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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from Martinique reports French capture of St. Vincents, Grenada, and Tobago from British. Admiral Byron's fleet engaged Count d'Estaing's but was defeated and dispersed. d'Estaing garrisons Grenada and plans attack on St. Kitts or other British possessions.
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Extract of a letter from St. Pierre (Martinique) dated July 20, 1779.
I have already mentioned the capture of St. Vincents, which has been followed by that of Grenada and Tobago, two very important possessions of our enemy.
Admiral Byron, with 21 ships of the line, and 3000 troops under the command of General Grant, sailed from St. Lucia to relieve them; an engagement between the two fleets ensued, in which the English were beat, routed and dispersed, and stole off under the friendly protection of the night, and arrived one after the other at St. Kitts in the most shattered condition.
Count D'Estaing remained master of the field of battle, ready to renew the combat in the morning of the succeeding day, but to his great surprise found the enemy had disappeared.
From the advantage which Admiral Byron had of being to windward, Count D'Estaing could not bring but half of his fleet to action.
After having garrisoned Grenada with 1500 troops, he immediately took his departure on an expedition against St. Kitts; but as Admiral Byron, with the transports containing 3000 troops, are at that island, he will perhaps change his destination and attack some other of the English possessions.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
West Indies
Event Date
July 20, 1779
Key Persons
Outcome
english fleet beat, routed and dispersed; grenada garrisoned with 1500 troops
Event Details
Capture of St. Vincents followed by Grenada and Tobago. Admiral Byron with 21 ships and 3000 troops under General Grant sailed from St. Lucia to relieve them; engagement ensued where English were defeated and fled to St. Kitts in shattered condition. Count D'Estaing master of the field, could not bring full fleet to action due to windward position. After garrisoning Grenada, departed for expedition against St. Kitts but may change due to Byron's presence there.