The battle scene consists of four ships in a calm sea, with billowing smoke and holed sails. The two larger vessels are flying French flags and the two smaller ones, British flags. Far in the distance can be seen the sails of many other vessels, probably the merchant convoy which the British vessels, Arrow and Acheron (starboard broadside views), were protecting on their passage from Malta to England when attacked by the French L’Hortense and L’Incorruptible (port stern views) on 4th February 1805 off Cape Palos, Spain. The Arrow surrendered but sank later that day, the crew being saved by the L’Incorruptible. The badly damaged Acheron was captured by the French and burnt. Three of the merchant vessels were also captured.