Attack on Tenerife. 1797 (July 30) Handwritten order "By Horatio Nelson Esq., Rear Admiral of the Blue, Lieutenant John Weatherhead of His Majesty's Ship Theseus being killed, you are hereby required and directed to act as Lieutenant of the said ship until further orders, and for so doing this shall be your order, Given on board His Majestys Ship Theseus at sea, 30th July 1797" and directed "To Mr William Hoste hereby appointed to act as Lieut of H.M.S Theseus until further orders, By Command of the Rear Adml J. Hooper", signed "Horatio Nelson" using Nelson's left hand just five days after he had his right arm amputated after being shot during the attack on Tenerife. The "Theseus" was one of seven vessels involved in the unsuccessful attempt to capture the Spanish fortress at Santa Cruz, in which Weatherhead was one of over 100 men killed, and Nelson was wounded; the Spanish treated the wounded and allowed the British to reboard their ships, with all prisoners being exchanged, in return for the British promising to withdraw and not to fire on the town. William Hoste became a Captain in 1802 and captured or destroyed over 300 enemy ships in the Mediterranean during a successful career, that saw him created a Baronet in 1814. A remarkable early left hand Nelson signature, not recorded in "The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson" by Nicolas, who only records one Nelson letter signed with his left hand prior to this item. Photo on Page 111. (Image1)

Minorca/Naples. 1798 (Dec 6) Four page letter from Lord Nelson at Naples to Sir Charles Stuart, written entirely in Nelson's hand, "My Dear Sir, Allow me to congratulate you on the conquest of Minorca - an acquisition of a seaport invaluable to our country. I hurried from Egypt early in August, as, by Earl St Vincent's orders, I was in expectation of being summoned to attend you. However, I am sure my place was much better filled by Commodore Duckworth. The new war commenced here, is yet impossible to say how it may turn - whether it really hastens the ruin, or saves the Monarchy. At all events, if the King had not begun the war, he would have soon been kicked out of his Kingdom. The King is at Rome, but five hundred French still hold possession of St. Angelo. General Mack is gone to Civita Castellana, where thirteen thousand French have taken post. Mack's force with him is twenty thousand fine young men, but with some few exceptions wretchedly officered. If the French are not soon driven from their post, which is very strong by nature, Mack must fall back to the frontier on the side of Ancona - the French have drove back, to say no worse, the right wing of the Kings army, and taken all their baggage and artillery. The Emperor has not yet moved, and his Minister, Thugut, is not very anxious to begin a new war, but if he does not, Naples and Tuscany will fall in two months. I shall be happy if you will honour me at any time with your commands here or elsewhere, being with the highest respect, Your most obedient servant, Nelson. Commodore Duckworth's letters have not yet reached me". An interesting letter concerning the military situation in Europe, to Sir Charles Stuart who was promoted and knighted for the capture of Minorca. Written from Naples where Nelson was Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean overseeing the blockade of Malta, four months after his triumph in Egypt for which he was raised to the peerage with the title Baron Nelson of the Nile; Nelson learnt of his honour on November 17th 1798 when he began signing letters "Nelson". This form of signature was only used for 91/2 months, until the end of August 1799, when he was created Duke of Bronte and so signed letters "Nelson + Bronte". At the time of writing Nelson was also conducting his affair with Lady Hamilton, wife of the British Ambassador at the Neapolitan Court. An unusually long and interesting letter, entirely in Nelson's own hand, listed by Nicolas. Photo on Page 108. (Image1)

H.M.S Victory. 1805 (Sep 26) Handwritten order on notepaper headed "By the Right Honble LORD VISCOUNT NELSON, KB" with honours and rank printed in seven lines below this, "Pursuant to Instruction from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, You are hereby required and directed to put your self under command and follow and obey all such signals, orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from me for His Majestys service. Given under my hand on board The Victory at sea the 26th day of September 1805" and directed to "Richard Thomas Esq., Commander of His Majestys Bomb Vessel Aetna, By Command of the Vice Admiral John Scott", signed "Nelson + Bronte". Overleaf is a memorandum also written and signed by Nelson's secretary John Scott giving additions to the signal book. H.M.S "Victory" sailed from Portsmouth on September 14th, joining the British fleet off Cadiz on the 28th; on October 21st Nelson led the British fleet to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, both Nelson and John Scott being killed on the "Victory" during the battle, whilst Richard Thomas, Commander of the "Aetna" in the Mediterranean, was given command of the "Bellorophon" the day after Trafalgar. A fine Nelson + Bronte document signed on H.M.S "Victory" just 25 days before Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar, not recorded by Nicolas. Photo on Page 112. (Image1)

1855 Letter written by R.H Hansett on H.M.S "Victory" at Portsmouth on notepaper headed with a fine engraving of "H.M.S Victory - 104 Guns lying off Portsmouth Dock Yard, The Ship in which Lord Nelson fell at the Battle of Trafalgar 21st Oct. 1805"; nineteenth century engravings of Nelson or the Battle of the Nile (3, one a plan of the battle) and other recent notes, copies etc.; and the seven volume paperback edition of "Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson" by N. Nicolas (published 1997-98, original retail £126).

Eugene Napoleon, son of Josephine and Alexandre de Beauharnais. 1806 (June 20) Letter written from Milan to the Minister of War, "I send you some plans and notes dictated by His Majesty. You will please have one copy made for retention at the Ministry, and you will please have another copy made and send it back to me with the originals", unusually signed "Eugene Napoleon" (instead of his usual signature "Prince Eugene"). Eugene served as Viceroy in Italy, and led armies in the campaigns in Italy, Russia and the defence of France.

Joseph Bonaparte, elder brother of Napoleon. 1808 (Apr 22) Letter written from Caserta to the Minister of War, signed Joseph, concerning a Colonel in the Second Regiment of Line. Joseph Bonaparte was King of Naples 1806-08 and King of Spain 1808-13.

Joseph Bonaparte, elder brother of Napoleon. 1818 (June 21) Letter written from Philadelphia to Mr Lewis Solomon in Washington, signed Joseph Ct de Survilliers. Joseph has no recollection of the item supposedly furnished by Solomon, but sends the 1100 francs claimed as he pleads the cause of the orphans with so true an accent. Joseph left Europe for the USA in 1815, living in Philadelphia as the Count de Survilliers until 1832.

Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon. 1806 (Jan 29) Letter written from Paris to General Coland approving the arrangements for the defence of Nijmegen, including the suspension of the works on the bridgehead and square, and the Generals departure for Utrecht, signed "Louis Bonaparte". Louis served in Italy, Malta, Egypt and Holland, was promoted to General and Constable of the Empire in 1804 and became King of Holland in 1806, but abdicated in 1810 after quarrelling with Napoleon.

Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon. 1809 (July 2) Letter to a Monsieur Van de Heim concerning two American sailors from the "Choloupes" which was captured by two French Privateers. The sailors, currently under the supervision of Admiral Lemmers, are to be given their liberty, and handed over to the Director of Customs. A fine letter written at Loo, signed "Louis".

Joachim Murat (Napoleon), husband of Caroline Bonaparte. 1808 (Sep 28) Letter to the Minister of the Interior regarding recruits for the army, signed "Joachim Napoleon", upper portion cut away with no apparent loss to the letter content. Also three 1808-15 printed decrees from Naples all headed "Gioacchino Napoleone". Murat led armies in Italy, Egypt and Russia, married Caroline in 1800, became Marshal in 1804 and King of Naples in 1808 when he adopted the surname Bonaparte. In 1813 he abandoned Napoleon and made treaties with Austria and England, but again declared war against Austria in March 1815 after Napoleon's return from Elba. He was defeated in May 1815 and shot in October after trying to regain the Neapolitan throne. (4).

Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of Napoleon. c.1830 Letter (simply dated "30 July") from Florence, signed "C. di Lipona", addressed to "Monsieur le Chevalier de Girard a Varsovie" handstamped "FIRENZE" with red "KRAKOW" c.d.s on reverse. Caroline thanks Girard for his kind letter and congratulations, and tells of a recent visit to Paris. Caroline married Joachim Murat in 1800 and became Queen of Naples in 1808. After her husband's death in 1815 she retired to Vienna and took the name Contesse di Lipona (an anagram of "Napoli"). A fine postally used letter.

1794 (Dec 28) Entire from Bourg Libre to Sarnen via Lucerne, with "67 / HAGUENAU" handstamp, the reverse with "CS" monogram censor cachet applied at Strasbourg, a rare early censor cachet. Photo on Page 116. (Image1)

1815 (Apr 14) Entire letter from Hamburg to Bordeaux handstamped "R.4 HAMBURG", the reverse with circular "KOENIGL: PREUSS: / ARMEE - / POLIZEI" censor cachet depicting a Prussian Eagle. This rare censor cachet is recorded in April and May 1815 only. Photo on Page 96. (Image1)

1860 Document appointing Baron Garat to the order of the Legion D'Honneur, signed by Emperor Napoleon III; and 1870 official letter signed by Marshal Le Boeuf, sent to the General Commanding the 3rd Army Corps at Nancy. (2).

Royalty. 1612-1805 Letters and documents signed by French Kings comprising 1612 warrant signed by Louis XIII; 1749 letter to the Governor of the Bastille ordering him to receive Abbe Bossincourt and hold him until further notice, signed by Louis XV; 1789 warrant signed by Louis XVI; and 1805 note written at Mittau in Latvia approving the financial report of the Bishop of Nancy, signed by Louis XVIII. An interesting group, ex Robson Lowe collection. (4).

Siege of Paris - Ballon Montes. 1870 (Nov 2) Printed "Gazette des Absents" No 4 dated 1st Nov with the enclosed supplement, franked 20c (small corner fault), addressed to Gournay-en-Bray, arrival and transit datestamps, flown on the "Ferdinand Flocon"; Dec 5 "Par Ballon Monte" lettersheet franked 20c to Grand Hotel, Arcachon and redirected to Montpellier, transit and arrival backstamps and "ARCACHON / GRAND-HOTEL" cachet, flown on "Armee de Bretagne"; and 1871 (Jan 12) cover to England franked 10c + 20c (corner fault), Margate arrival backstamp, flown on the "General Faidherbe". The last cover with small piece torn away at upper left corner, otherwise fine. (3).

Algeria. 1890-1992 Mint and used collection with some covers in an album, including 1926-41 mint corner blocks of four showing perforation errors due to the corners being folded prior to perforating (4 blocks), 1927 10f mint and used, wounded solders charity set mint, 1930 Occupation Centenary set mint (2 sets, also 5f + 5f used), 1939 1f on 90c surcharge inverted block of four mint (S.G. 164a, £400), 1939 N.Y World Fair "Epreuve de Luxe" set, etc. (100s).

1760-65 Letters and documents comprising 1760 letter of safe passage signed by Robert Melville, Lt. Governor General of Guadeloupe, allowing M. Antoine and his valet to go to Martinique in the cartel ship "The George" and to return again without let or molestation; 1762 entire letter from Guadeloupe signed by Governor Campbell Dalrymple to General Monkton (Governor of New York) introducing C. Garnier, son of the Procureur General of the colony and an officer in the late garrison of Martinique, asking that he may be sent to France by the first flag of truce; and 1765 leave certificate for a soldier in the Infanterie Regiment de Beauvoisis, a further note showing he died at sea in 1766 on the naval ship "St. Anne". Three interesting items, the first two from the first British occupation of the island which ended in 1763. (3).

British Post Office. 1868 (Feb 25) Entire letter to St. Thomas bearing French Colonies "Eagle" issue 20c single + pair tied by retta of dots cancels, Basse-Terre datestamps on both sides, transferred to the British Post Office with red "4" and blue "PAID / AT / GUADELOUPE" crowned circle, reverse with matching blue "GUADELOUPE" double arc datestamp (Feb 27) and St Thomas arrival c.d.s. Fine and exceptionally scarce, just one other example of the crowned circle handstamp recorded in blue in March 1868. Photo on Page 160. (Image1)

Sub-Offices. 1896-1983 Cover and cards from sub-offices (56) or from dependencies of St. Bartholomew (5, including two 1909 postcards to Denmark) or St. Martin (3), includes 25 items from 1896-1945 with 1900 stampless cover from St. Rose paid in cash handstamped boxed "P.P", registered mail, 1902 stampless official military cover from St. Claude, 1936 first flight by hydroplane from Les Saintes to mainland Guadeloupe, etc., a few faults but most fine and some very scarce cancels. (64).

Louis-Alexandre Berthier, Prince of Neuchatel and Wagram, Marshal of the Empire 1804. 1812 (July 25) Letter written from Biechenkovski to General Gudin, ordering him to supply General Poiterin de Moreillan with 400 workers and carpenters and the necessary officers to manage them in order to build the bridge at Dwina, signed "Alexandre". A scarce letter from the Russian campaign, to General Gudin who was killed at the Battle of Valutino on August 22nd.

Charles Gabuel, Marquess of Castries, Marshal of France 1783. 1783 (Dec 4) Letter from Versailles to M. de Tellecombe in Saint Domingue, approving his request to give two soldiers leave from their regiment at Port-au-Prince, signed "Le Mss de Castries". Gabuel led the 1756 expedition to St. Lucia (the town of Castries being named after him). In 1799 he left France and fought for the Prussians. An interesting letter to Haiti.

Jacques Macdonald, Duke of Taranto, Marshal of the Empire 1809. 1800 (May 16) Letter from Paris written and signed by Macdonald, addressed to "Citoyen David, Rue Montmartre, Hotel de France No 39 a Paris" with red datestamp and "27" handstamp, charged "1". Macdonald served in the 1792-93 revolutionary wars and in the invasion of Holland, Germany and Italy, led the successful attack at Wagram for which he was made a Duke and Marshal, and in Spain and Russia. David was painter to Louis XVI, was elected to the 1792 Convention and voted for the Kings death; he supported Napoleon when he came to power and was exiled to Brussels in 1815. An interesting postally used letter sent between two historic figures.

Michel Ney, Duke of Elchingen, Prince of Moscow, Marshal of the Empire 1804. 1806 (Oct 13) Handwritten and signed "Ordre au Marechal Ney" - "The enemy is with 40,000 men between Weimar and Jena, thrust with your Corps d"Armee as far as you can towards Jena in order to be at Jena early tomorrow. Collect all your light cavalry and return to the regiment all the artillery personnel. Drive the enemy back with your light cavalry to the gates of Jena, try to be yourself this evening at Jena in order to be present at the reconnaissance of the enemy which the Emperor will make this evening, Major General Berthier". Below this is written "My dear General, give the necessary orders to carry out the above instructions. I count on your zeal in this important matter. I am leaving at this moment to join the Emperor", signed Ney. The French shattered the main Prussian forces at the Battles of Jena and Auerstadt on this day, despite Ney launching an unauthorised attack which nearly ended in disaster. He later fought in the disastrous Russian campaign and at Quatre Bras where he failed to break the British lines or attack Blucher's forces.

Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult, Duke of Dalmatia, Marshal of the Empire 1804, Marshal General of France 1847. 1815 (May 28) Letter written from Paris to Lieutenant General George Mouton, Comte de Loban, Commander in Chief of the 1st Division, regarding a report received from Comte d'Erlon of desertions from the 5th Batallion of the Oise and referring to the Provost Marshal General Radet, signed "Duc de Dalmatia". Soult distinguished himself at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 and later in the Peninsular; after Napoleon's return from exile in 1815 he served as his Chief of Staff. A rare letter written during this "100 days" period from this famous Marshal.