Capture of the La Vestale, Aug 20th, 1799

Sir Charles Cunningham KCH (1755-1834) was in command of the HMS Clyde. On 20 August, while sailing off Cordovan, two sails were spotted in the distance. Thinking them to be a ship of the line and a frigate, Cunningham sailed closer, at which the two ships began to sail away in opposite directions. Cunningham immediately gave chase, pursuing the largest one, which turned out to be the 36-gun frigate Vestale. The Clyde brought her to battle and after an engagement of an hour forced her to strike her colours. The Vestale had lost 10 killed and 22 wounded to two killed and three wounded on the Clyde. Thomas Whitcombe (1760-1824) was a marine painter whose works are in several English collections, in particular the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. Engraving from 'The Naval Achievements of Great Britain' by James Jenkins. Acid-free double mount.