Letter from Lord Nelson [transcript]

Transcript of a letter written by Horatio Nelson with his left hand about six months after losing his right hand at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The letter, to his friend Thomas Lloyd, tells of a night in a box at the theatre: his Lordship did not tell me all its charms, that generally some of the handsomest Ladys at Bath are partakers in the Box, and was I bachelor I would not answer from being tempted, but as I am possessed of every thing which is valuable in a Wife I have no occasion to think beyond a pretty face…

He also writes of his of his eagerness to get to sea again: I expect great consolation every time I cut a slice of Salt beef instead of Mutton…

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

Buy a high resolution copy.