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These miniature depictions of Captain Matthew Parke and his wife were painted by an unknown Parisian artist. Parke, Captain of Continental Marines, sailed in 1777 in sloop <i>Ranger</i> under John Paul Jones, whom he had come to know in <i>Alfred</i> the year before. In 1779, Parke transferred to Pierre Landais's frigate <i>Alliance</i>, in which he witnessed Jones's <i>Bonhomme Richard</i> battle <i>HMS Serapis</i>. During his service, Parke participated in a number of actions and subdued several mutinies. In 1783, he was convicted of disobeying orders in a protest against arrears of pay. The court revoked his commission although they took note of his long and faithful service.
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