The death of Major Peirson in the battle of Jersey

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The death of Major Peirson in the battle of Jersey. Engraving by A Kessler after JS Copley. "This picture celebrates the British defence of Jersey against French invasion in 1781 and also pays tribute to a young Major, Francis Peirson, who lost his life in the process. Originally a part of France, the island of Jersey had been in the possession of the English since 1066. On the night of 5–6 January 1781 a small army of French soldiers landed on the island and marched on the capital, St Helier. They captured the Governor, Moses Corbet, and forced him to sign a document of surrender. However, the British garrison and the Jersey militia launched a counter-attack, led by Major Peirson, during the course of which Peirson was killed by a French sniper. Almost immediately, Peirson's black servant, Pompey, turned on the sniper and shot him dead. A battle ensued in Royal Square and the French were defeated." – Tate website, 2017. Created 1800. Death. Battles. Saint Helier (Jersey). Jersey – History. Francis Peirson (1757–1781). Contributors: John Singleton Copley (1738–1815); Aloys Kessler (1777–1820). Work ID: euh8y2n8.

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