British naval hero, known for his flag signal “England expects that every man will do his duty.” Promoted rapidly after entering the navy at age 12, Nelson was given his first command in the French Revolutionary Wars. His destruction of the French fleet off of Aboukir in 1798 brought him fame and honors, and he was created Duke of Bronte by Ferdinand I of Naples. His scandalous affair with Lady Emma Hamilton met with official disapproval, but did not interfere with his defeat of the French and Spanish fleets at the decisive Battle of Trafalgar. This victory cost Nelson his life, but ensured British naval supremacy for one hundred years. ALS signed “Nelson & Bronte,” one page, 7.5 x 9, no date. Letter to Lewis Teissier. In full, “I am obliged to go out of town tomorrow and shall not return till Tuesday or Wednesday, therefore I trust Madame Brupes to excuse my seeing her ‘til Monday noon, at 23 Piccadilly.” Integral address panel on the reverse is addressed to Teissier in Nelson’s hand, who also adds “If not in town to be forwarded to Epsom.” Reverse also bears a date of July 11, 1801, on a docketed panel. It has been suggested that Madame Brupes was the widow of Nelson’s opponent at the Battle of the Nile, Admiral de Brupes. The recipient of the letter appears to have been a Royalist exile. His family was originally the barons de Tessier de la toure and were from Nimes. Lewis Tessier himself is recorded as purchasing Woodcote Park near Epsom Surrey England, as per Nelson’s address book shows and Lewis styled himself on the as the Barron de Tessier of the Kingdom of France by Royal Warrant. The property still stands and is now the Club house on the famous RAC Golf course. In very good condition, with moderate mailing folds, scattered light toning and soiling, a few small fold separations and a few slight water spots. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
