View of the Town of Ferrol with English Troops Disembarking on Doniños Beach

This engraving depicts the Battle of Brión, which took place between British and Spanish troops during the Anglo-Spanish war, which Spain started as an ally of France in 1796, against the English.

The English planned to attack the Spanish fleet at one of its most important enclaves: the dockyard at Ferrol, where its ships of the line and warships were anchored. The destruction of its fleet and the dockyard would have been a serious setback for Spain. The battle was played out at various points near Ferrol, including Doñinos beach, where the English disembarked. This is depicted in the top-left corner of this painting, together with the troops already deployed on the ground, while the Spanish lines can be seen on the right. The Spanish won the battle thanks to their tenacity and endurance, as well as the strategic successes of Lieutenant General Juan Joaquín Moreno. This was coupled with poor judgement by the English, who had hoped in vain for a swift battle.

The frigate "Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes" took part in this battle, along with other vessels that included the ships of the line "San Hermenegildo," "Real Carlos," and "San Antonio"; the frigates "Asunción" and "Clara"; and the brigantine "Palomo."