The 'Vanguard' disabled and in tow by the 'Alexander', 22 May 1798

The fourth, but fifth in order of events, in a series of ten drawings (PAF5871- 5874, PAF5876, PAF5880-5881 and PAF5883-5885) of mainly lesser-known incidents in Nelson's career, apparently intended for a set of engravings. Pocock's own numbered description of the subject in a letter of 2 June 1810 (see below) is: '4. Storm the "Agamemnon" [sic, in error: it is 'Vanguard'] having lost he Main and Mizen topmasts is saved from being lost on a lee shore - by the exertions of Capt Ball of the "Alexander" who towed her Clear at the Imminent peril of both floundering [sic].' This incident occurred at the start of the chase of the French that ended with the Battle of the Nile, when Nelson's 'Vanguard' (Capt Edward Berry) was dismasted by carrying too much canvas in a gale in the Gulf of Lions and only saved from loss by being taken in tow by Alexander Ball's 'Alexander' . 'Vanguard' subsequently reached Oristano Bay in southern Sardinia where she was successfully re-rigged in difficult conditions. For the rather complex circumstances of the commissioning of these ten drawings, and Pocock's related letters, see PAF5871, ' View of St Eustatius with the "Boreas" '. Signed by artist and dated, lower right.
Nicholas Pocock

Original size: 175 mm x 251 mm