My Life > Sources

Sources

This section is based on an autobiographical essay that he wrote in 1799. The text has been edited and new passages have been written by the Web Site Editor to cover the years 1799 to 1805.

For those who wish to find the exact 'join' it occurs in the section 'Nile and Naples'.

Nelson's own words end at On the 13th of August 1799 his Sicilian Majesty presented me with a Sword most magnificently enriched with diamonds, the Title of the Duke of Bronte, and annexed to it the estate of Bronte supposed to be worth £3,000 per annum.

The editor's work begins with On the 13th of July 1800 I struck my flag and returned to England by land in the company of my good friends Sir William and Lady Hamilton. We were everywhere received with enthusiasm.

Nelson's own words are also used at the end of the section. The words Thus it may be exemplified by my Life that perseverance in any profession will most probably meet its reward. Without having any inheritance, or having been fortunate in prize-money, I have received all the Honours of my Profession, been created a Peer of Great Britain and received many rewards from different potentates and states. Therefore I may say to the Reader: "Go thou, and do likewise!" come from the end of his autobiographical sketch and the prayer is taken from his private diary.

The complete text of the autobiographical sketch can be found in The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas, Volume I pp 3-15.

My Battles

The Introduction to this section is based on a special 'Memorial' that Nelson drew up for King George III when he was applying for a state pension in compensation for his wounds.

The full text may be found in Nicolas, Volume II p 447

The text of the dispatches and letters quoted in this section are all taken from Nicolas.

My Ships

The text is this section is entirely the work of the editor. The details of the ships are taken from various sources - especially J J College, Ships of the Royal Navy.

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Web Site edited by Colin White
Web Site by Josephine Birtwhistle
Members of The 1805 Club
Published 2000