'Chelsea Volunteer', 'Prime & Load 4th priming motion', 1798(c)

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, 7 August 1798.

Plate 'No. 35' of the Infantry section. A member of the Chelsea Volunteers demonstrates the prime and load 4th priming motion (Front Rank).

Inscribed drill instruction, 'When the Cartridge is opened, the hand is brought to the Pan which by a couple of shakes is filled'.

Like their counterparts in the Militia and Yeomanry, the Volunteers (raised in 1794), were formed to defend Britain from invasion during the wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France. However, their main role was to maintain internal order during an era of political and social unrest.