HMS 'Mediator' Engaging French and American Vessels, 11–12 December 1782

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

On the night of 11–12 December 1782, the British ship ‘Mediator’, commanded by Captain the Honourable James Luttrell, was waiting off Ferrol to intercept an American frigate lying there. He found a squadron of five of the enemy's vessels, store ships and privateers, heavily armed and with an aggregate of over 600 men heading for Port au Prince. These formed a line of battle and presented a formidable appearance as the ‘Mediator’ faced them. Undaunted, Luttrell bore down on them, and in a close action cut off one of the largest, the ‘Alexander’, compelling her to surrender. She was an American privateer, laden with stores. The ‘Mediator’ subsequently captured the French ‘Eugène’ and ‘Ménagère’. The following day a desperate but unsuccessful attempt was made by his prisoner to set fire to the ‘Mediator’. The prizes were brought safely to England.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

HMS 'Mediator' Engaging French and American Vessels, 11–12 December 1782

Date

1783

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 45.7 x W 73.6 cm

Accession number

BHC0455

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue