File:Ushant, 1794 RCIN 735024.a.jpg

English: This point of Time represents the Queen after having led the Van along the whole of the Enemys Line to leeward being so much disabled in her Sails & Rigging, and at some distance from the body of the British Fleet, that the French Van bore up in a formal Line with the intent to cut her off; which was prevented by the Royal Sovereign leading the Van of the British down to her Assistance which caused the French to ware and bear away to leeward. [The names of the ships are engraved along the bottom edge of the view.

L-R: La Montange (Montagne), Queen Charlotte, Queen.

A view of the British fleet, commanded by Admiral Earl Howe, in action with the French fleet on 29 May 1794. French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802): War of the First Coalition (1792-8).

This view shows a preliminary action which led, two days later, to the engagement known as the 'Battle of the Glorious First of June'. The French fleet of twenty-five sail of the line and fifteen frigates had sailed out of Brest in order to bring in homeward bound merchant ships. The fleet was discovered by the British on 28 May and battle was given on the 29th. The action was interrupted by fog and battle was not re-engaged until 1 June when the British fleet prevailed and captured seven vessels.

The companion print is at RCIN 735024.b, and the index or key plate to both views is at RCIN 735024.c.

Painted by R. Dodd.

Published by R. Dodd Lisson Green & B. B. Evans Poultry Jan.y 1 1795.

Richard Howe, Earl Howe (1726-99) (dedicatee)

George III catalogue entry: Naval Engagement View of H.M. Fleet commanded by Admiral Earl Howe gaining the wind of the Enemy’s Fleet on the evening of the 29.th of May 1794, which led to the victory of the 1.st of June following; followed by the title of the companion print at RCIN 735024.b.

To Admiral Earl Howe Commander in Chief; Admirals Lord Graves and Lord Bridport, Commanders in the Van and the Rear The Vice Admirals, Sir George Bowyer Bar.t Benj.n Caldwell Esqr Sir Allen Gardner Bar.t and Rear Admiral / Sir Thomas Pasley Bart The several Captains and Officers; This View of their gaining the Wind of the Enemy’s Fleet on the Evening of the 29th of May 1794 which led to their Splendid Victory on the 1st of June following Is most respectfully Inscribed / By their Obedient Servants R Dodd & B B Evans

Naval Engagement View of H.M. Fleet commanded by Admiral Earl Howe gaining the wind of the Enemy’s Fleet on the evening of the 29.th of May 1794, which led to the victory of the 1.st of June following [followed by the title of the companion print at RCIN 735024.b].