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LORD NELSON'S GIFT'
The commander of the British Fleet, Lord Horatio Nelson visited te wathers near La Maddalena 1n 1803, 1804, 1805. The reason for this visits was to keep a close eye on the French Fleet anchored in the Port of Tolone. Lord Nelson, was a very private man who rarely left the comfort of his ship, the "Victory". However, he established s very good relationship with Agostino Millelire, the Commander of the Port of La Maddalena. Commander Millelire spent many nights being entertained by Lord Nelson wanted to give a gift to the church. He decided to donate two candleholders and a cross. This gift was met with opposition from his crew, but Lord Nelson prevailed. The letter that Lord Nelson sent was date October 18, 1804 and reads: Rev. Sir I have to request that I may be allowed to present to the church at La Maddalena a gift for the churc as a small token of my esteem for the worthy inhabitants, and may remebrance of the the inhabitants tratment of His Majesty' fleet under my command That ha been received from them May God bless us all. I remain Rev. Sir Your most obedient Servnt, Nelson Bronte
Lord Nelson request that the gift for the church be delieved by his Anglican Chaplain, Father Scott Alexander. Father Alexander was unable to say goodbye to the priest of the island because he was in Tempio. Upon the return of the Catholic Priest to La Maddalena, the priest sent a letter dated October 22, 1804. The letter thanked Lord nelso for the bautyful gift and informed him that a High Mass was celebrated in Tanksgiving for his gifto to the church. The final hymm of the mass was the "Te Deum" in honor of Horatio Nelson.
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