H.M. Ships Nemesis and Arrow bringing the Danish frigate Freja and her convoy into the Downs in July 1800

The campaign which culminated in Nelson's victory at the battle of Copenhagen in April 1801 traced its roots back to an unfortunate incident the previous year following which anti-British feeling in Denmark began to show itself. The cause was the stopping and detaining of a Danish merchant convoy in the Channel on 25th July 1800 by a British squadron including the frigates Nemesis and Arrow. The convoy was under escort by the Danish frigate Freja when the affray began and, after a brief exchange of fire, Freja struck her colours and surrendered. The British frigates escorted both her and the convoy into the anchorage at the Downs where they were held for about a month before being released.

Although based upon a real incident in Anglo-Danish history, the artist seems to have painted his personal version of the event with scant regard to the historical facts. It is nevertheless an attractive work and typical of Clarkson Stanfield's 'broad brush' approach to his subjects.