Jonathan
Robert Southey's 1813 Nelson biography was in fact preceded by both a number of biographical sketches published in pamphlet form whilst he was alive, as well as full length biographies published following Trafalgar. One of the first was written by a Francis Blagdon entitled Graphic History of the Life, Exploits and Death of Horatio Nelson (1806). Another was the Life of Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson written by James Harrison also published in 1806.
Nelson in fact wrote a brief personal memoir in 1799 for the Naval Chronicle, a magazine for naval officers. Entitled 'A Sketch of My Life', this formed the basis of a two volume biography published in 1809 by John M'Arthur in collaboration with James Stainer Clark.
Hope this is helpful.
Phil
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