1799 Letter From Lord Nelson

Very rare letter written by Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson to Captain Sir Alexander Ballon April 9, 1799. The letter primarily discusses the "affairs of Malta" and the political situation in Naples during the Napoleonic Wars. 

Letters by his own hand after 1797, when he lost his right arm are rare since he had to learn to write with his left hand.

Framed measurement 12 x 17 1/2 inches

Summary of the Letter

* Malta: Nelson discusses the arrangements for Malta, hoping Ball will not take them "to heart," and praises Ball's conduct. He expresses hope that Malta would fall to the British soon, as the French garrison in La Valette was holding on due to recent French successes elsewhere. Ball was put in charge of the blockade of Malta around this time and later became its governor.

* Naples: The letter mentions a "favorable appearance in the Bay of Naples" and Nelson's hope to return there soon.

* Personal Notes: Nelson sends his regards to a "Mr. Bethune" and apologizes for the brevity of the letter, stating he is "tired to death". The note at the bottom indicates the letter was in the possession of Sir William Keith Ball in 1864, Sir Alexander Ball's son. 

This historical document offers a personal glimpse into the complex military and political situation in the Mediterranean during a critical period of Nelson's career. 

Admiral Horatio Nelson lost his right arm on July 24, 1797, during the failed British assault on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands, when a musket ball shattered the bone above his elbow, requiring immediate amputation on his ship, the HMS Theseus. The incident happened as he was leading troops ashore, and the amputation was performed later that night, without anesthetic, as his only chance for survival.