A 10x8 negative. A slightly distant port near broadside view, taken from only just abaft the beam, of the 3 masted ship rigged general cargo vessel Hesperus (1873) at moorings in Gravesend Reach, River Thames. She is rigged with double topsails on all three masts, double topgallants on the fore and main masts, a single topgallant on the mizzen mast and single royals on all three masts. She has painted ports and is loaded almost down to her marks. She is flying the blue peter and men are on the mooring buoy preparing to cast off. A twin funnelled Watkins paddle tug is standing by to take the bow line of the Hesperus (1873). Tilbury is in the background.