HMS Swift off Governor's Island, Boston, USA - 1778 - Roy Cross RSMA

An Historic Encounter

Original painting - acrylic on board.

Size 14 x 20 inches, signed lower right.

This brigantine was a light-displacement American-built armed vessel, purchased from Samuel Kemble in 1778 and taken into the Royal Navy.  Considered to be 'over-hatted' her rig was reduced for Navy service, with a crew of 30 and armed with six 3-pounder cannon.  A fast sailor with fine lines, she was reported to be "well-built and well-finished".

After a chequered career, she was finally taken in 1782 by two French frigates in the West Indies.

Detailed lines and sail plan were taken off at Deptford upon which this impression is based, plus a fine model in the Smithsonian Museum.