£800 - £1,500
VICE ADMIRAL PIERRE-CHARLES VILLENEUVE (1763-1806) A signed letter
written on a single leaf, a ten line order to his officers informing them of the appointment of Admiral Decres to command Forts Manoel and Ricacoli and insisting on the readiness of the reserve troops, 29.5cm x 19cm, probably written from Malta, late summer 1798
Provenance: Purchased from Julian Browning autograph dealer, 13th November 2018, previously Bonhams, London, 5th July 2005, Lot 41, sold for £1,800 incl premium.
Note: Villeneuve was taken prisoner following his defeat at Trafalgar, there was much sympathy for him in England. It is likely he may even have been allowed to attend Nelson's funeral. Following his release he committed suicide at Rennes in April 1806.
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