The drawing depicts the American frigate Philadelphia in starboard bow view, in the right-hand foreground. She is listing to starboard, while aground off Tripoli, and under attack by small local sailing ships. The foremast of the Philadelphia appears to have sheared off and be floating on the starboard side while the rigging trails over the side of the ship. Most sails are furled (perhaps removed) and several sailors are on the yards working with the remainder, while a gesticulating figure stands in the crow’s nest. A stern cannon fires at the lateen-rigged vessels of Pasha Yusef approaching the stern of the Philadelphia. On the far left of the picture is an outline depiction of Tripoli harbour with fortifying wall and domed buildings.

The stranding of the Philadelphia occurred after chasing a pirate ship in late October 1803 during the First Barbary War (1801-1805). In an effort to prevent the frigate falling into the hands of Pasha Yusef’s forces the crew threw cannon and supplies over board and then holed the hull so she sank. However, the Pasha’s forces captured the crew and then raised the hull, taking it into the harbour at Tripoli. Subsequently, in 1804, American sailors entered Tripoli harbour and burnt the Philadelphia so that she could not be used by the Pasha.