Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

British Vice Admiral LORD HORATIO NELSON had attained fame for his victory over Napoléon Bonaparte's fleet in Aboukir Bay in the Battle of the Nile on August 1, 1798. Nelson's notorious affair with Lady EMMA HAMILTON began shortly after his victory in Egypt, when Nelson traveled to Naples, Italy for repairs to his ship. The lovers first met at the British Embassy in Naples, where her husband, Sir William Hamilton, served as Ambassador to Italy. In early January 1801, the Hamiltons returned to London, where Lady Emma gave birth to Nelson's daughter, HORATIA, in February. Lady Emma's elderly husband died in 1803, and, after more than two years at sea, Nelson returned to share 24 days with his beloved Emma and their daughter before setting sail for Spain. His defeat of the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, came at a high price: the life of the naval hero.