NICOLAS (Sir Nicholas Harris, 1799-1848, Writer, Antiquary and Naval Historian)

Autograph Letter Signed to 'My dear Fuller', saying "I have glanced over the article in Blackwood and quite agree in what you say", Nicolas knows "who wrote it, and I know too, that he is not up to the subject. Antiquarian details, of which the sagacious critic has so much horror, are the very essence of the early History of the Navy. It is like explaining the invention, construction, & progressive improvements of the steam engine, instead of merely saying it did this, and that", asking after Fuller's health, adding "I have not heard a syllable from the 'the Times' people since!", and regards "from us all to you and my love to the 'Faire Ladye'", with a footnote referring to 'invention' (see above), "Did you notice Punch's say about the Sword, last week?", with photocopies of the article in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 62, July 1847, pp. 82-95, and of the list of its author's contributions from The Story of William and Lucy Smith (ed. Merriam, Boston, 1889, pp.106-109), the letter 3 sides 8vo., Torrington Square, London, 11th July a little light spotting

Nicolas' father and elder brother were both in the Navy. From being a first-class volunteer in 1808 and a midshipman in the Mediterranean under his brother, he was promoted to lieutenant in September 1815 but went on half pay the following year. Thereafter he studied law, but apart from a few peerage cases, did not practise, devoting himself to antiquarian research and supporting himself and his family by writing. He was meticulous in seeking original sources, especially in the public records. It was partially due to him that these were put on a better footing by act of parliament.
Two volumes of Nicolas' incomplete History of the Navy, from the earliest times to the wars of the French Revolution, first mooted in 1825, came out in 1847. The author of this review of was William Henry Smith, (1808-1872), who contributed unsigned articles of a philosophical nature to Blackwood between 1839 and 1871. He pays due tribute to Nicolas' research and accuracy, but is drawn to discuss the nature of warfare and the difference between war at sea (more gentlemanly) and on land rather than the technical aspects.

Item Date:  1847

Stock No:  56297      £175

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