Arethusa at Carrick Roads - John Christian

HMS Arethusa was a 38-gun Minerva-class fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy built at Bristol in 1781.

She lies in Carrick Roads at anchor in showery weather, awaiting the latest installment of prize money from the Admiralty.  Captain Edward Pellew had told this news to his crew two days earlier and received three cheers. The 19th of November 1795 was very timely before Christmas for the crew as they breathed the air of their beloved Cornwall. 

Known as “Harry Thusers”  Pellew's faithful crew was made up of Cornish miners who had shaped up well as sailors and stayed with him through many commands.   His next command was to be the Indefatigable, a Razee frigate that would need extra crew, so the Cornish tribe was about to become larger and more diverse. 

Original watercolour on paper signed lower right.

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