NELSON, Horatio, Viscount (1758-1805). Vice-admiral.
Letter Signed, addressed to Thomas Graves, rear-admiral of the white, 1 page folio with endorsed second leaf, on board HMS St George, Kioge Bay, 5 May 1801. An exceptionally clean and well-preserved letter, ordering Graves to place himself under Nelson's command. Countersigned at the foot by Thomas Wallis, and endorsed by Graves with the number 9.
Thomas Graves (ca 1747-1847) had been promoted rear-admiral of the white on 1 January 1801 and fought in the battle of Capenhagen on 2 April, for which he received the thanks of parliament and was appointed KCB [Knight Commander of the Bath]. The present letter is not published by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas, but other letters written on the same day are to be found, one of them referring to to his own and Graves's ill health [to the Earl of St Vincent: 'Admiral Graves also is so ill as to keep his bed'].

'Pursuant to Instructions from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
 You are hereby required and directed to put yourself under my Command, and obey all such orders and Instructions as you shall from time to time receive from me, for his Majesty's Serivce. ...'

The heading of the letter lists Nelson's titles, honours and positions:

'By the Right Honorable Horatio Lord Nelson KB Duke of Bronte in Sicily Vice Admiral of the Blue & Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels to be employed on a particular service ...'

[No: 24164]