount_nelson_autograph_letter_signed_to_rear_admiral042734).jpg?w=1)
Details
NELSON, Horatio, Viscount Nelson (1758-1805). Autograph letter signed ('Nelson') to Rear Admiral John Thomas Duckworth (his second in command), n.p. [Naples], 22 July 1799, marked 'Most Secret', 'Lord K[eith] ... has lost the Combined Fleet means to follow them to Ireland if necessary has directed me to take care of Minorca', for which purpose Duckworth is to take 5 vessels, but without marines; 'I mean the ships to sail tomorrow night, say for Leghorn ... You are to dine ashore', one page, 4to, endorsed on verso by recipient. Provenance: Phillips, 18 March 1993, lot 31; private collection.
A CELEBRATED INCIDENT OF DISOBEDIENCE. As the rather dismissive reference to Lord Keith having 'lost the Combined Fleet' implies, Nelson had little time for his commander-in-chief and, on the basis that Naples was more important, had three times refused an order to send all available forces to the defence of Minorca, only finally, as here, sending Duckworth with a limited force, and with a flagrant lack of urgency. He was to receive a formal rebuke from the Admiralty: 'No other officer would have got off so lightly' (ODNB). For his orders to Duckworth on the same occasion, see our sale on 24 November 2009, lot 20.
A CELEBRATED INCIDENT OF DISOBEDIENCE. As the rather dismissive reference to Lord Keith having 'lost the Combined Fleet' implies, Nelson had little time for his commander-in-chief and, on the basis that Naples was more important, had three times refused an order to send all available forces to the defence of Minorca, only finally, as here, sending Duckworth with a limited force, and with a flagrant lack of urgency. He was to receive a formal rebuke from the Admiralty: 'No other officer would have got off so lightly' (ODNB). For his orders to Duckworth on the same occasion, see our sale on 24 November 2009, lot 20.
Special notice
In all other circumstances no VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT payable at 17.5% will be added to the buyer''s premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Brought to you by
Annegret Pettigrew
Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this
If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.