Edward Vernon
This miniature by an unknown artist portrays British Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy, for whom George Washington’s Mount Vernon is named. On 21 November 1739, Admiral Vernon quickly captured the poorly defended town of Porto Bello, Panama, from the Spanish with just six ships. His 1739 triumph was followed by an infamous failure at Cartagena, Colombia, in 1741. It was during this ill-fated campaign that George Washington’s brother Lawrence served on Vernon's flagship. Lawrence Washington’s admiration for his commander is evidenced by the name he gave his Virginia estate. Admiral Vernon--who was called “Old Grog" for his penchant for wearing grogham coats--is perhaps best known for the result of his effort to reduce drunkenness by watering down his sailors’ daily rum ration. As lemon or lime juice was added to offset the water’s brackish taste, Vitamin C led to much-reduced rates of scurvy and other diseases in Vernon's fleet. The drink became known as "Grog.”
The case is decorated with four gold balls and a fleur-de-lis. A modern loop attached to a screw mount provides a hanger. The case is backed with a ¼” thick piece of lacquer with inscribed paper on the outer surface, and remnants of a gilded design on the inner surface.