NELSON, Horatio, Viscount (1758-1805). Vice-admiral.
Document Signed, 1 page folio (written on the right hand side of the page), on board HMS Victory, ?Mezzoschisto [? Sardinia], 15 January 1804. Certifying that the state of health of HMS Superb is good for it to receive Pratique [i.e. is free of contagious disease and may enter port].

'On Board his M.S. Victory. Messoschisto January 15 1804.
These are to Certify that after full due & strict investigation of the state of health of His M.S. the Superb, arrived to day at this anchorage, I find the said ships [sic] qualified to receive Pratique.
Nelson & Bronte'

The slight smudging at the head is caused by offset from Nelson's signature, the document having been folded with the ink still wet.
With an engraved portrait of Nelson.
[No: 23642]