Horatio, Viscount Nelson | Autograph letter signed, to Emma Hamilton, celebrating their love affair, 16 February 1801

Property from the Jean Hart Kislak Collection

Horatio, Viscount Nelson

Autograph letter signed ("Nelson & Bronte"), to Emma Hamilton ("My dearest friend"),

 brimming with passion for her ("...I have read your letters over and over..."), reassuring her that his brother William had been misinformed when he told her that he had "gone after the Enemy", confirming that "I am destined for the north, unless the Mediterranean command should come vacant" and discussing various possible commands ("...to the Wt. Indies I would not accept a command or to the East was if offered to me to morrow altho' it is a sure fortune for I never will be far from from you in case my presence should be necessary..."), making plans to meet in London, noting a private anniversary, and with teasing comments on their 'God-daughter' Horatia ("...if it is like its mother it will be very handsome for I think her one aye the most beautiful Women of the age, Now do not be angry at my praising this dear childs mother for I have heard people say she is very like you..."), 4 pages, 4to, [[HMS St George, Torbay,] "Monday night 9 o'Clock" [16 February 1801], remains of wax seal, postal stamp, internal tear with loss of about two letters, seal tear, light staining, remains of guard on final verso

"..ah my Dear friend I did remember well the 12th feby and also the two months afterwards I shall never forget them and never be sorry for the consequences..."

AN EXCEPTIONAL LOVE LETTER FROM NELSON TO EMMA HAMILTON. This letter was written at a moment of particular intensity in their relationship. Emma had given girth to their child, Horatia, on 29 January, but Nelson had been absent from her since early January. Not only was he desperate to see her and their child, but he was plagued with jealousy of her growing friendship with the Prince of Wales and also vexed with uncertainty about his own future. Pitt's administration was on the point of collapse and changes at the Admiralty brought some doubt to Nelson's appointment to the Baltic: he makes clear to Emma that he covets the Mediterranean command - especially as she could perhaps accompany him - but would refuse a posting that would take him away from her for extended periods. Nelson here plans to sail from Torbay to Portsmouth and from there to take a short leave of absence and travel up to London. This he duly did, meeting Emma and Horatia in London on 24 February.

The exact significance the anniversary of 12 February, which Nelson mentions in this letter, is unknown and no doubt deeply personal. It may refer to 12 February 1799, when the couple were together in Naples for several months, but if Nelson's reference to "the two months afterwards" refers to a second date in April rather than a period of two months from 12 February, then he may be talking about 1800. Nelson departed from Emma in Palermo on 12 February 1800 but the two were together again two months later. Indeed it was in late April or early May 1800 that Emma fell pregnant.

LITERATURE

Nelson's Letters to Lady Hamilton and Related Documents, ed. M. Czisnik (2020), no. 91

PROVENANCE

Edwin Wolf II; Christie's, London, 20 June 1990, lot 223