On the 16th of May, 1803 Horatio Nelson, Duke of Bronte, was commissioned British Commander- In-Chief in the Mediterranean. From his new flagship, the 120-gun H.M.S. VICTORY, he began the required extensive diplomatic correspondence to British government representatives in his area of operations.

This document, written in Nelson's own hand is addressed to His Majesty's Counsel at Algiers, John Falcon. This dispatch possibly directed the notification of Nelson’s taking command of the Mediterranean Fleet. A letter between Nelson and Falcon, dated August 26, 1803 is recorded in the book The Dispatches and Letters of Lord Nelson (London, 1846, p.180).

The Signed Dispatch is displayed in a framed presentation with a contemporary portrait image and silver plaque, overall measures 25½ x 35¼ inches.