Three East India Company Ships and a French Squadron, 9 March 1757.

Three East India Company Ships and a French Squadron, 9 March 1757. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: Bhc0379

Description: The armed merchantmen of the East India Company's fleet were usually no match for regular warships. In March 1757, the 'Godolphin', 'Houghton' and 'Suffolk' fought near the Cape of Good Hope against a French ship of the line, of 74 guns, and a 26-gun frigate. The French were beaten off, the larger ship losing her main top mast.

Creator: Lawson Dunn

Date: 18th century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London