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Foreign News
September 28, 1759
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A private letter from France assures that the French fleet in Brest, consisting of 21 ships of the line and frigates, is understaffed with poorly trained men and not ready for a summer invasion of England, despite occasional shows of force.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a private letter from France.
"We make no doubt but in England you are under apprehensions of a visit this summer from the French; but the following may set aside your fears: As I live upon the spot, and am an eye witness to their Proceedings, I can with certainty assure you that at present they are not in a condition for such an undertaking: True it is they have in Brest 21 ships of the line, besides frigates, but they have not on board half their complement of men, and those they have were many of them taken from the Plow, and are of very little service except to make a shew. They have several times loosened their Top sails as if they intended to sail out and fight the English, but it was all parade."
"We make no doubt but in England you are under apprehensions of a visit this summer from the French; but the following may set aside your fears: As I live upon the spot, and am an eye witness to their Proceedings, I can with certainty assure you that at present they are not in a condition for such an undertaking: True it is they have in Brest 21 ships of the line, besides frigates, but they have not on board half their complement of men, and those they have were many of them taken from the Plow, and are of very little service except to make a shew. They have several times loosened their Top sails as if they intended to sail out and fight the English, but it was all parade."
What sub-type of article is it?
Naval Affairs
War Report
What keywords are associated?
French Fleet
Brest
Naval Readiness
Invasion England
Understaffed Ships
Where did it happen?
Brest, France
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Brest, France
Event Date
This Summer
Outcome
french fleet not ready for invasion due to insufficient and untrained crew
Event Details
The writer, an eyewitness in France, reports that the French have 21 ships of the line and frigates in Brest but lack half their complement of men, many taken from the plow and of little service. They have feigned readiness by loosening topsails but it was mere parade.