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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
French Admiral de la Galissonniere reports a naval engagement off Port-Mahon from May 17-20, 1756, between 12 French ships of the line and 4 frigates versus 18 English ships including 13 of the line. The battle lasted over 3.5 hours but was not general; English kept windward advantage and sheered off after failing to break the French rear. French losses: 28 killed, 115 wounded.
Merged-components note: Continuation and commentary on the French admiral's account of the engagement.
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The 17th of May, in the Evening, Advice was brought to the
that he had descried an English Squadron, which then appeared to be eight
or ten Leagues to the South.
The 18th the Squadron got in Readiness to go and meet the English,
but was prevented by a Calm.
The 19th, in the Morning, we descried the English Squadron from
the Top-mast Heads, and the two Squadrons drew
pretty near each other
that Day, but never were within Gun-shot; which was not our Fault, as
the English were to Windward of us.
The 20th the French Admiral worked about so as to gain the Wind
but, just as he had got into a favourable Position for it, the Wind shifted in
such a Manner as still left this Advantage to the English Squadron.
At Half an Hour past two in the Afternoon, the two Squadrons were
in Line of Battle, and began the Engagement. The English consisted of
18 Sail, of which 13 were of the Line, and ours of 12 Ships of the Line,
and four Frigates.
The Action lasted above three Hours and an Half, but was not general
all the Time. The English Ships that suffered most from our Broadsides,
got to Windward again out of Gun-shot; they all along preserved this Ad-
vantage, that they might keep clear of us as they pleased. After having
made their greatest Effort on our Rear Division, which they found so close,
and from which they were so furiously cannonaded, that they could not
break in upon it, they reeled to sheer off, and did not appear again all
the next Day, being the 21st.
In general none of their Ships long stood the Fire of ours. The Ships
of our Squadron suffered but little; they were repaired in the Night, and fit
to fight the next Morning.
Messrs. de Peruy and Potier, Ensigns, were killed. Total of the
killed 28, and of the wounded 115.
not proved so successful as was expected, is allowed by most sensible Me-
that there has been an Engagement in the Mediterranean, which ha
partial Men; but we may be allowed to doubt whether all the Particulars
in the above Account are strictly true.
What sub-type of article is it?
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Before Port Mahon
Event Date
17th To 20th Of May
Key Persons
Outcome
french: 28 killed, 115 wounded. english ships suffered from broadsides but maintained windward advantage, failed to break french rear, and sheered off without general engagement.
Event Details
On May 17, English squadron sighted south. May 18, French prepared but calm prevented approach. May 19, squadrons neared but English to windward, no gun-shot. May 20, French tried to gain wind but failed; engagement began at 2:30 PM with 12 French ships of the line and 4 frigates vs. 18 English (13 of the line). Lasted over 3.5 hours, not general; English targeted rear but withdrew after heavy fire. French ships lightly damaged, repaired overnight.