[Z] AN ARCHIVE OF LETTERS AND EPHEMERA RELATING TO ADMIRAL SIR WILLIAM HUTCHEON HALL

AN ARCHIVE OF LETTERS AND EPHEMERA RELATING TO ADMIRAL SIR WILLIAM HUTCHEON HALL (C.1797-1878)

including a congratulatory autograph letter signed by the Duke of Sutherland to Sir William saying that the defence of England would be in better shape if the government had followed his advice; a watercolour of the gunboat Stork and two others attacking Russian forts on 3rd October 1855 under the command of Captain Hall -- 5¼ x 8¾in. (13.4 x 22.3cm.); a half-page list of blessings and honours bestowed on Hall thanking God 'who has given me one of the best of wifes [sic] and surrounded us with so many comforts'; his writings involving national defences and employing fishermen and boatmen into national service; a 7pp. interview with the Duke of Northumberland about housing retired seamen and improving their pay; and two charming autograph letters signed to his daughter Francis

(A lot)

Admiral Sir William Hutcheon Hall (c. 1797-1878) served in the first Anglo-Chinese (Opium) War and the Crimean War where he was conspicuous for his gallantry. In China he commanded the iron steamship Nemesis (hence his nickname Nemesis Hall) and was one of the first British officers to make a thorough study of steam engines. In 1847 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, in 1863 he was promoted to Rear Admiral and in March 1867 was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. He died of apoplexy on 25 June 1878.