Sir John Louis (1785-1863) signed letter dated 27th April 1805, to Henry Dundas 1st Lord of the Admiralty reporting that 'Lord Nelson has been good enough to appoint me Captain of the Bittern' 'I am now at Gibraltar with Dispatches for Sir Rd Stachan' the letter also states 'I left fleet on the 6th ... anxiously looking for the French Fleet'. One sheet, folded, overall size unfolded22.5cm x 36.5cm Sir John Louis served under his father Thomas Louis captain of the Minotaur. John Louis was made commander in 28th February 1805 and Captain 22nd January 1806. He was later Superintendent of Malta Dockyard 1838-1843 and Admiral Superintendent at Plymouth 1846 - 1850. Condition report: Generally good with minor foxing spots throughout. Light pencil inventory number.