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 8.75, January 1, 1802. Letter to William Pearce, Chief Clerk of the Admirality. In full: “I am much obliged by your letter and shall thank you to expedite the order for my pay. My flag was struck from the Alexander at Leghorn on July 13th 1800 but in diff[eren]t letters for Table Money etc when I acted as Commander in Chief.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered light toning and soiling, small chip to left edge, and a few small pinholes.
After defeating Napoleon in the crucial Battle of the Nile in late 1798, Nelson remained in Naples to support the shaky military strength of King Ferdinand. In 1800, having become overly consumed with his love affair with Lady Hamilton and beginning to gain a reputation for insubordination, he was called to return to England. Before leaving Italy for good, he took a brief cruise around Malta in the company of his darling, and brought the Queen of Naples to the Tuscan port city of Leghorn (Livorno). There he shifted his flag to HMS Alexander, but again disobeyed commander-in-chief Keith’s orders by refusing to join the main fleet. When Keith arrived to demand an explanation, Nelson struck his flag and began his return to England with Emma by land. Written two years later, back in good graces and serving as commander-in-chief, Nelson responds to a letter from William Pearce with a quick and uninvolved acknowledgment of this event, keeping matters in the current, more favorable period of his career. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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