NELSON (HORATIO) Autograph letter signed (Horatio Nelson) written with his right hand, [no pla...

NELSON (HORATIO) Autograph letter signed ('Horatio Nelson') written with his right hand, to the Navy agents Marsh & Creed ('Gentlemen'), asking them to '...send the enclosed instantly to the Duke of Clarence, I have only to say we must again beat the French fleet they have got reinforcements...', address panel on verso, remains of red wax seal, docketed as received on 20 May 1795, ownership inscription 'R.W. Hinxman', one page, cut away at foot with slight loss to address on verso, light dust-staining, creased, seal tear, note of provenance tipped on, 171 x 204mm. , [no place but St. Fiorenzo, Corsica], 16 April 1795 Footnotes: 'SEND THE ENCLOSED INSTANTLY TO THE DUKE OF CLARENCE': NELSON URGENTLY SEEKS REINFORCEMENTS AS THE FRENCH FLEET POSE A THREAT AFTER THE BATTLE OF GENOA. Whilst our covering letter is not published in Nicolas, it may be safely assumed that the letter to which it refers is Nelson's letter to the Duke of Clarence of the same date (Nicolas, Dispatches and Letters , Vol.2, p.30). In it, Nelson reiterates that the French have received reinforcements from Brest and that the outnumbered English fleet have been kept there by 'contrary winds'. He goes on to say that with just three further ships he is confident that: '...we shall prevent this Fleet of the Enemy from doing further service in the Mediterranean, notwithstanding the red-hot shot and combustibles, of which they have had a fair trial, and found them useless...'. Provenance: R. W. Hinxman; presented to the Ware family of Tilford, Surrey in 1847; thence by descent to the present owner, with note of provenance. Saleroom notices: The letter was presented to the Ware family by Rowley Willes Hinxman (1831-1906) who inherited it on the death of his father, the navy agent, entrepreneur and art collector John Hinxman (b.1794) in 1847. Further details available from the department. We are grateful to Richard Hinxman, the Hinxman family historian, for supplying this information. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com