A note written by Admiral Lord Nelson confirming the completion of an operation to defend England from a possible French invasion is for sale.
The paper, handwritten being sold by Paul Fraser Collectibles.
The note was written by the Admiral on August 18, 1801, just two days after Nelson had led the second of two attacks on a French flotilla at Boulogne.
A build up of troops, materiel and ships in the Channel port had alarmed the British Government enough for them to block south coast roads and move livestock away from the shores.
Nelson’s raids on August 4 and overnight on August 15 to 16 1801 were meant to destroy the flotilla, which was almost certainly a bargaining chip rather than a serious invasion plan.
In the note Nelson writes:
“My Dear ad: / The Vessels from Dunkirk are got into Calais this morning. / Ever yours faithfully / Nelson & Bronte / 4 o Clock [place illegible].
“Ever yours faithfully Nelson + Bronte”
Paul Fraser, chairman of Paul Fraser Collectibles, says the note sheds several revealing lights on Britain’s greatest naval hero.
He says: “Nelson’s left-handed handwriting lacks the finesse of his pre-1797 letters. It is spiky, the height of the characters lack consistency, it looks hastily learnt.”
Nelson’s raids on Boulogne were not a success in military terms, and probably didn’t need to be.
Nelson lost his right arm in battle in 1797.
The note’s brevity is also a response to Nelson’s enforced left-handed writing.
The note is on a large sheet of paper, with a hand-written, dated note of receipt on the rear of the page.
Nelson is among the most famous Englishmen of all time. As the hero of Trafalgar, who died at the moment of his triumph, he was very strongly credited with the defeat of Napoleon.
Relics of his life are extremely valuable.
In 2022, a 93-lot auction of Nelson artefacts more than doubled its pre-sale estimates to bring in £2.1 million, including £336,650 for a sword.
Papers are also treasured. Paul Fraser Collectibles say they have previously sold a Nelson letter for £54,500.
