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Sale 68
The June 30th Manuscript and Collectibles Auction
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Lot 154 |
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[Napoleon and Nelson] Description of the 1798 Battle of the Nile. Manuscript Letter by an unnamed writer (probably by a French refugee), 3 1/2pp in French, London, Oct. 5, 1798. To Monsieur Charles Preissac in Munich, Bavaria, whom he addresses as "my dear general," referring to just-published newspaper accounts and describing to his friend the momentous Battle of the Nile or Battle of Aboukir Bay, which took place on the Egyptian coast Aug. 1-3, 1798 and in which the French Navy, led by Vice-Admiral François-Paul Brueys D'Aigalliers was defeated by the British Navy, led by Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson.
The French fleet accompanied a large expeditionary force under General Napoleon Bonaparte from Toulon to Alexandria. Nelson had pursued Napoleon across the Mediterranean for two months with the intention of discovering what Napoleon was up to and to defeating him. With Nelson close behind him, Napoleon managed to reach Alexandria and land his army, which he led inland, and the French fleet established a defensive position in Aboukir Bay. When Nelson's fleet arrived on Aug. 1, he attacked immediately, having split his ships into two divisions, and trapped the French in a cross fire. British reinforcements arrived, the French admiral was killed, spreading disarray, and the French fleet was almost totally destroyed. The French loss reversed the situation in the Mediterranean, giving the British Navy the dominant position. It also changed the attitude of other European powers toward Napoleon and brought great honors to the wounded Nelson.
This letter describes the battle as "the most astonishing battle that ever existed" and recognizes that "this event is of the greatest consequence. It can electrify the continental powers…and assure the loss of Buonaparte." He gives revenge as the motive of Nelson's ferocious attack (alluding to his loss at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797, where he lost an arm), saying "he risked everything for everything…." and discusses the consequences of England as "master of the Mediterranean." Both Nelson and Buonaparte are named several times; however, the most interesting part of this letter is a full-page with a sketch showing how the English (colored red) and French (colored green) navies were lined up against each other. The page also lists the battle order of both navies, naming the ships and for the French, noting whether they were taken, burned, or escaped; he also notes the number of English officers, sailor and soldiers killed (218) and wounded (677) and gives a commentary on the battle. Very good condition; toning and some offset; a seal tear affects a few words on p. 3. Circular red cancellation with "FOREIGN OFFICE 93."
Estimated Value $2,750 - 3,000.
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