Letter from Captain Nelson, dated 11 April 1777, to Philip Stephens, Secretary of the Admiralty
This is the earliest letter from Nelson held by The National Archives and possibly the earliest letter sent by Nelson in official capacity. It pre-dates those found in Letters and Despatches of Lord Nelson by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas, (London, 1844-1846). This letter was sent two days after Nelson had passed his lieutenancy examination and notified of his appointment as a lieutenant on HMS Lowestoffe. In this letter Nelson applies to the Admiralty to be paid a lieutenant’s rate for his acting service on HMS Worcester and an allowance for a servant.
