This print depicts a view of the Agamemnon, a second-rate ship of the line, while laying a telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean. The paying-out machinery used to lay the cable is visible on a temporary structure that has been added to the ship. A fender encircles the stern to prevent the cable from becoming entangled with the ship's propeller. Smoke can be seen pouring from the ship's funnel. A whale is crossing over the cable, and the ship's crew is gathered on the top deck to watch.