The drawing shows the Alligator (1821) from its Port side, with a British ensign flying. Her topsails are furled. She is coming to anchor at Spithead. There is no indication of land in the image, but it must be nearby. There is a small vessel on the right, perhaps a pilot vessel. The deck is crowded with people.
On the left of the image is the Canopus (1798) viewed from its bow. To the right of Canopus is a smaller vessel, quite indisctinct. There are seagulls flying at the bottom LH of the image, and a barrel in the water at the bottom RH of the image.

Presented by Sir Bruce Ingram, O.B.E., M.C. in 1953.