HORATIO NELSON - IMPORTANT LONG AUTOGRAPH CAMPAIGN LETTER EX...

Estimate

£7,000 - £10,000

HORATIO NELSON - IMPORTANT LONG AUTOGRAPH CAMPAIGN LETTER EX CORSICA WITH MENTION OF HIS RECENTLY BLINDED EYE, ETC.; Fine 7 Feb. 1795 EL (2 sheets incorporating the address; a few tiny closed tears) written and signed by "Horatio Nelson" on board H.M.S. "Agamemnon, Sa Fiorenza" (on the northern tip of Corsica; since 1848 known as Saint Florent) to Nelson's maternal (and favourite) uncle, "William Suckling Esq., Custom House, London" carried privately (by naval ship) to London and posted locally there with a very fine black London P.O. "W" in circle on the front, indicating that it had been posted in the General Post Window (hence the "W") in error when meant for a local address, with manuscript "2[d]" charge and two London datestamps (28/30 March). The long and fascinating contents (published in the 1845 "Dispatches & Letters" by N.H. Nicolas) give great details of Nelson's frame of mind after his involvement in the Corsica Campaign, with a remarkable reference to his loss of an eye (which happened on 12 July 1794 during the Siege of Calvi in Corsica): My dear Sir, This day twelvemonth saw the British troops land at this place, for the purpose of turning the French out of the Island, and the more I see of its produce, and convenient Ports for our Fleets, the more I am satisfied of Lord Hood's great wisdom in getting possession of it; for had his Lordship not come forward with a bold plan, all our trade and political consequence would have been lost in Italy; for, after the evacuation of Toulon, to what place were we to look for shelter for our Fleet, and the numerous attendants of Victuallers, Store-ships, and Transports? Genoa was inimical to us, and, by treaty, only five Sail of the Line could enter their Ports at the same time. If we look at Tuscany, she was little better than forced to declare for us, and ever since wishing to get her Neutrality again. Even the French Consul, though not officially received, has not left Leghorn. All our trade, and of our Allies, to Italy, must all pass close to Corsica: the Enemy would have had the Ports of the Island full of Row-galleys; and, from the great calms near the island, our Ships of War could not have protected the trade – they can always be taken under your eye: therefore, on this account only, every man of common sense must see the necessity of possessing this Island. The Spanish Ports and Neapolitan are so improper, and (except Minorca, which is only a fishing Town, with only a few slips for Ship-building, everything being destroyed) the distance from the scene of war, so distant that they could not have been used, even would the Dons have made us welcome, which I doubt. The loss to the French has been great indeed: all the Ships built at Toulon have their sides, beams, decks and straight timbers from this Island. The pine of this Island is of the finest texture I ever saw; the tar, pitch and hemp, although I believe not equal to Norway, yet were very much used in the yard at Toulon. So much for the benefit of it to us during the war; and, in peace, I see no reason but it may be as beneficial to England as any other part of the King’s Dominions. Every article of this Island was suppressed, as it interfered with the produce of the South of France. The large woods of olives must produce great quantities of fine oil, and the wines are much preferable to the wines of Italy. Our Naval yards will be supplied with excellent wood; and, I dare say, the expense of keeping then Island will be very trifling, and its importance to us very great. Other Powers will certainly envy us; and the inhabitants will grow rich, and, I hope, happy, under our mild Government. The difference is already visible; before, every Corsican carried hid gum, for every district was at enmity with the other; many parts at war with the French, and none friendly with them; no single Frenchman could travel in this Island – his death was certain. Now, not one man in fifty carries arms; their swords are really turned into ploughshares; and we travel everywhere with only a stick. This day I have walked over 300 acres of line wheat, which last year only served to feed a few goats; and if these great alterations are to be seen in the least fertile part of the Island, what must be the change in the more fruitful? And when I reflect that I was the cause of re-attacking Bastia, after our wise Generals gave it over, from not knowing the force, fancying it 2,000 men; that it was I, who, landing, joined the Corsicans, and with only my Ship's party of Marines, drove the French under the walls of Bastia ; that it was I, who, knowing the force in Bastia to be upwards of 4,000 men, as I have now only ventured to tell Lord Hood, landed only 1,200 men, and kept the secret till within this past; - what I must have felt during the whole Siege may be easily conceived. Yet I am scarcely mentioned. I freely forgive, but cannot forget. This and much more ought to have been mentioned. It is known that, for two months, I blockaded Bastia with a Squadron: only fifty sacks of flour got into the Town. At St. Fiorenzo and Calvi, for two months before, nothing got in, and four French frigates could not get out, and are now ours. Yet my diligence is not mentioned; and others, for keeping succours out of Calvi for a few summer months, are handsomely mentioned. Such things are. I have got upon a subject near my heart, which is full when I think of the treatment I have received: every man who had any considerable share in the reduction, has got some place or other - I, only I, am without reward. The taking of Corsica, like the taking of St. Juan's*, has cost me money. St. Juan's cost near £300; Corsica has cost me £300, an eye, and a cut across my buck; and my money, I find, cannot be repaid me. Nothing but my anxious endeavour to serve my Country makes me bear up against it; but 1 sometimes am ready to give all up. We are just going to sea, and I hope to God we shall meet the French Fleet, which may give us all gold Chains [medals with gold Chains were given to the Admirals present at Lord Howe’s victory, of the 1st of June, 1794; and some of the Captains received a Medal, suspended from a riband, white, with blue edges, which was worn at the button-hole of their uniform coats] - who knows? Remember me most kindly to Mrs. Suckling, and Miss Suckling; and, believe me, in every situation, I feel myself Your much obliged and affectionate Horatio Nelson. Best respects to Mr. Rumsey and family, and to Mr. Mentz. Forgive this letter: I have said a great deal too much of myself; but indeed it is all too true. Highly Important and historical Nelson letter which has not been available on the market for many years. Cross Reference: AUTOGRAPHS, NAVAL, LONDON POSTAL HISTORY, MILITARY - NAPOLEONIC WAR