The battle of Alexandria: Sir Ralph Abercromby (Abercrombie) is wounded in the thigh. Mezzotint by P. Dawe, 180-, after R. Pollard.

  • Pollard, Robert, 1755-1838.
Date:
1800-1809
Reference:
547646i
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Description

In this depiction Abercromby, having been wounded in the thigh by a musket ball at the Battle of Alexandria, falls backwards (presumably fainting) while mounted on his horse and is supported by fellow officers. "Either because of his not inconsiderable courage, his severe short-sightedness, or both he had strayed dangerously close to the enemy. In the poor light he only narrowly escaped capture by a French dragoon and, not long afterwards, was struck by a musket ball in the thigh and was evacuated to the fleet's flagship, HMS Foudroyant. Even then his concern for the well-being and efficiency of the rank and file shone forth; he insisted that a soldier's blanket that had been fashioned into a pillow for him by an aide should be returned to its rightful owner at once. After rallying a little he faltered, and finally succumbed to septicaemia at 11 p.m. on 28 March 1801 [in Malta]." (Oxford dictionary of national biography)

Publication/Creation

1800-1809

Physical description

1 print : mezzotint ; image 49.7 x 65.3 cm

Lettering

To the officers of the army and navy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland &c. &c. this print commemorating the victory of the British troops over the French army of Egypt on the 21st of March 1801. And as a token of gratitude to the memory of those who bravely fell in the action and in particular to the gallant chief Sir Ralph Abercromby - who regardless of the agony of a wound received earlier in the conflict which proved mortal zealously continued the command defeating a desperate enemy till at the moment of victory he sunk exhausted on the field of battle. Is most respectfully inscribed by their obedient servant Robert Pollard. R. Pollard delin.t P. Dawe sculp.t

Reference

Wellcome Collection 547646i

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