2-889-338 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

French Fleet in Torbay, [Devon], 1850. The French fleet, under the command of Vice-Admiral Deschenes '...had been detained at Cherbourg by the weather; and, when ordered to sea, hesitated to take the eastern passage, on account, as they alleged, of shoal water. Their line, as they stretched across the bay...presented a magnificent spectacle...A great number of persons visited the ships, and the bay presented a most animated appearance...Commander Storey, the inspecting commander of the coast guard at Torquay...deemed it his duty to...discover the reason of their visit. He was informed that stress of weather obliged them to seek shelter...the gallant commander was determined to watch their movements...The Sketch shows the fleet just under weigh, making for Berry Head. The small island in the foreground is the "Thatcher Rock," and Brixham is shown on the extreme right'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.