On this day in 1796.

2nd August 1796



To Fanny: ‘I will relate an anecdote, all vanity to myself, but you will partake of it: A person sent me a letter, and directed as follows, ‘Horatio Nelson, Genoa’. On being asked how he could direct in such a manner, his answer, in a large party, was, “Sir, there is but one Horatio Nelson in the world.” The letter certainly came immediately . . . I am known throughout Italy; not a kingdom or a state where my name will be forgotten. This is my Gazette.