Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25066 - Historical Documents, Autographs and Ephemera
Lot: 146

French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
Emma, Lady Hamilton (1765-1815)
1813 Pair of autograph letters initialled "E.H." by Lady Hamilton, mistress of Nelson and mother of their illegitimate daughter, Horatia. She writes to Sir Richard Puleston from 12 Temple Place, a debtors prison, in appreciation for the financial assistance he rendered her. After Nelson's death in 1805 she was in straightened financial circumstances, relying on others. She writes dramatically "Remember my gratitude will never cease to you but with my Life". She writes of losing "life, liberty and all is gone". The second letter written from 12 Temple Place, opposite the Surrey Theatre, is postally used, readdressed to Chester, with various markings and 2d postage due erased. Lady Hamilton asks to see Puleston "If you are in Town and take a drive to see one who will always love and respect you, you will make me happy, you will not see me in an undress nor in splendour but ever find me firm in my mind uncorrupted. Shame on those who will me and Nelson's daughter in anguish" (2)

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
£950 to £1,000

Starting price
£900