[STRACHAN'S ACTION, NOVEMBER 1805.]

Sir Richard J. Strachan's action with the French, off Rochefort: November 2 1805, in which the four French ships were taken.

London, Laurie & Whittle, 12 December 1805. 245 x 305 mm, colour-printed aquatint, with some hand-colouring; a few minor repairs on verso. This plan celebrating Strachan’s action was published soon after news of the battle had reached England and before that of the British victory at Trafalgar had been announced. It depicts, with a numbered key, Strachan’s four British warships fighting the four French ships of the line, commanded by Dumanoir, which had managed to escape Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar, as well as their accompanying frigates. Having pursued Dumanoir for two days across the Bay of Biscay, Strachan defeated the French off Rochefort, seizing all four French warships. The publishers proudly announce this victory ‘as decisive, in every respect, and as glorious to its extent as any which has ever been achieved by British skill and gallantry. There have been few instances in which the antagonists have been so well matched . . . . The action commenced about noon and at half past three it ceased, the enemy having fought to admiration, & not surrendering till their ships were unmanageable’.‘By the promotion of 9 November 1805 Strachan became a rear-admiral. On 28 January 1806, when the thanks of both houses of parliament were voted to Collingwood and those engaged at Trafalgar, Strachan and his command were specially included, and a pension of £1000 a year was settled on him. On 29 January he was nominated KCB; the City of London also voted him its freedom and a sword of honour’ (Oxford DNB).

• GBP 595.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: T2905

• bookseller: Bernard Quaritch Ltd. (GREAT BRITAIN)