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American War of Independence (1775-83)

George III’s maps and views showing the development of the war at home and abroad, from North America to India

JOHN HARRIS (ACTIVE 1771-1812)

Naval battle at Ushant, 1780

To Cap,,t Peere Williams his Officers and Seamen This Plate representing their Engageing & Taking the French / Frigate LA NYMPHE on the 10,th of August 1780, is most respectfully Inscribed by their humble Servant...

dated 2 Jul 1781; reprinted 1809 or later

Engraving and etching; printed on paper | 34.3 x 44.0 cm (image) | RCIN 734058.4.a

A view of the action between the British and the French off Ushant, 10 August 1780 in which the British frigate Flora, commanded by Captain Peere Williams, captured the French frigate La Nymphe off Ushant. American War of Independence (1775-83).

Additional text: [bottom centre, below title/dedication:] This Gallant Action was fought of Ushant, with equal Bravery on both Sides for one hour, when the Floras Wheel / being shot away, She fell on board La Nymphe, the French then quitted their great Guns & attempted to Board the Flora / but unable to make impression on the determined Courage of the English Seamen, were repulsed & drove Back to / their own Ship; the English following them Sword in hand; Cut down their Colours and carried La Nymphe by Storm. [Bottom centre, between text and imprint:] From an Original Picture in the Possession of Andrew Lindegreen Esq.r [Bottom left, left of dedication, a recapitulation of the English Force; bottom right, right of dedication, a recapitulation of the French Force.] [Bottom right, above platemark:] NB The Ships at a distance represents the First of the Engagment.

The publication date of this print is based on the watermark of John Dickinson & Co. Dickinson began trading as a paper-maker in 1809. A John Dickinson watermark with the date of 1810 is recorded by Losty, (1989). Another copy of this print with the watermark 'H. SMITH 1820' is recorded by Grosvenor Prints. Condition: no fold lines; one crease; surface dirt on both sides.

Condition: no fold lines; one crease surface dirt on both sides.
  • John Harris (active 1771-1812) (publisher) [bottom centre, below text:] London, Published as the Act directs, July 2; 1781: by John Harris N.o 3 Sweetings Alley, Cornhill.

    Robert Dodd (1748-1815) (artist) [bottom left, below edge of view:] Painted by Rob,,t Dodd

    Robert Pollard [the Elder], (1755/6-1839) (engraver) [bottom right, below edge of view:] Engraved by Rob.t Pollard

  • Watermark: JOHN DICKINSON & Co.

    Condition: no fold lines; one crease surface dirt on both sides

  • 30.1 x 44.0 cm (neatline)

    34.3 x 44.0 cm (image)

    36.0 x 46.0 cm (platemark)

    43.4 x 54.7 cm (sheet)

  • Printed title:

    To Cap,,t Peere Williams his Officers and Seamen This Plate representing their Engageing & Taking the French / Frigate LA NYMPHE on the 10,th of August 1780, is most respectfully Inscribed by their humble Servant Rob,,t Dodd. [bottom centre, below view, to each side of the coat of arms of William Peere Williams-Freeman]

    Additional text:

    [bottom centre, below title/dedication:] This Gallant Action was fought of Ushant, with equal Bravery on both Sides for one hour, when the Floras Wheel / being shot away, She fell on board La Nymphe, the French then quitted their great Guns & attempted to Board the Flora / but unable to make impression on the determined Courage of the English Seamen, were repulsed & drove Back to / their own Ship; the English following them Sword in hand; Cut down their Colours and carried La Nymphe by Storm. [Bottom centre, between text and imprint:] From an Original Picture in the Possession of Andrew Lindegreen Esq.r [Bottom left, left of dedication, a recapitulation of the English Force; bottom right, right of dedication, a recapitulation of the French Force.] [Bottom right, above platemark:] NB The Ships at a distance represents the First of the Engagment.

    Annotations:

    George III heading: Naval Engagement. 10 Aug. 1780.

    Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [bottom left, black pencil:] 83.a; [bottom right, black pencil, cropped:] S.

    George III catalogue entry:

    Naval Engagement Representation of the Flora, Captain Williams engaging and taking the French Frigate la Nymphe, on the 10.th of Aug.t 1780: by R. Dodd, engraved by Pollard, 1781.

  • Subject(s)

    Ushant, Brittany, France (48°27'27"N 05°05'46"W)

  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    H. Parker, Naval battles from the collection of prints formed and owned by Commander Sir Charles Leopold Cust. With an introduction by C.N. Robinson, 2 vols., London 1911, no.83a

Page revisions

  • 14 March 2024