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Foreign News October 18, 1776

The Virginia Gazette

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

What is this article about?

On July 20, Sir Thomas Rich in HMS Enterprize encountered a French fleet led by the Duke of Chartres. After a tense standoff, Rich boarded the French flagship and was received respectfully.

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OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

July 20. Sir Thomas Rich, in his Majesty's ship Enterprize, met with a French fleet, of two Ships of the line and several frigates, commanded by the Duke of Chartres. The French bore down upon her, and the Admiral hailed the Enterprize, and desired the Captain to come on board immediately; to which he replied, that if the Admiral had any thing to communicate to him he might come on board the Enterprize, as he should not go out of his ship. The Duke insisted that he should, or he would sink him; and the French ships accordingly pointed their guns at the Enterprize; but Sir Thomas Rich, regardless of their hostile threats and preparations, declared that he never received orders but from his own Admiral, and that they were at liberty to fire whenever they pleased, as he positively would not go on board; upon which the Duke of Chartres admired his spirited conduct, and begged it as a favour that he would do him the honour of coming on board, as he wished much to be acquainted with him; Sir Thomas immediately went, and was received with the utmost respect by all the officers.

What sub-type of article is it?

Naval Affairs

What keywords are associated?

Sir Thomas Rich Hms Enterprize French Fleet Duke Of Chartres Naval Encounter Standoff

What entities or persons were involved?

Sir Thomas Rich Duke Of Chartres

Foreign News Details

Event Date

July 20.

Key Persons

Sir Thomas Rich Duke Of Chartres

Outcome

no casualties; sir thomas rich boarded the french ship and was received with utmost respect by officers.

Event Details

Sir Thomas Rich, in his Majesty's ship Enterprize, met with a French fleet of two Ships of the line and several frigates, commanded by the Duke of Chartres. The French bore down upon her, and the Admiral hailed the Enterprize, desiring the Captain to come on board immediately. He replied that if the Admiral had anything to communicate, he might come on board the Enterprize, as he would not leave his ship. The Duke insisted, threatening to sink him, and the French ships pointed their guns. Sir Thomas declared he received orders only from his own Admiral and invited them to fire, refusing to go. The Duke then admired his conduct and begged him as a favor to come aboard to become acquainted. Sir Thomas went and was received with utmost respect.

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