A Fortuitous Meeting - John Christian

On August 25th, 1793, Captain Horatio Nelson, on HMS Agamemnon, was sent to Turin and Naples to inform British ministers of Vice Admiral Hood’s reliance on Spain and Sardinia to hold Toulon.

Along the way, he fell in with HMS Tartar and learned Hood needed troops as a republican army was approaching Toulon, fresh from the sack of Marseilles. Nelson’s charm, determination, and professionalism helped him to obtain Neapolitan troops under the recent alliance: with Sir William Hamilton’s support, he secured 4000 men before Hood’s official request reached Naples.

Original watercolour on paper signed lower right, mounted, and framed.

Image size: 15.5 x 11.5 inches
Mount size: 20 x 16 inches
Frame size: 23 x 19 inches