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Lot 144

"astonished at my not being Rich"
Horatio Nelson

5 July 2005, 11:00 BST

London, New Bond Street

Sold for £6,600 inc. premium

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"astonished at my not being Rich"
Horatio Nelson

The first and only surviving page of Nelson's well-known autograph letter to Emma ("My Dearest Emma"), written when preparing to sail from England for the last time: "Most probably some boat will come off to the Ship before the tide suits us to Weigh, being obliged to anchor it being Calm. Messrs Rose and Canning dined here Yesterday they seemed pleased and I did not dislike letting out a little knowledge before Canning who seems a very clever deep headed Man/I hope and indeed think that Bolton will get something but I entreat that Parry will not say any thing respecting my not having had any favor or honor conferr'd upon Me it can do no good and may do harm Rose was astonished at my not being Rich and said he would Tell the whole", one leaf, written on one side only, 4to, some light staining and a minor abrasion, tipped onto a leaf, Victory, 15 September 1805

Footnotes

Nelson prepares to set sail from England for the last time, having embarked on board the Victory the day before. It is this opening page (all that appears to survive of the letter) that provides much of the detail of Carola Oman's account of Nelson's final hours before sailing: "The Victory, lying at single anchor at St Helens, was the scene of much picturesque activity. As the wind had died, the politicians from London were invited to dine. George Rose, impressed by the ceremonious elegance of his entertainment, was surprised to hear that Lord Nelson was not a rich man, and departed muttering that 'he would tell the whole'...He had been disconcerted by the almost testamentary urgence with which Nelson had recommended to his protection the cases of a brother-in-law, Mr Bolton, and the Rev Mr Scott. Taking his statesman friend aside after the meal, Nelson had also entreated him again, with great earnestness, to approach the Prime Minister on the subject of Lady Hamilton's pension, and this Rose, having promised to do, did attempt within the next few days, though without conclusive results. Next morning at 8 a.m. the Victory weighed, with light airs, and made sail to the S.S.E., having only Blackwood's frigate in company" (Nelson, 1947, p.605).

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