Naval Order Signed ‘John Clavell’ as Captain of HMS Orlando, “Commanding His Majesty’s Ships & Vessels in the Archipelago”, to Robert Mitford, Captain of HM Sloop Espoir, ordering him to take charge of a convoy going from Smyrna to Malta by CLAVELL, John, Captain R.N

On board HMS Orlando, Smyrna, 12 March 1813. 1 page 13 x 9 inches, heavily marked along folds, otherwise sound. A good example of the uncommon signature of the Senior Lieutenant of HMS Royal Sovereign at the Battle of Trafalgar. Captain John Clavell (1779-1846) was wounded in the battle. After Trafalgar he was made Commander by Collingwood, who before the battle had himself commended Clavell to Nelson for promotion to HMS Royal Sovereign from HMS Dreadnought, as “Clavell, who is indeed my right arm,and the spirit which puts every thing in motion.”