'Deptford Volunteer', 'Slope Arms', 1798

Aquatint by and after Thomas Rowlandson, from a volume of 86 aquatints entitled, 'Loyal Volunteers of London & Environs', published by R Ackermann, 101 Strand, London, 1 July 1798.

Plate 'No 18' of the Infantry section. A member of the Deptford Volunteers demonstrates the slope arms position.

Inscribed drill instruction, 'At the word Arms, push the Firelock up towards the Shoulder as far as the guard will permit at the same time lowering the muzzle, without turning the butt'.

The Deptford Volunteers was one of many home service units raised during the Wars of the French Revolution (1792-1802) to meet the threat from invasion and possible popular unrest. Deptford, in north-western Kent, now part of Greater London, contributed a single company of infantry under the command of Captain William Limbrey and, in March 1798, a single troop of volunteer cavalry under Captain Goodhew.