Toulon was the French navy's principal Mediterranean port; it was occupied by the British fleet, under the command of Admiral Lord Hood. Between September and December 1793 the French Revolutionary forces, to whom was attached Napoleon Bonaparte as a colonel of artillery, had surrounded the port. The British fleet, Sydney Smith (later Admiral Sir Sydney Smith) was ordered to burn as many French ships and stores as possible.

This view is taken from the entrance to the inner road; the bright explosion in the centre is a powder magazine. Beyond it, and to the right, the French navy and arsenal can be seen in flames. The fortification to the right of the harbour is Le Gros Tour and, to the left, Forts Balaguir and Auguilette. The rows of soldiers on the banks overlooking the harbour to the left are the French artillery.