VICE ADMIRAL SIR THOMAS FRANCIS FREEMANTLE (1765-1819) A signed letter

The letter discusses various matters including reference to the eldest son (Charles) of the late (General) Sir Harry Burrard, who had been with him for two years and is now returning to England on account of the death of his brother and father (brother at the Siege of San Sebastien). It informs the correspondent regarding the Austrian Army, mentioning Marshal Bellegarde, who has up to 100,000 men, and General Nugent. He writes at length on the position in Italy during this Adriatic Campaign, when he commanded the British Squadron.

Provenance: Purchased from Mayfly Ephemera Dealers, London, 2011.

Note: Admiral Freemantle famously gained a large fortune in prize money when the entire Balkan Coast surrendered 800 ships to him in 1814, he was one of Nelson’s closest friends and commanded HMS Neptune, third in Nelson’s line at Trafalgar. He was buried in Naples.