The Rattlesnake - Roger Desoutter RSMA

Designed by John Peck of Boston, Massachusetts, Rattlesnake was probably built at Plymouth in 1780.  She was on her first cruise and, seemingly, barely at sea when she encountered HM Frigate Assurance, 44 guns (Captain W. Swiney). Rattlesnake was captured and sent into New York, arriving on the evening of 8 July 1781. The British reported her as armed with twenty guns, 5 probably 6-pounders.

Rattlesnake was purchased into the Royal Navy at New York on 28 July 1781 as HM Sloop Cormorant. She was described as “New” and measured 200 tons. In British service she was armed with eighteen guns and had a crew of 125 men.

Original oil on canvas signed lower right.

Canvas size 20 x 30 inches (51cm x 76cm)

In a fine hand-finished silver-gilt frame 

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