NELSON, Horatio, Viscount (1758-1805). Vice-admiral.
Document Signed ('Horatio Nelson' with the left hand), 1 page 4to (oblong, rather soiled but professionally restored), no place, no date. One of the very earliest documents signed by Nelson with his left hand after the loss of his right arm on 24/25 July 1797.
It is most unusual for any letter or document signed by Nelson to be undated, and it is particularly frustrating that the absence of an exact date makes it difficult to say with certainty how soon after the loss of the right arm this example may have been signed. The signature, however, is clearly a very early attempt. Nelson's later writing with the left hand became perfectly fluent and legible. The condition of the document can probably be explained by its nature, as it is likely that able seaman George Jones carried it on his person or among his possessions during his naval career subsequent to his service on the Agamemnon.

'These are to Certify that the Bearer hereof George Jones served on board of His Majesty's Ship The Agamemnon as Able seaman from Dec 4. 1 1794 Untill June 11. 1796 Under My Command the said George Jones is Five feet 7 inches & ½ high of a Darkish Complexion Light brown hair & ty'd behind / Horatio Nelson'.

It was during an ill-fated and unsuccessful night-time assault on the port of Santa Cruz in Tenerife that Nelson had received the wound that led to the amputation of his arm later the same night. He later returned to England to continue his convalescence.
[No: 25156]