Beschreibung:

NELSON, Horatio. Autograph letter signed ("Nelson Bronte"), to Rear-Admiral Duckworth, Palermo, 27 November 1799. 3 pages, 4 o (240 x 194mm), small repairs to top edges and center folds, catching a few words
NELSON, Horatio. Autograph letter signed ("Nelson Bronte"), to Rear-Admiral Duckworth, Palermo, 27 November 1799. 3 pages, 4 o (240 x 194mm), small repairs to top edges and center folds, catching a few words "...TRULY I CARE NOT HOW SOON I AM OFF THE STAGE...". A letter complaining of his enemies in the Admiralty, and pondering recent political and military events. Concerning the risks of vessels under his command landing at Algiers to gather provisions, he vows that "the first moment any insult is offered to the British flag" he will "get as large a force as possible off Algiers and seize all his cruizers but if in such a contest any English vessel is taken I know what will be said against me, and how little support I shall experience, but my dear Admiral where the object of the Actor is only to serve faithfully I feel superior to the smiles or frowns of any Board. Apropos I have received a sett down from the Admiralty for not having wrote by the Charon [a warship] attached to a convoy, although I wrote by a Cutter and Courier the same date, but I see clearly that they wish to shew I am unfit for this command, I will readily acknowledge it and therefore they need have no Scruples about sending out a Commander in Chief...." Nelson reflects upon the turbulent military situation in Europe and the Mediterranean: Troubridge's preparing to evacuate the British garrison at Messina, Sicily, and the potential consequences of Armenia's surrender to Austria, Russia, and Turkey. He believes "Austria will make her peace with France and that Russia & Prussia will be at war with the Emperor or Germany...." He sends salutations from Lord and Lady Hamilton and adds "...I am nearly blind but things go so contrary to my mind out of our profession that truly I care not how soon I am off the Stage...."