This engraving is after a painting by Thomas Birch, now held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (1978.159), which documents the first great American naval victory of the War of 1812, the defeat of the British ‘Guerriere’ by the USS ‘Consitution’ on 19 August 1812 off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The ‘Guerriere’ is shown broadside in the foreground of the picture with her fore and mainmasts collapsed. To her left is the ‘Constitution’ depicted starboard-quarter. The painting was Birch’s first War of 1812 subject.

At the bottom centre of the print is a small vignette of Captain Hull, with the Latin phrase ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’ (‘I came, I saw, I conquered’) above him.

Inscribed: 'THIS REPRESENTATION OF THE U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, ISAAC HULL, ESQR. COMMANDER, CAPTURING HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY’S FRIGATE GUERRIERE, JAMES R. DACRES, ESQR. COMMANDER;
Is respectfully inscribed to Capt Isaac Hull, his Officers and Gallant Crew; by their devoted humble Servant, James Webster.

Lat. 41, 42 N. Lon. 55, 48 W. Thursday Aug. 19, fresh breeze from N.W. and cloudy, at 2 P.M. discovered a vessel to the Southward, made all sail in chase; at half past 3, made out the chase to be a frigate; at 5 the chase hoisted three English ensigns; at 5 minutes past 5, the enemy commenced firing; at 20 minutes past 5, set our colors, one at each mast head & one at the mizen peak, and began firing on the enemy, and continued to fire occasionally, he wearing very often, and we manoeuvring to close with him, and avoid being raked; at 6, set the main top gallant sail, the enemy having bore up; at 5 minutes past 6, brought the enemy to close action, standing before the wind; at 15 minutes past 6, the enemy’s mizen mast fell over on the starboard side; at 20 minutes past 6, finding we were drawing ahead of the enemy, luffed short round his bows to rake him; at 25 minutes past 6, the enemy fell on board of us, his bowsprit foul of our mizen rigging. We prepared to board but immediately after his fore & main mast went by the board, & it was deemed unnecessary. At 30 minutes past 6, shot ahead of the Enemy when the firing ceased, on both sides; he making the signal of submission, by firing a gun to leeward. Entered according to Act of Congress the 18th day of August 1813 by James Webster of the State of Pennsylvania.'