GELL (John, 1740-1806, Admiral)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed to Admiral Lord NELSON (Horatio, Viscount, 1758-1805, Admiral) saying that "this will be delivered to you by my Nephew Mr Wm. Gell and my friend Mr Baker who are making their way in the Levant ...", Sir William GELL (1777-1836, Archaeologist and Illustrator) continuing that "they have travelled there before and are well informed in Greece and Archipelago. My nephew has published a work which is much sought for here - The Troad - they are both for health leaving this Country for the Winter Season as by experience milder agrees with them. If you can give them any assistance in their Pursuits I shall be greatly obliged to your Lordship. Our Friend Foley has moved in his Habitation am told a most convenient House - made an entire new place in the Vale of Carmarthen. I hope your Lordship's health will enable you to go through the arduous task you are engaged in - I am my Lord your Lordship's most faithfull and obedient servant ...", 1 side 4to., with Autograph address "To Lord Nelson, Commander in Chief in the Meditteranian" on the conjugate leaf, Monday, 1st October

Gell was from the Gell and Eyre families of Hopton Hall in Derbyshire. He served with the Royal Navy, fighting in India and taking part in the occupation of Toulon. He was a commander in the Royal Navy for over thirty years starting in 1762 following two years as a lieutenant. He was promoted to the rank of admiral in 1799 after completing duties in Nova Scotia, Portugal, Genoa, the East Indies and Toulon.
Admiral Sir Thomas FOLEY (1757-1833) was a Royal Navy officer and "Hero of the Battle of the Nile". His principal residence was his country estate, Abermarlais, near Llansadwrn in Carmarthenshire, which he had purchased from Sir Cornwallis Maude, 1st Viscount Hawarden in 1795 with his share of the booty resulting from the capture of a Spanish treasure ship, the St Jago, in 1793.
NELSON was appointed commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet in 1803 and given the first-rate HMS Victory as his flagship. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral of the White while still at sea, on 23rd April 1804.

Item Date:  1804

Stock No:  41711      £750

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