H.M.S. PICKLE - BRINGER OF NEWS
by Richard Grenville
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After the Battle of Trafalgar on the 21st of October 1805 Admiral Cuthbert
Collingwood now in command of the ships that fought the battle and their
prizes sent Lieutenant John Lapenotièr to carry the dispatches
aboard H.M.S. Pickle back to the citizens of England who eagerly waited
word of what had occurred. Leaving on the 26th of October after the great
storm that followed the battle the little schooner would endure more rough
weather and gales in the nine days it took to reach Falmouth. Taking in
water the men had to constantly man the pumps to keep her from being swamped
and had to throw overboard four carronades to lighten the vessel. Flying
her ensign at half mast she had to avoid contact with any enemy ship to
ensure the safe arrival of the dispatches entrusted to her. Leaving her
at Falmouth on the morning of the 4th of November Lieutenant Lapenotièr
completed the rest of the journey by post-chaise coach as the wind was
against H.M.S. Pickle in the English Channel. At 1am on the 6th of November
he arrived outside the Admiralty, where Lord Barham the First Lord was
woken to receive the news. The nation was rightly proud and relieved to
hear of the outstanding victory but heartbroken at the death of their
hero Lord Nelson. Lapenotièr was promoted to Commander and was
later received by King George III and Queen Charlotte. Released as a very limited edition fine art print of just 200, each signed and numbered by the artist complete with a full certificate of authenticity. The image size is 40cm by 29cm Signed and Numbered print £75 inc vat (£63.83 +vat) If you have arrived at this page through a ‘backdoor’ you will have nowhere to go. Please click here to go to our HOME page www.oliversart.com
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