Recto: drawing with watercolour of a cat and a small dog in landscape, an entrance
with classical urns beyond. Verso: verse in Pocock’s handwriting addressed to ‘the Lady of Chard (or Chart’), inscribed and dated ‘drawn by Captain Nicholas Pocock/ …mber 1779’. This small piece of ephemera provides insight into Nicholas Pocock’s character and social connections, although we do not know the true identity of the recipient. It also demonstrates Pocock’s command of language and it is significant that in 1779 he describes himself as ‘Captain’. At this time Pocock was beginning to consider leaving the sea to become a professional artist.