Holograph Letter from Captain Francis Cole to Lord Spencer [1796] / Admiralty Commission [1804]
Two related items.
1 - a letter from Captain Francis Cole, Captain of 'La Revolutionnaire', to Lord Spencer, dated 24th May 1796, requesting the promotion of his First Lieutenant, Edward Ellicott, following the capture of the French Frigate 'Unité'. [the request was refused]
2 - An Admiralty Commission dated October 16th 1804, appointing Edward Ellicott Commander of H.M. Armed Ship 'Wellington', and signed by P. Stephens [Sir Philip Stephens, Secretary to the Admiralty 1763-1795] J. Gambier [1st Baron Gambier, later Admiral of the Fleet], J. Colpoys [Admiral Sir John Colpoys], John Barrow [Sir John Barrow, Secretary to the Admiralty]
the inked manuscript parts of the Commission are rather faded, but still legible, otherwise both items are in good condition
