“Evacuation of Billingspot” By Charles Waterhouse

Description

Special Order

“Evacuation of Billingsport, 2 October 1777”
Print depicts Continental Marines in a landing boat covering the evacuation of the fort at Billingsport, New Jersey.

40% of the purchase price from this print directly benefits the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, with particular attention given to those whose parent has been killed or wounded in combat, or who have demonstrated financial need.

• Measures 16″ x 21″
• Printed on archival quality paper

“Marines were not strangers to action on the rivers. They started early during the days of the Revolutionary War, as typified by this action on the Delaware.

A landing party of Continental Marines from the brig Andrew Doria cover the evacuation of the garrison of the Fort at Billingsport, New Jersey, under fire of advancing British troops, 2 October 1777.

The reaction when the artist pointed out that the barrel carried by the Marine contains rum, proved that colonels and generals rarely have a sense of humor. Months later a renowned historian was called in for a last minute check for historical accuracy before the panels were sent to the engraver. When he got to this subject, he turned with a grin and said, “He’s got the rum barrel!” “Oh,” I said, “You heard about my attempt at humor.” “No,” he said, “it must be the rum barrel. The black bands around it denote iron, and since iron and powder don’t mix because of the possibility of sparks, that is definitely the rum barrel.” A quick dab of brown paint settled the matter for good. But, as all Marines know, powder can be replaced.”

– Excerpt from Marines and Others: The Paintings of Colonel Charles Waterhouse USMCR (Ret)