Autograph Letter Signed by Alexander McAdams, serving on board HMS Royal Sovereign, to Thomas McLelland in Ayr, referring to his recent service blockading the French fleet in Brest, mentioning allied victories over Bonaparte and “our brave hero Sir Sidney Smith in Egypt” by NAVAL. Blockade of Brest, 1799

Torbay, 6 October 1799. 2 pp. 11 x 7 inches, neatly written, in fine condition. Sent at the concession rate of 1d., with the London Paid datestamp (only in use July to December 1799). Countersigned by an officer: “Lt. Maserell, R Sovereign”. “... I am just now arrived here from blockading up the Combined fleets in the harbour of Brest, where we have been almost these four months past, they consisting of Sixty five Sail of the Line. We are in Daily expectation of them coming out which occasions us for to be always out at Sea... ...You have doubtless heard of the Surrender of the Dutch fleet at the Texel & the victory gained over Bounaparte, By our brave hero Sir Sidney Smith in Egypt. Which like Victorys I hope will soon put a conclusion to the war...”