On 5 February 1794, Sir John Jervis and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey, arrived at Martinique and by 20th March the whole island, with the exception of Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal, had submitted. Jervis ordered the 'Asia', 64 guns and the 'Zebra' sloop to storm Fort Louis, the chief defence of Fort Royal. The 'Asia' was unable to reach her position, and so Commander Faulknor of the 'Zebra' volunteered to attempt to capture it alone. He ran his sloop close under the walls notwithstanding a very heavy fire, jumped overboard and followed by his ship's company, stormed and captured the fort. Meanwhile the boats captured Fort Royal and two days later Fort Bourbon capitulated.

The painting shows the beach, with the fort beyond on the right, where a ship's barge has run ashore. Commander Faulknor is shown leading his men up the beach towards the fort, which is shrouded with gunsmoke. To the left of the fort and close under its walls is the 'Zebra' in port-bow view, engaging to port. On the left of the picture another ship's boat is making for the shore, firing a swivel-gun from her bow. Beyond her are other boats heading for the beach and in the background is the 'Asia', starboard-bow view. The Scottish born artist was heavily influenced by 17th century Dutch marine artists. He is best known for his works in this style although he also produced larger history paintings such as the above.