Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 89

(x) A finely-executed and attractive Portrait Miniature of Captain Hugh Cameron, Royal Navy, who was killed in action at Anse La Barque on 18 December 1809, during the campaign to capture Guadeloupe

An oval-shaped portrait miniature, oil on copper, 65mm x 95mm including frame, partial artists' signature at left, an officer in Naval uniform with gold lace edging, gold buttons and gold bullion epaulette on left shoulder, a Sultan's Gold Medal for Egypt prominently suspended from the left lapel, wearing a leopard-print style neckcloth, mounted in a gold-coloured frame, the reverse bearing a blue enamelled centre with the letters HC in gold, and an old paper label, somewhat distressed, inscribed in ink: Capt. Hugh Camero*, R,*, Shot at the Siege of Guadelupe, about extremely fine

Hugh Cameron had command of the 16-gun sloop H.M.S. Hazard during the invasion and capture of Guadeloupe. A brave and enterprising officer who had seen much service up to this point (including during the Egypt campaign), on 18 December 1809 a British squadron attacked two French ships (the Loire and Seine, variously described as 'frigates' or 'flutes') anchored at Anse la Barque and protected by batteries of artillery ashore. Notwithstanding a spirited defence, in fairly short order both French vessels had been dismasted and surrendered - though they were subsequently abandoned, caught fire, and blew up. The attack was under the overall command of Cameron and, after destroying the Loire and Seine, the British force next landed ashore to silence the batteries: this objective was also achieved but in the moment of victory the gallant captain was killed. The official report later compiled by Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane states: ...'Captain Cameron, of the Hazard, with the Boats of the Squadron, gallantly landed and stormed the Batteries, which were still annoying our Ships both with Cannon and Musketry, and in the Act of hauling down the Enemy's Colours, he fell by Swivel Shot. In him the Service has lost a brave and distinguished Officer, and who, with Lieutenant Jenkins, First of the Blonde, have left each a Widow and Family to lament their Loss.' (London Gazette, 3 February 1810, refers).

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£400 to £600

Starting price
£320