Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

One of the French Naval Victories.

PARIS, MAY 26.

To his Excellency the Minister of Marine

Majestueux, in the Road of the Isle d'Aix.

Sir,--One of the enemy's frigates approached very near this island yesterday morning while the squadron to which it belonged was moored at the entrance of the Gut. I suffered this frigate to approach the point where I judged it proper that one of his majesty's frigates should wait its arrival, and I ordered the Minerva, Capt. Collet, and the Ariadne, of the advanced guard, to get under weigh.

The wind blew very fresh from the S. to the S.S.W. About 11 o'clock the enemy fired several shot at the Minerva, and the engagement commenced at half cannon shot. As the enemy began to retire to the N.N.E. from the Isle d'Aix, Captain Collet resolved upon boarding, and he executed this manoeuvre by bearing up with the greatest intrepidity; but both vessels went at such a rate, that though the starboard anchor was caught in the enemy's main shrouds, it carried them away, and the two vessels separated.

The English frigate, very much damaged, and having lost its fore-top-mast, bore away without returning the fire of the Minerva any longer. I then made the signal for two frigates to get under weigh and pursue her. The anchor of the Minerva went to the bottom just upon the shock of boarding, when both the vessels separated; this accident, which we could not foresee, saved the English frigate, which continued to make off while the Minerva, having her head to the wind, was hindered from bearing up by the delay occasioned by the cutting of her cable.

The enemy's frigate then took the flying vessel in tow; and as the English squadron were getting ready to come to their assistance, I ordered the frigates to return to their moorings.

The Minerva had seven men killed and 14 wounded; she also received a shot in her fore-yard, and had a few other damages. The enemy's damages were considerable, and they have certainly lost a number of men.

Capt. Collet has supported his brilliant reputation in this circumstance. This brave captain bestows the highest encomiums upon his Lieutenant, Samson, his officers, and the whole of the crew, some of whom at the moment of boarding, wrenched the pikes out of the hands of the English, and used them against the enemy.

61 20
Accept, Sir, &c.

ALLEMAND.