Nelson Day (20 october 1897)

From The Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia

Nelson Day is a letter written by Arthur Conan Doyle first published in The Times on 20 october 1897.

See also the second letter on the same topic: Nelson Day (23 october 1897).


Nelson Day

The Times (20 october 1897)

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir, — Might I suggest to the Navy League through your columns that they might reunite public opinion and remove every possible objection to their annual commemoration if they were to hold it on September 29, the date of Nelson's birth, instead of upon that of his death at Trafalgar? The latter, in spite of every disclaimer, must be offensive to our neighbours. If the French were annually to hold public celebrations in honour of Marshal Saxe and the victory of Fontenoy no explanations would prevent us from feeling that it was a national insult. It is un-English and unchivalrous to exult over a beaten foe. But if we kept Nelson's birthday it would answer every purpose which the Navy League has in view., and It could not be open to these objections.

Yours faithfully,

A. CONAN DOYLE.
Morley's Hotel, Trafalgar-square, London, W.C.