On 2 December, 1793, the West Indiaman 'Antelope', armed with six three-pounder guns, and with a depleted crew estimated to number about 21, fought and captured the French privateer 'Atalante' of eight guns, which had been fitted out at Charleston, South Carolina, and had a crew of 65 men, many of whom were Americans. The action took place off Cumberland Harbour, near Cuba. 'Antelope' was sailing without Captain Kempthorne, who had remained in Falmouth because of illness. She lost her master, Edward Curtis, who was killed during the action. Elmes has depicted the 'Antelope', on the right, from her stern quarter in broadside combat with 'Atalante'. The action is recorded in "The Royal Navy, a history" by William Laird Clowes (vol IV, p. 482).

Hand-coloured aquatint by William Elmes.