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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from Port au Prince reports French naval successes against British in the Caribbean, including captures by Prudent and Active frigates, a brief engagement near St. Bartholomew, positions of Count d'Estaing at Martinique and Admiral Byron at St. Lucia with declining forces, and sentiments of British starvation and pro-American feelings in the islands.
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Extract of a letter from Port au Prince, dated May 16, 1779.
The French are making great captures, and daily bringing them to this and other ports in the island. A few days since arrived the Prudent and Active frigates, with 7 prizes, one of 30 guns, one of 20 guns, several brigs and a sloop. I presume they will shortly deprive these islanders of all their cruisers. They take many vessels of equal and superior force, being well manned. I lately saw an action near St. Bartholomew between 2 French frigates and 2 British; they fought but a short time, the latter bearing away, the French frigates did not give chase, having a number of prizes with them. We learn that Count d'Estaing is still at Martinique, and Admiral Byron at St. Lucia, and that the land as well as marine forces at St. Lucia drop off very fast.
Affairs abroad strike a damp on our enemies, and we think the war will not be of very long continuance. America will secure her trade and independence. The inhabitants in the British islands are starving for want of bread. I have met with several Gentlemen lately from Jamaica, who informs me they get no supplies, and they wish heartily to conciliate measures with America; but it is now too late, the current of vengeance is turned upon the head of the destroyer. The people of this island have a great affection for Americans, and wish you perseverance. May God grant success to your arms.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Port Au Prince
Event Date
May 16, 1779
Key Persons
Outcome
french capture 7 prizes including vessels of 30 and 20 guns; british frigates flee after brief engagement near st. bartholomew; british forces at st. lucia declining rapidly; british islands facing starvation and supply shortages.
Event Details
French forces making frequent captures and bringing prizes to ports in the island; Prudent and Active frigates arrive with 7 prizes; recent action near St. Bartholomew where two French frigates engage two British, latter retreat; Count d'Estaing at Martinique, Admiral Byron at St. Lucia with diminishing land and sea forces; British in islands starving, desiring reconciliation with America; locals affectionate towards Americans.