A Royal Naval frigate heaving-to upon her arrival at Spithead

Admiral Sir (Thomas) Bladen Capel, G.C.B. (1776-1853), the youngest son of the 4th Earl of Essex, joined the Navy as a Captain's Servant in 1782, was made Midshipman in 1793 and promoted Lieutenant in April 1797. Appointed to Nelson's flagship Vanguard in April 1798, he was given his own ship - the 16-gun brig Mutine - in recognition of his services as Signal Lieut. at the battle of the Nile and had the honour of carrying home the despatches whilst the fleet went on to Naples. Made Captain in December 1798, he was given command of the frigate Phoebe in 1802 and was with her at Trafalgar. Later taking part in Duckworth's famous 'Forcing of the Dardanelles' in 1807 and then the Anglo-American War of 1812-14, he subsequently commanded the royal yacht Royal George from 1821-25 when he was promoted Rear-Admiral. Serving as C.-in-C., East Indies, from 1834-37, he was made Admiral in 1847 and thereafter C.-in-C., Portsmouth, in 1848. Clearly a talented watercolour painter judging from the lot offered in this catalogue, this highly distinguished naval officer was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (G.C.B.) in 1852 and died at his London home the following year.