LETTER FROM LORD NELSON

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29792, 7 April 1962, Page 8

LETTER FROM LORD NELSON

This photostat copy of a letter written by Admiral Lord Nelson from his flagship, the Victory, to Captain Ryves on October 8, 1803, was shown in the recent maritime exhibition in Christchurch. It is now in the possession of Mrs G. Hennessy, president of the Christchurch branch of the British Sailofs’ Society, who proposes to give it to the Seamen’s Institute, Lyttelton. A recent report from London stated that what is believed to be the original of this letter has been found by a London schoolboy in a book, “The Life of Nelson,” bought at a jumble sale. The Christchurch copy is a photograph of a letter (possibly the original) which once belonged to Mr R. S. D. Harman, a Christchurch architect, and has been missing since his death several years ago. The photostat copy was made at the request of Mr Harman by Mr T. Barker, of Hoon Hay, who lent it to the maritime exhibition and

later gave It to Mrs Hennessy.

The text of the letter is:—

Victory, Octr. Bth, 1803. Dear Sir, I am much obliged by your letter of Sepr. 20th and for the trouble you have taken about the wood at the Madalena Islands. His Excellency Mr Elliot will request you to see the Neapolitan troops safe to Messina which if not already performed I am sure you have or will have complied with. We have had nothing but severe gales of wind since you left us, but we get on very well. The Monmouth was only five days to Cape Sicie but we were blown off. I am, dear, sir, with real esteem, your much obliged and obedient servant.

Nelson and Bronte.

Mr Childen is not to be detained on my account. Capt. Ryves.