Rare Lord Nelson letter to sell for £10,000

A rare letter written by Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson using his right hand just months before he lost the arm has been discovered in a house in Derby.

In the letter, a recently-promoted Lord Nelson brags to Francis Drake, a diplomat based in Italy, about the size of his squadron and also bemoans being kept 'in the dark' by the army.

The note, which is dated August 1795, will be put up for auction by Hanson's Auctioneers next month, and is expected to fetch up to £10,000.

Important part of maritime history

Charles Hanson from the auctioneers told the Daily Mail: 'We are pleased to offer such an important part of our maritime history.

'The letter highlights even our greatest maritime war hero was often "in the dark" as to the movements the army were to follow.

'We always perceive Nelson to be at the helm of every battle and conflict and clearly in this letter he was somewhat concerned.'

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