Measurements: 58.5cm (23in) x 82.5cm (32.5in)
Hand coloured aquatint. ‘View of the action on the morning of the 1st of June, 1794, at the Time of Breaking the French Line which ended in A Splendid and Important Victory to the British Fleet. Is most Respectfully Inscribed / To Admiral Earl Commander in Chief Admirals Lord Graves, and Lord Bridport Commanders in the Van and Rear. The Vice Admirals Sir George Bowyer Bart Benj Caldwell Esq, Sir Allen Gardiner Bart.’ Published R. Dodd and B.B. Evans, London, 1794. Sheet: 43cm (17in) x 71cm (28in). Framed and glazed.
The Glorious First of June, 1794 The battle fought on 1st June 1794 was the first fleet action of the French Revolutionary Wars. Admiral Lord Howe, at sea under orders to prevent a large grain convoy reaching France, had spent several weeks searching for it and its escorting warships under Admiral Joyeuse before finally sighting them on 28th May. A running fight lasting three days ensued, with the French having the advantage of heavy weather. Early on 1st June, with the weather much improved and with the two fleets about four miles apart, Lord Howe seized the weather gage and attacked. His strategy was not entirely successful but nevertheless, six French ships-of-the-line were taken as prizes and a seventh, Le Vengeur du Peuple, was sunk after a tremendous duel with H.M.S. Brunswick. The French flagship Montagne was severely damaged, suffering 300 men killed and yet, despite these losses, the convoy of merchantmen escaped Howe's clutches whilst the fleets were engaged and managed to reach the French mainland safely.