MS 168. Letter from Horatio Nelson to an unknown recipient. March 12th, 1798.
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Transcript
Dear Sir,
I beg your pardon but the hurry of business made me omit to sign your sons certificate. I wish him to get to Portsmouth as soon as possible for if the wind is easterly I shall not be one hour at Portsmouth after my flag is up, and on Wednesday I get my orders. You may rest assured of my regard for the son of my old and worthy messmate and
Ever Believe me yours
Most faithfully
Horatio Nelson
March 12th 1798
Notes
Nelson spent seven months in England recovering from the amputation of his arm. This letter is written with his left hand. He was about to take command of Vanguard, a 74-gun battleship, and rejoin the Mediterranean fleet. The following August the British fleet destroyed the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile at Aboukir Bay.
This letter demonstrates the system of patronage which was an accepted method of gaining position and promotion in all areas of public life at the time at the time. Early in his career, Nelson himself benefited from the influence of his uncle and his friends. As his own career advanced, he frequently used his influence to help his relatives, and former shipmates and their families. | 
