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<p>On the 7th June 1781, 15 miles South East of Long Island the French Frigate "Hermione" was intercepted by the British Frigate "Iris" patrolling the local waters.</p>
<p>Before overhauling the Hermione, the Iris fired a heated shot from her bow chaser to slow the enemy frigate. This is the position both vessels are depicted in the painting.</p>
<p>After an hour and a half of canon and musket exchanges the action was broken off and both vessels were left to lick their wounds.</p>
<p>The British were well aware of the Hermione, as she had played a part in breaking a blockage of the British fleet at Chesapeake Bay, delivering funds and reinforcements to Washingtons' Army--a contributory act to the eventual surrender of the British at Yorktown.</p>
<p>Before overhauling the Hermione, the Iris fired a heated shot from her bow chaser to slow the enemy frigate. This is the position both vessels are depicted in the painting.</p>
<p>After an hour and a half of canon and musket exchanges the action was broken off and both vessels were left to lick their wounds.</p>
<p>The British were well aware of the Hermione, as she had played a part in breaking a blockage of the British fleet at Chesapeake Bay, delivering funds and reinforcements to Washingtons' Army--a contributory act to the eventual surrender of the British at Yorktown.</p>
