Thomas Tinning Rescuing the Crew of the Pacific
The inscription on the shield reads: “Presented to Thomas Tinning by a few of his friends and fellow citizens, for his gallant behavior in rescuing the crew of the schooner Pacific, wrecked in the Humber Bay, December, 1861: Toronto, May, 1862.” Howard also presented his painting as a testimony to Tinning’s bravery, and painted a second copy for himself several years later.
Arcording to Howard, some of Tinning’s “fearless exploits” include the single handed rescue of the crew from the sinking F. G. Beard and the rescue of the crew and cargo of the Rapid in 1866. The salvage of the Rapid’s cargo is notable because it was iron destined for use in the Great Western Railway at Kingston.