The British fleet, under Admiral Duncan, had been gradually building
up their fleet in the blockade of Texel.  The object of the blockade was
Vice Admiral de Winter's Dutch fleet.  By early October, Duncan had
24 ships including 7-74's and 7-64's.  On  October 11, 1797, the Dutch
fleet was sighted consisting of 25 ships including 4-74's and 7-64's.

    The Dutch fleet, planning on an encounter with Duncan, was to 
rendezvous near Camperdown.  Both fleets formed their lines and,
at about 12:30pm, Vice Admiral Onslow, on the Monarch (74), cut 
through the Dutch line.  About 20 minutes later Duncan, on the Vener-
able (74), cut through the line to the stern of the Staten-Generaal (74)
raking it considerably, and pulling up on the lee side of de Winter's 
flagship, the Vryheid (74).  All ships became engaged, the Venerable
being subjected to severe fire.  The Venerable hauled off, but the 
Triumph, having caused the Wassenaer to strike, finished off the 
Vryheid, who then struck its colors. This brought the action to a close.

      The British captured 11 ships, including 2-74's and suffered 220
killed and 812 wounded.  The Dutch suffered 540 killed and 620
wounded.

      This painting depicts the action just as Admiral Duncan in the 
Venerable has come along side the Vryheid.

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