A letter from Viscount Horatio Nelson (1758-1805), to Post-Captain Charles Boyles (1756-1816), written (using his left hand) from HMS Victory, 'off Toulon, August 22nd 1803', reading 'My Dear Boyles, Your letter of May and June 3rd came to me yesterday. I shall have very great pleasure in receiving Mr Sullivan and of taking a very early opportunity of promoting him. I assure you my Dear Boyles, there is nothing that you can ask me in my power and grant that I shall not be happy in the opportunity of doing. I regret that you have not got a ship but I trust that you have one before this time it would give me great pleasure and have you here but there is no prize money on this station, except through the French fleet which we are most anxiously looking out for. I expect them out every day. Murray is very well and joins with me in every good wish to you and Mrs Boyles, and believe me ever your most faithful and sincerely attached friend, Nelson & Bronte'. Written on folded notepaper with script to both sides, 23 cm x 18.5 cm.

Provenance: From a private collection.

At the time this letter was written, Nelson was Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean fleet, with his HMS Victory being the flagship. He arrived in Toulon to support the blockade of the French in July 1803, (writing this letter a month later), and remained there for around 18 months. In early 1805, the French fleet escaped, with Nelson eventually pursuing them as far as the West Indies.He was to lose his life two years after this letter was written, at the Battle of Trafalgar. The letter's recipient, Charles Boyles, was a close friend and mentor of Nelson, serving in Calder's action with the French in 1805, reaching flag rank a year later, rear-admiral in 1809 and vice-admiral in 1814.

Condition Report

Foxing evident with creases to the folds, 2 cm tear to the right hand central fold, small nicks to other edges and pin holes to middle corners of the central fold, but otherwise intact.