Four of the letters (MS 18, 19, 117, 101,) the watch, and seal were given to the City of Auckland by Moss Davis.
In the late 1920’s while living in London, Moss Davis purchased many items including letters, coins, paintings, sculptures, and Maori artefacts, which he presented to the City of Auckland, specifically to the Library and Art Gallery. After his death his son, Ernest Davis, wrote “My late respected father took a great interest, as you know, in everything connected with Auckland. He loved Auckland and it was his pleasure and delight to do anything he possibly could for the city”.
The letter from Nelson to Collingwood (MS 1), and a copper “Save the Victory” coin were given to the City by F. W. Reed.
Reed is known principally for the magnificent donation of his Reed Dumas collection, the largest collection of works by and about Alexandre Dumas outside France.
The letter signed by Nelson (GL:N2) was acquired by Sir George Grey, the founding benefactor of Auckland City Libraries. The Grey collections include medieval manuscripts, early printed books, letters and other manuscripts, Maori manuscripts and maps.
The provenance of MS 168 is unknown.
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