Horatio Nelson Autograph Letter Signed "Lord Nelson" in the third person. One page, 7.25" x 7.25", Piccadilly; March 27, 1803. Written in the third person, the letter declines an invitation to dinner on behalf of himself and Sir William Hamilton. He writes in full: "Lord Nelson is very sorry that it is not in his power to Dine with Mr. Willet on April 2nd as he is going into the Country with Sir Willm Hamilton if he is well enough to be moved, this reason will also plead Sir Willms apologies." The letter is affixed to a slightly larger cardstock. William Hamilton was husband to Nelson's mistress, Emma Hamilton. It is believed that Sir Hamilton tolerated and even perhaps encouraged the couple's relationship, and the two men remained good friends. Hamilton would not, in fact, be well enough to be moved, and he died just ten days later. Nelson and Lady Hamilton would quietly continue their relationship, although they disguised their daughter, Horatia, as being an orphan left in Nelson's care. Condition: Flattened mail folds, with foxing and soiling throughout. Slightly uneven edges. Mounting residue on the card's verso at the corners. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved