“Flag Raising at New Providence” By Waterhouse

Description

Special Order

“The First Flag at New Providence, 28 January 1778”
Print depicts Continental Marines under the command of Captain John Trevett raising the flag over the main fort of the island of New Providence.

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 have long been associated with flags and flag raising all over the world. But the very first time the Betsy Ross-type flag flew over enemy soil was when Captain Trevett and 26 Marines from the sloop Providence stole ashore in the dead of the night in the second Marine invasion of Nassau.

They made their way through a hole in the palisade to overpower the guards, and proceeded to secure the fort. At dawn Trevett ordered the stars and stripes run up as a signal that the fort had changed hands – and as a warning to any ships that of they attempted to lift anchor, they risked being blown out of the water. The captain also announced to the amazed townspeople that he had 300 Marines in the fort, and they were hungry. Rum and provisions for his men were forthcoming; and a good deal was consumed before they made off with the ships in the harbor with much booty.

This print shows some Marines sorting and measuring cannon balls to fit a variety of cannon – of all calibers and vintages – replacing the losses of the raid of ’76.”

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