The Glorious Action off Cape Francois

Object summary

Title: The Glorious Action off Cape Francois
Object ID: CC-F-0042
Date made: 1759
Place made: United Kingdom, Greater London, London
Publisher: H. Parker & E. Bakewell; Sayer, Robert
Painter (after): Swaine, Francis
Object type: Engraving
Major collection: Nautical
Named collection: Arthur H. Clark Collection
On view: No

Description

A hand-colored engraving of the naval engagement between French and British fleets during the Seven Years' War. Known as the Battle of Cap-François or Forrest's Action, three British ships of the line commanded by Commodore Arthur Forrest cruised off the harbor of Cap-François, Saint-Domingue to intercept French merchant convoys and their escorts. Despite being outnumbered by the French, the British managed to inflict substantial damage. The print depicts French and British ships abreast in battle. Clouds of smoke engulf the space between ships and their sails are ridden with holes from the artillery. Two men are float on debris in the foreground. The flags of the British are prominently colored.

The descriptive text in the bottom margin is in English and French. Also included are two lists of British and French ships that detail the men and firepower.