Nelson & His World

Ok Stephen you can stop blushing now

Hi all,
With all the talk of AJB's grave and memorial in this thread, I thought you might like to see some early post cards from the 1800's to 1918 of the memorial. The latter (AJB Mem.3) which was actually posted, has a British ministry or military frank on the back denoting that the information written on it had passed the censor's scrutiny!
EMP

PS sorry about the order of the pix as I haven't learnt how to change them except by starting again!!

Members to this site and above should note that this is NOT!! Sir Alexander John Ball's final resting place.It is a memorial and just that!!

I will second that and apologize for not making it clear
EMP

EMP:

have you visited the AJB memorial? Is it in a good state of repair? The grave itself (see pix a few posts above) is sadly neglected. It would be a pity if the handsome memorial is in similar decline.

For those who don't know it, Ludovic Kennedy's book 'Nelson and his Captains' include some interesting material on AJB that I haven't come across elsewhere. There is an alarming story of how, as a child, he was nearly killed by his brothers when they re-enacted an execution by hanging they had witnessed. Ball was reputedly, 'black in the face' before being revived! There's also a charming description by Coleridge, of their rides round Malta, where women and children would follow them singing a song in Ball's honour, and 'in every cottage, however poor and distant, they were sure to find two crude images, one of the Virgin and Child, and one of the Governor.'

Sadly Anna, the memorial could do with a make over, I have put forward the possibility of having him installed in this memorial, but where would that leave Sir Ralph Abercrombie who certainly had Nelson connections, although Army.
It would be great if you were to visit Malta sometime, but the rate of exchange with the Euro at the moment is frightening
Tourism from the UK market is dire at the moment. Is it any wonder?
Stephen

There is a fairly recent photograph of his Memorial on Wikipedia, although not as bad as his actual Grave.

Stephen,

I would, as you suggested, have thought that the Memorial a very suitable and attractive site within which to have Ball reburied.
As you say, it probably needs some restoration, but it is surely not without the bounds of possibility. As to Sir Ralph Abercrombie, I don't know, although of course he does have Nelson and naval connections. Perhaps it is not impossible that they both occupy the structure? I suppose however that, as elsewhere, restoration of historic monuments is well down the list of priorities!

Incidentally, my wife and I were thinking of Malta for our much-needed Spring break this year. However, we haven't quite decided yet, or when it will be – although we will certainly consider the exchange rate, Euro/Swedish Kronor!

Hi all,
This was actually to be the reply to Anna:
Hi Anna,
AJB’s Memorial was repaired along with extensive restoration work to the Lower Barrakka Gardens in which it stands and re-inaugurated July 10, 2003. The last repair and inauguration took place on December 18, 1884.
Apart from having a good clean up, the first three bronze letters of the Latin inscription ALEXANDRO IOAN BALL EQ BAR on the front frieze were reinstated as they had long since dropped off due to corrosion on the left-hand corner.
There is no description or explanation about AJB apart from a brief description on two tablets at either side of the base in English and Latin stating ‘This monument, erected by public subscription AD 1810, was by the same means restored in AD. 1884.
As I have personally discovered, the immediate locals think it is just a Greek temple and the hundreds of sightseers that visit the gardens from the cruise ships have no idea at all!
Although the memorial was erected in 1810 the arches behind were built in 1661.
So Kester you will find it very relaxing sitting in the gardens which have a wonderful panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.
(See my photo below which I took from the top of a building and not a helicopter)

EMP,

Thanks for that and for the news that the Memorial has actually been restored. Looks wonderful and I can feel myself there already! It would be nice however, if there were some explanation as to not only what the structure is, but who Sir Alexander Ball was and his importance to Malta. The locals might then relearn some of their historic past – and the cruise ship passengers can add to the 'cultural' bit of their cruise.

Looking again at Ludovic Kennedy's 'Nelson and his Captains', I note a reference to a temporary cooling in Nelson-Ball relations. Just as Nelson resented Troubridge's promotion to the Admiralty, and his one-time subordinate 'lording it' over him, he also made a wry comment about Ball being rather full of himself once he was Nelson's equal: 'He is, I assure you, a great man,' he wrote to Lady Hamilton, 'and on many occasions appears to forget he is a seaman. He is a bit with the dignity of the Corps Diplomatique.' However, he seems to have got over this slight resentment and resumed his close relationship with Ball, confiding his thoughts and relying on him for advice: 'I do most earnestly desire that you will say anything to me that you please, I can never take it amiss.' and expressing his admiration in the warmest terms: 'I love, honour and respect you, and no persons have, nor could they, if they were so disposed, lessen you in my esteem, both as a public officer and a private man...'

It seems his genuine admiration and affection for Ball overrode his momentary flash of envy and they remained very close, whereas Nelson and Troubridge, though they maintained a 'surface' friendliness, were never as close again after Troubridge's promotion. Troubridge, though, did make life difficult for Nelson and brusquely dismissed his solicitations on behalf of an officer in dire circumstances; and he was critical of Emma; whereas Ball was always supportive of Nelson and very attentive to Emma, addressing her in his letters to her as 'my dear sister'. (I recall reading 'somewhere', though, that Ball made private criticisms of Emma. Can anyone help me here?)

EMP: have you come across 'Nicholas Biddle in Greece:the Journals and Letters of 1806'? He was the brother of Captain James Biddle about whom Ball wrote when he was released from captivity in Tripoli. Nicholas Biddle met Ball and refers to him briefly but flatteringly in his diaries. I can send you photocopies if you like.

Hi Kester,
The Garden was 'restored' and the Memorial 'repaired' also the angle of the photo and the high sun does make it look brighter'
As to your previous message. I have a feeling that Ball would not feel comfortable having Abercromby as a bed-fellow in the Monument as there was some pique between Ball and Abercromby's side-kick Gen. Pigot and possibly at some time with Abercromby himself.

From a History of the British Army in Malta, 1800; Captain Ball to Lord Nelson--...General Pigot has conducted himself toward me in a manner highly indelicate, and unbecoming, I have been treated and considered as Chief or Governor of this Island by Your Lordship, Lord Keith and Sir Ralph Abercromby, but General Pigot in the first standing orders has placed me in rank below the Town Major, who is a Captain in the Army. ....I tell your Lordship in confidence what in a short time will be publicly known, that the General is the most unpopular man that ever commanded a garrison.....AJB

31st August 1801, Lord Vincent to Viscount Garlies--...the appointments at Malta were made by Lord Hobart: "the removal of Ball was I believe, a measure of Mr Dundas' on the suggestion of Sir Ralph Abercromby who never liked the situation Ball held, probably feeling it a diminution of Army Patronage".

It is probably best to let sleeping Generals lay.
EMP

In answer to Anna's last paragraph. Yes please.

Sorry EMP,

But is the publishing date on that right?

EMP,

Well, there is that I suppose!

However, if it was not thought appropriate, I'm sure somewhere suitable might be found for Abercrombie.

Hi Stephen,
Could you be more specific.
EMP