Lot 111: NELSON, HORATIO

NELSON, HORATIO Autograph letter signed ("Nelson & Bronte"), 1 page (8 3/4 x 7 3/8 in.; 222 x 186 mm), [aboard the Medusa , off Boulogne], 2 August 1801, to Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge; silked on verso, formerly folded, fraying in right margin affecting one word.

Not in the Nicolas edition of Dispatches and Letters (1845)

Preparing for the bombardment of Boulogne, apparently unpublished letter.

With France developing plans for a cross-channel invasion, Captain Nelson was sent to bombard the fleet of gunboats and barges assembled in the port of Boulogne. On 4th August he began the first of two unsuccessful attacks on the floating batteries. Writing to Vice Admiral Lutwidge (c. 1735-1814), commander of the fleets in the Downs who had worked with Nelson since the latter was a midshipman on the Carcass in 1773, Captain Nelson, aboard the Medusa writes:

"I almost fear I am too late fo[r] the post. Capt. Somerville has told you all the movements in his letter, Hawkins I believe is afraid to trust his mate with the pilotage of the King George. I have seen all that is to be seen and that they are hard at work making batteries, pray send me the Cutter if any [...], comes in the morning one of those you desire shall be sent you directly, with best compli[ments] to Mrs. Lutwidge, I am Sir your obliged & faithful."