Nelson, Horatio, 1st Viscount Nelson (1758-1805). Autograph letter signed ("Nelson") to Sir William Hamilton, Palermo, 8 June 1799.

One page, 9 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (241 x 191 mm), folds. Framed with engraved portrait, overall, 13 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. Unexamined out of frame.

In full: "Mr. Walter Burns having on the account the arrival of the French fleet at Toulon hired a vessel to push on and bring me information from Genoa and he having also on other occasions sent me the only information I have been able to obtain of the movements of the ambition of the French armies, I have to request for these very important services rendered to His Majesty's Service that your Excellency will be so good as to direct that seventy pounds sterling shall be paid to Sir Mr. Walter Burns to reimburse his Expenses and a small gratuity for his zeal [illegible] and fatigue on this occasion. I have the honor and with the greatest respect your excellent, faithful and obedient servant."

Throughout most of 1799, Admiral Horatio Nelson was stationed in Palermo, Italy, blockading the French army within the Kingdom of Naples, while a counter-revolutionary force known as the Sanfedisti, led by Cardinal Ruffo, fought to retake the city. By the end of June 1799, Ruffo's forces had pushed the French army to the furthest boundaries of the territory, eventually expelling them entirely and allowing King Ferdinand IV, along with the rest of the Royal Family, along with several British nationals, and ambassador Sir William Hamilton and his wife, Emma had been evacuated in December 1798, to return to power. Despite an agreement with Cardinal Ruffo that the fleeing Jacobin forces would be provided safe passage back to France, Nelson took them prisoner on multiple transports stationed outside of Naples and executed nearly two-thirds of them.

In June the following year, Sir William Hamilton and his wife, Emma, were recalled to Britain, and Nelson with them. The affair between Nelson and Sir William's wife, Emma, was an open secret in British society, taking place with Sir William's knowledge and consent. On 29 January 1801, Emma gave birth to Nelson's daughter, Horatia. Nelson was killed during the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, and is today regarded as one of the greatest admirals in history in large part for his many naval victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars.

This lot is located in Chicago.