.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The 74-gun third rate ship of the line Mars was built in the Deptford docks and lauched on the 25th October 1794. She was initially assigned to the Channel Fleet, and on the 12th April 1798 sailed from St. Helens, Isle of Wight with the Admiral Lord Bridport's squadron bound for Brest. Nine days later, whilst cruising in company with H.M.S. Ramillies and two frigates, the crew sighted two French vessels and an enemy warship and gave chase. After three hours of pursuit Mars brought the 74-gun Hercule to action. The two opposing 74s swiftly became entangled because of fouled anchor cables, and they open fire on one another at 10:30 pm.
After a vicious engagement lasting two hours, Hercule could no longer withstand the attack and struck her colours shortly after midnight. The damage to both ships was substantial and loss of life was high, including that of the commander of the Mars, Captain Alexander Hood, a cousin to Lord Bridport. The damaged Hercule was taken back to Plymouth and repaired at a cost of £12,500, so extensive was the damage caused by the Mars' broadsides. She was eventully commissioned into the Royal Navy, retaining her original name.
After a vicious engagement lasting two hours, Hercule could no longer withstand the attack and struck her colours shortly after midnight. The damage to both ships was substantial and loss of life was high, including that of the commander of the Mars, Captain Alexander Hood, a cousin to Lord Bridport. The damaged Hercule was taken back to Plymouth and repaired at a cost of £12,500, so extensive was the damage caused by the Mars' broadsides. She was eventully commissioned into the Royal Navy, retaining her original name.