General Sir Ralph Abercromby
A commemorative reverse painted glass picture “Genl Sir Ralph Abercromby KB Releiving a Sick Soldier and Family”. Published by Hinton Nov 22nd 1802. Within a period, correct ‘Hogarth’ frame.
12 5/8 in x 16 5/ in
Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby was an officer in the British Army, politician and colonial administrator. He rose to the rank of lieutenant general and served as the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland. In 1797 he served as governor of Trinidad. Abercromby was noted for his military service during the French Revolutionary Wars, which included defeating the French invasion of Egypt and Syria. His strategies are ranked amongst the most daring and brilliant exploits of the British army.
Abercromby commanded the expedition to the Mediterranean in 1800. Having driven the French inland following his landing at Aboukir, he then defeated the French counter-attack at Alexandria; March 1801. It was during this battle that Abercromby took a musket ball to the thigh. Not until the battle was won did he allow himself to be relieved of his command in order to receive medical treatment. To cheers and the blessings of his soldiers, he was taken to the flagship HMS Foudroyant, moored in the harbour. The offending musket ball could not be extracted and seven days later, on the 28th March 1801, Abercromby died.
