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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 138

(x) Two interesting letters which make reference to Captain Nelson, dated 1794 and 1796

An autograph letter written and signed by a thirteen-year-old William Hoste to his father Reverend Hoste of Godwick Hall, Norfolk, describing a naval engagement in which he was present off the coast of Toulon with reference to Captain Nelson, “In the morning Captain Nelson intended to send in our boats to burn them but they thought proper to save us the trouble by coming out of the harbour with five or six small vessels, in consequence of a message Captain Nelson sent into them…”, reverse dated 1794, folds, foxing and stains, pinholes along folds with paper loss to reverse from seal, despite delicate condition text is clear and legible, this letter would have likely been written aboard H.M.S. Agammenon, on whose books young Hoste’s name appeared from 15 April 1793;

An autograph letter written and signed by Admiral William Waldegrave, addressed to Francis Drake Esq., in which Waldegrave references an earlier conversation he had with Captain Nelson, writing “Capt Nelson informs me that he wrote some time since to Consul Brame(?) to acquaint him that the Meleager was going to Genoa and to return with any trade that might be in readiness for Leghorn”, written aboard H.M.S. Barfleur, dated 13 January 1796, repairs to edge, minor split along fold, foxing, does not obscure text (2)

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£70 to £90

Starting price
£60