Watercolors of maritime subjects are relatively rare by Gleason. The vessel depicted is unidentified, except for the blue swallowtail house flag bearing a white diamond in its center worn at the mainmast. This identifies her owners as the New England Oyster Company of Boston. Obviously not an oystering vessel, this ship is likely engaged in transporting harvested oysters to markets in various ports.

The vessel is shown in a perspective from leeward showing a port profile view from slightly forward. The ship carries a split topsail rig with a main royal. All sails are up and drawing and the American ensign is flying from the mizzen. A second, similar, vessel is shown on the far horizon astern of the subject vessel.