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Lot 24^*

"a most impertinent observation"
Horatio Nelson

5 July 2005, 11:00 BST

London, New Bond Street

Sold for £13,200 inc. premium

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"a most impertinent observation"
Horatio Nelson

Autograph letter signed ("Horatio Nelson"), written with his right hand, to his uncle William Suckling, describing operations against Bastia in Corsica ("...We are still blocking up Bastia the attack of which has been given up in a most extraordinary manner. What might if it had not been deem'd a most impertinent observation, Viz that Bastia from a place I had found on a much closer examination than our General Dundass, could be attack'd to great advantage, I wrote to Lord Hood requesting an Engineer & Artillery Officer might be sent to examine, to day I have been with them and their report is most favourable for an Attack...I have so close block'd up the place that one pound of Coarse bread sells for 3 livres/if the Army will not take it We must by some way of other..."), and announcing Dundas's resignation ("...General Dundass has quitted the Command differing in opinion with Lord Hood..."), 2 pages, 4to, integral autograph address leaf, browned where exposed, professional restorations, Agamemnon off Bastia, 18 March 1794

Footnotes

Written while Captain Nelson, serving under Admiral Hood, was urging that an assault be made on Bastia. While Nelson and his admiral were strongly in favour of an assault, the army command (which included John Moore, the future hero of Corunna) were far more cautious. After a prolonged bombardment and siege, beginning that April, the citadel was to surrender in May: "Bastia was to mark a new phase in Nelson's experience: working hand in glove with a flag officer who was not only powerfully decided and tenacious in pursuing his objectives but had a similarly active disposition. Moreover Hood was inclined to take the younger man into his confidence, which for Nelson was a heady and inspiring experience...Fortunate are the ambitious and capable if they work for men from whom they can learn and who provide an example to emulate" (Edgar Vincent, Nelson: Love and Fame, 2003, p.118). Published by Nicolas, Dispatches and Letters.

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ARCHITECTURE - ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
Manuscript planning brief for work under the supervision of Inigo Jones, [c.1631]

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ARCHITECTURE - STUART (JAMES) AND NICHOLAS REVETT
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