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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
On July 10, Commodore Spry and his squadron feigned a French fleet approach to L'Orient by flying French colors, deceiving the locals into celebration before revealing English colors, causing confusion and ineffective French gunfire as the squadron safely withdrew.
Merged-components note: Continuation of the story about Commodore Spry's visit to L'Orient; resulting label foreign_news as it concerns international naval actions.
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Full Text
We hear that Commodore Spry, a little before taking the two Prizes, taking the Advantage of a good Opportunity, with the Squadron under his Command thought fit to pay our Neighbours of L'Orient a Visit with his French Colours flying, which mightily pleased the Messieurs, they expecting it had been their Fleet. Their Signs of Joy were plain enough to be perceived by the Display of their Colors, and other Tokens of Satisfaction. The Commodore went to appear as plainly to perceive, by the Help of Glasses, Numbers of People upon the Ramparts looking out to see them; but their Hopes being thus raised were as soon disappointed, when they saw them put about and strike their French Colors, at the same Time hoisting English. This put them into great Confusion, which might plainly be perceived by their running about upon the Ramparts, striking their Colors, and firing some Shot after them, which however falling short, the Commodore with his Squadron returned safe to their Station.
We hear there were but two Men of War at that Time in that Harbour.
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Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
L'orient
Event Date
July 10.
Key Persons
Outcome
squadron returned safe; french fired shots that fell short; two men of war in harbor.
Event Details
Commodore Spry and squadron visited L'Orient flying French colors to deceive, causing initial French joy then confusion upon revealing English colors; French struck colors and fired ineffective shots.