W. Fraser (19th Century) Portrait of John McArthur Signed and inscribed on board verso John...

W. Fraser (19th Century)

Portrait of John McArthur

Signed and inscribed on board verso John McArthur - LL.D. Author of Naval Courts Martials, Life of Lord Nelson, (Amelia Lady Halkett's maternal grandfather)

Watercolour

27.5 x 24cm; 10¾ x 9½in

John McArthur joined the Navy in 1778 and was involved as a ship's purser during the American Revolutionary War off Le Havre in 1779. He became secretary to Lord Hood, First Sea Lord in 1791 and was involved in the remodelling of the new code of signals. In 1793 he also became purser on HMS Victory and his duties were widespread under Hood who was by now commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean. McArthur was later offered the position of secretary to Lord Nelson but declined, enabling him to concentrate of writing