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Left-handed ALS signed “Nelson & Bronte,” one page, 7.25 x 8.5, August 7, 1801. Addressed from aboard the HMS Medusa, harbored in Margate, a handwritten letter to noted British naval figure William Robert Broughton, in full: “I remember perfectly having had the pleasure of meeting you at Cadiz in the beginning of the War and shall be very happy in renewing our acquaintance. I hope you have a tender with you and that you want for no convenience, at least you shall not if it is in my power to prevent it. I believe you must not expect many Sea fencibles till the Enemy are actually on the move which we must have several days notice. I am Dear Sir your most obedient servant." Archivally matted and framed with a large 1910 color etching of Nelson (Hare & Whitby Scarborough; engraved by J. Ross and Sons) to an overall size of 30 x 22. In very good condition, with light staining, overall creasing, and the end of the signature, as well as several words of text, light but legible. Accompanied by the original address panel addressed in another hand.
Shortly after defeating a Danish-Norwegian fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen, dissolving the French-allied League of Armed Neutrality, Nelson hoisted his flag aboard the Medusa at Deal and headed to the French coast. There he spent the summer of 1801 observing the French invasion fleet, occasionally engaging them in small battles whilst waiting to make the next major move. It was there that the admiral penned this letter to the well-known naval officer William Robert Broughton. Having returned from the Vancouver Expedition, a voyage of exploration through the Pacific Ocean, Broughton found that the navy's focus had shifted from discovery to war. Joining the effort, he participated in several battles, most notably the Battle of the Basque Roads. An affable letter, crisply penned and signed four years before meeting his greatest victory and final demise at Trafalgar.
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