Nelson’s Relics

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7066, 27 January 1933, Page 7

Nelson’s Relics

WANTED IN U.S.A. ATTEMPT TO RETAIN THEM The telescope Nelson used at the Battle of Trafalgar when he ran up the famous signal, “England expects that every man will do his duty,” is one of the last Nelson relies that American souvenir hunters are now seeking. An American is determined to add Nelson’s telescope to his collection, and is prepared to bid more than £3OO when it is offered for sale at a West End auction room, stated the “Daily Express.” Professor G. Callender, of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, is trying to raise a fund sufficient to buy tho relics for the country, but so far he has only been able to secure about £SO.

Resentment is growing in tho Navy and Army that articles of national interest are being exported from their proper home and traded with in America.

The famous telescope was presented to Nelson by Lady Hamilton and Captain Hardy, and so is associated with a great love story, an historic friendship and a glorious career.

Other relics -which come under the hammer includo a watch presented to Nelson by the crew of his ship on his marriage, his magnifying glass, corkscrew, and leather dispatch wallet. Sword Already Gone. They formerly belonged to Captain Thomas Masterman Hardy, the admiral’s great friend, and were bequeathed by him to John Hardy, whose great granddaughter, Miss Pamela Hardy, of Eastbourne, sold them to the present vendor. Professor Callender, who has already bought a number of Nelson relics for the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, which is shortly to be opened, said “The articles now being offered are priceless, and ought to be saved at any cost.” Nelson's sword and dirk, and the Union Jack, a boarding axe, and a powder horn, all from the Victory, were sold last Mav to Mr Scheur, of Now York '