Published in the November 13, 1952 Issue of "The Sphere", Il. pg 18-19 in"A Chapter from Maritime History, When Paul Jones Harried Our Shores"
During his long career Montague Dawson created many illustrative works, both as an official war artist and for publications like Britain’s “The Sphere” magazine, published between 1900-1964. Most Dawson painted in the classical grisaille technique; using shades of grey to create tremendous depth and dimensionality. This exciting battle scene was created for such an article, detailing the exploits of American Revolutionary War Hero Captain John Paul Jones along England’s coast.
Vowing to take the war to England directly, Jones said he would show the English that “Not all their boasted navy can protect their own coasts and that the scenes of distress which they have occasioned in America may soon be brought home to their own door.”
Jones had seen success defending America’s coasts earlier in the war, and by November of 1777 he was given command of the newly launched Sloop of War U.S.S. RANGER and free reign to cross the Atlantic and make good his promise. He raised the first Union flag on the ship and sailed for Brest, where the French fleet was the first to salute America’s new flag in a foreign port.
Sailing for England, RANGER’s crew made two successful clandestine raids in the ports of Whitehaven and St. Mary’s Isle, but all along Jones had his mind on a ship off Ireland. Jones had learned from captured sailors that the English sloop H.M.S. DRAKE was anchored off Carrickfergus, and so sailed across the Irish channel, eager to finally engage the British Navy directly.
Late in the afternoon of April 24, 1778, DRAKE sailed out of Carrickfergus harbor along with several smaller craft loaded with townsfolk eager to see the upstart Americans defeated. Jones waited for the DRAKE to come within hailing distance and when the DRAKE’s captain demanded he identify himself Jones replied, “The American Ship RANGER! We wait for you, and desire that you come on. The sun is now little more than an hour from setting, it is time to begin!”
The ships were roughly equals in firepower but one hour later DRAKE’s rigging was shot to pieces, the fore and main topsail yards were both cut away, topgallant yard and mizzen gaff left hanging, and the masts and hull were badly damaged.
It is this critical point in the combat which Dawson has illustrated here, and that the magazine featured as the article’s main image, spread large across two pages. Both ships are fully engaged- with bright cannon flash and thick powder smoke, waves breaking across their hulls. Men fly among the rigging, trying to maneuver each ship to best firing position, while others man cannon and rail guns, firing at will. Bold tones and deep contrast create an electrifying depiction of the pitched battle, set against the fading daylight.
Jones won decisively. DRAKE’s captain and lieutenant were killed in the fighting, and her remaining officer had to strike her colors soon after. By the end, 42 of the DRAKE’s crew were dead or wounded, compared to only eight on the RANGER. Patching up the ships Jones sailed on, eventually returning to France with the captured ship and 200 English prisoners.
RANGER’s capture of DRAKE was one of the Continental Navy’s few significant military victories during the Revolution, and was of immense symbolic importance, demonstrating to the world that the mighty British Navy was not invincible. RANGER’s victory became an important symbol of the American spirit and served as an inspiration for the permanent establishment of the United States Navy after the Revolution.
Dawson was an accomplished painter of battle scenes, which are consistently among his most desirable and valuable works. This painting combines tremendous historical significance with excellent artistic execution and confirmed publication; a jewel for the collector or anyone with a love of American history.
Includes an original copy of “The Sphere” in which the article appeared, and which features other Dawson illustrations for the article.