A hand-coloured aquatint depicting the three-hour battle between 'Constitution', the US frigate, and 'Java', its British opponent, having sustained considerable damage about two hours into the battle. 'Java' was out-matched by 'Constitution's' highly experienced crew and the weight of her broadside. This single-ship combat, which took place on 29 December, 1812, was part of the War of 1812 in which the US had declared war on Britain as a result of, among other things, trade restrictions brought about by the British war with France, and the impressment of as many as 10,000 American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy.

This is the second in a series of three prints illustrating the capture of the ‘Java’ by the ‘Constitution’. Both ships are shown port bow, engaging in cannon fire. The ‘Constitution’ (left) is relatively intact with damage to her sails. The ‘Java’ (right) has lost both her fore and mizzen masts; the mainmast is erect with the main yard in the process of breaking in half.

The print is inscribed: "Plate 2nd. The Java as she appeared at 35 min. past 4pm after having sustained several raking broadsides from the Constitution whilst closely engaging her, until she became a perfect Wreck, the Main Mast alone standing, the Rigging shot to pieces, and the Main Yard gone in the Slings. The Constitution making sail and getting out of gun shot."