This lithograph depicts the French brig Palinure in action with the British brig Carnation off Martinique on 3rd October 1808. Both ships are seen in port broadside view, on port tacks, Palinure slightly to windward of Carnation. The crews swarm on the decks. On Palinure, they have climbed the bowsprit in readiness to board Carnation, while on Carnation they are ranged at the rails firing hand weapons to repel the French boarding party. Eventually Palinure succeeded in taking Carnation, although they later burnt her to prevent recapture in February 1809.