English: A view of the beginning of the action between HM cutter Entreprenante and four French privateers of Castle Ferro, 12 December 1810. Napoleonic Wars (1803-15). Proof copy.

The Entreprenante with eight 4-pounders and thirty-three men and boys, commanded by Lieutenant Peter Williams (active 1801-14), had been becalmed off the Spanish coast near Castle Ferro when she was attacked by four French privateers, together manned by 170 men and fifteen guns. After a battle lasting about four hours, the French retreated, heavily damaged, while the Entreprenante lost her topmast and had two guns disabled.

This view shows the Entreprenante, at about 11.00 am, firing at one of the largest of the privateers on her starboard bow (right side; to the left of this view). The view is dedicated to Charles Vinicombe Penrose (20 June 1759-1 January 1830; later Sir Charles, and Vice-Admiral), commodore for port duties at Gibraltar whither the Entreprenante returned following the action.

A manuscript note, bottom right of the recto, suggests that the view was engraved by R & D Havell. The source of this information is not known. This print is one of a pair, its companion is at RCIN 735156.b.

George III catalogue entry: Naval Engagement Two Views of the Action between H.M. Cutter Entreprenante, P. Williams Lieut. and Commander, and four French Privateers under the fire of Castle Ferro, between Malaga and Cape de Gatt, on the 12.th of Dec.r 1810: by J. Pringle, published by Andrews, 1812.