The 'Vanguard' disabled and in tow by the 'Alexander' (Capt Ball), 22 May 1798 RMG PW5876

The 'Vanguard' disabled and in tow by the 'Alexander' (Capt Ball), 22 May 1798
The fourth, but fifth in order of events, in a series of ten drawings (PAF5871–PAF5874, PAF5876, PAF5880-PAF5881 and PAF5883–PAF5885) of mainly lesser-known incidents in Nelson's career, apparently intended for a set of engravings. Pocock's own numbered description of the subject in a letter of 2 June 1810 (see below) is: '4. Storm the "Agamemnon" [sic, in error: it is 'Vanguard'] having lost her Main and Mizen topmasts is saved from being lost on a lee shore – by the exertions of Capt Ball of the "Alexander" who towed her Clear at the Imminent peril of both floundering [sic].' This incident occurred at the start of the chase of the French that ended with the Battle of the Nile, when Nelson's 'Vanguard' (Capt Edward Berry) was dismasted by carrying too much canvas in a gale in the Gulf of Lions and only saved from loss by being taken in tow by Alexander Ball's 'Alexander'. 'Vanguard' subsequently reached Oristano Bay in southern Sardinia where she was successfully re-rigged in difficult conditions. For the rather complex circumstances of the commissioning of these ten drawings, and Pocock's related letters, see ' View of St Eustatius with the "Boreas"' (PAF5871). Signed by artist and dated in the lower right. Exhibited: NMM Pocock exhib. (1975) no. 48. It was shown with PAF5877 (as no.49) which is probably an unfinished copy, rather than a preliminary version, by Pocock's son William Innes Pocock.