From England where he spent most of his painting career, Thomas Buttersworth, Sr. was known for his marine watercolor, oil paintings and charcoal drawings, especially battle scenes. He was a mariner himself, which meant that many of his depictions were based on first-hand observations.

In 1795, Buttersworth was assigned to the ship Enterprise in London, and several years later was on the Caroline during the French wars. However, by 1800, he was land bound, having become an invalid during sea duty in Minorca.