'Boarding and taking the American ship Chesapeake, by the officers and crew of HM Ship Shannon, commanded by Capt Broke June 1813.'

Aquatint drawn by Heath, engraved by M Dubourg, published and sold July 1st 1816. From 'Historic, Military and Naval anecdotes, of personal valour, bravery and particular incidents which occurred to the armies of Great Britain, 1803-15, and her allies', published by Edward Orme, 1819.

The usual way of boarding a ship during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) involved the attackers leaping from the gunwale on to the enemy's deck. Grappling hooks and lines assisted in keeping the vessels side by side. British sailors and marines were keen to capture enemy ships rather than sink them as they would receive a share of the official prize money from the Admiralty.

The United States frigate 'Chesapeake' (1799) made one patrol and captured five British merchant ships during the War of 1812 (1812-1815). She was captured by the frigate HMS 'Shannon' shortly after sailing from Boston, Massachusetts, on 1 June 1813.