Hand-coloured aquatint depicting 'Guerriere' completely dismasted and on fire after her battle with USS Constitution in the War of 1812. 'Constitution' stands proudly on the left, with no or little apparent damage, while ships boats carrying crew, possibly saved from 'Guerriere', surround her on all sides. The battle was crucial to American morale, the US ship having emerged as victor over the might of Britain's Royal Navy. 'Constitution' became the subject of public adoration and she earned the nickname 'Old Ironsides' after shot from 'Guerriere' rebounded harmlessly off her iron-clad hull.

The prints is inscribed: "BRILLIANT NAVAL VICTORY, with the U. States Frigate Constitution of 44 Guns, Capn. Hull, & the English Frigate Guerriere of 38 Guns, Capn. Dacres, in which action Capn. Hull lost 7 men killed, & 7 wounded, & his B. M.s Ship was sunk; besides her loss of 15 men killed, 62 wounded, & 24 missing; August 20, 1812. After closing, the action was 30 minu.s."