NELSON, Horatio, Viscount (1758-1805). Autograph letter signed ('Nelson') to Rear Admiral John Thomas Duckworth, Palermo, 12 April 1799.

NELSON, Horatio, Viscount (1758-1805). Autograph letter signed ('Nelson') to Rear Admiral John Thomas Duckworth, Palermo, 12 April 1799.

Densely written on two pages, 234 x 189mm, bifolium, docketed on f.2v (small nick at upper margins, slight remnants of mount on f.2v). Provenance: Christie's, 29 November 1995, lot 172; Stargardt, 19 March 1997, lot 1375.

Nelson's military assessment of the pro-French 'Parthenopean Republic' in Naples. After reports on ship movements to Venice and Malta, Nelson sends optimistic reports of the military situation in Naples: 'I have the pleasure to tell you that Capt. Troubridge has taken possession of all the Islands in the Bay of Naples and that the Inhabitants most Joyfully hoisted [King Ferdinand's] Colors and cut down the Trees of Liberty ... the lower order at Naples are also loyal and only wait a proper occasion, to rise against the French. In the provinces the [Christ]ian Army as they call themselves are more than 40,000, Rabble to be sure but the French have not a force to encounter'. In short, Nelson is optimistic that Ferdinand can be placed again on his throne 'in 24 hours'. Meanwhile, 'the tedious blockade of Malta still goes on'. The letter continues with a discussion of the distribution of prize money to junior officers and concludes with a mingled complaint and boast on his health and position at the Neapolitan court: 'I cannot brag much of my own health and nothing but the very particular circumstances I have been thrown into should keep me here one hour. I am more of a Secretary of State than an Admiral'.

Nelson's 'very particular circumstances' at this time were not unrelated to his passionate affair with Emma Hamilton, and the latter's close friendship with the Queen of Naples, Maria Carolina. In fact, it was to take rather longer than 24 hours to restore Ferdinand to the throne: Naples was not retaken until the end of June, in circumstances which placed a lasting stain on Nelson's reputation after he cancelled an amnesty for the surrendering pro-French forces and executed a number of their leaders.