Other 18th-/19th-century conflicts
Maps, views and documents from 19 wars
Boston, 1813
This View of His Majesty's Ship SHANNON, hove too, & cooly waiting the close approach of the American Frigate CHESAPEAK, who is bearing down to the Attack, with all the confidence of Victory; with its Companion / the Capture of the...
published Aug 1813Aquatint with etching and engraving; printed on paper | 35.9 x 46.9 cm (image) | RCIN 735180
The crew of the Shannon, a 38-gun frigate, was exceptionally well trained in gunnery by their captain. The Chesapeake was larger, with heavier guns, but less well-trained men and, within fifteen minutes, the captain and crew of the Shannon had boarded and taken the American ship. The brilliance of Broke's action caused a sensation in Britain and America.
This view shows the two frigates just before they engaged; the Chesapeake is flying a large white flag from the foremast proclaiming 'Free Trade and Sailors' Rights', referring to America's pre-war grievances against British policies.
For further reading, see:
J.K. Laughton, 'Broke, Sir Philip Bowes Vere, first baronet (1776–1841)', Dictionary of National Biography, 2004; online edition 2009.
Condition: no fold lines; brown discolouration on both sides.
Robert Dodd (1748-1815) (artist and publisher) [bottom centre, below edge of view:] Painted by R. Dodd from the information of Capt.n Falkinir
George Andrews (active 1794-1813) (publisher) [bottom centre, below title:] Published August, 1813, by R. Dodd, N.o 3, Lucas Place, Commercial Road and G. Andrews, N.o 7, Charing Cross.
Sir Philip Bowes Vere Broke (1776-1841) (dedicatee)
Watermark: Cropped: 180 [?]
Condition: no fold lines; brown discolouration on both sides
33.8 x 46.9 cm (neatline)
35.9 x 46.9 cm (image)
37.9 x 50.5 cm (platemark)
42.2 x 56.1 cm (sheet)
Printed title:
This View of His Majesty's Ship SHANNON, hove too, & cooly waiting the close approach of the American Frigate CHESAPEAK, who is bearing down to the Attack, with all the confidence of Victory; with its Companion / the Capture of the Enemy; is with all due respect, & admiration of their intrepid conduct, most respectfully inscribed to CAPTAIN P.B.V. Broke and his gallant Ships Company, by their Obed.t Servant / Rob.t Dodd. [bottom, below view]
Annotations:
George III heading: Naval Engagement 1 June 1813.
Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [bottom left, black pencil, in Evelyn Heaton-Smith's hand:] 231.h.
George III catalogue entry:
Naval Engagement View of H.M. Ship Shannon, Captain Broke, hove to and waiting the close approach of the American Frigate Chesapeak on the 1.st of June 1813: by R. Dodd, 1813. companion wanting.
Bibliographic reference(s)
J.K. Laughton, 'Broke, Sir Philip Bowes Vere, first baronet (1776–1841)', Dictionary of National Biography, 2004; online edition 2009.
Page revisions
14 March 2024
Current version
