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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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On March 18, 1779, near St. Lucia, Admiral Byron's British squadron of 23 ships engaged a French fleet of about 15 sail led by Count d'Estaing and de Grasse. The French formed line but retreated to Fort Royal under chase by the British, who hoped to cut off some vessels.
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Extract of a letter from St. Lucia, to a Gentleman in this island, dated March 19, 1779.
"It is here that Admiral Byron's squadron lies, which consists of 23 line of battle, 50 gun ships, and some frigates and sloops; 12 of the first are kept constantly cruising betwixt this and Martinique, to observe the motions of the French, whose fleet now consists of 19 sail of the line, exclusive of frigates. The Count D'Estaing has been reinforced with 7 sail under the command of Monsieur de Grasse, which Gentleman, we are told, has superseded the Count in the command; let this be as it will, they yesterday felt bold, and came out of their strong hold of Fort Royal; about 15 sail of them I counted, having, for that purpose, posted myself on an eminence where I could clearly distinguish their movements. Admiral Byron gave the signal for his ships to slip which they all did before 10 o'clock; at about 12 the French fleet formed a line abreast to leeward, and seemed inclinable for action, but upon the English fleets forming their line also, and to windward, the Messieurs, according to their usual pusillanimity, broke their line, and appeared to me to be running, upon which our fleet gave chase, but I am fearful, as the French had the advantage of the land, being then close abreast of Fort Royal, they wisely entered it, though as our fleet has not yet returned, I am in hopes that they have prevented some of them from getting in, by cutting them off the island and have continued the chase to leeward."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
St. Lucia
Event Date
March 18, 1779
Key Persons
Outcome
french fleet retreated into fort royal; british pursued, hoping to prevent some from entering and capture them.
Event Details
Admiral Byron's squadron of 23 line-of-battle ships, 50-gun ships, frigates, and sloops was stationed at St. Lucia, with 12 cruising between St. Lucia and Martinique to watch the French fleet of 19 sail of the line. Reinforced by 7 ships under de Grasse, who may have superseded d'Estaing, the French emerged from Fort Royal on March 18. The observer counted 15 French sail. Byron signaled his ships to slip anchors before 10 a.m. At noon, the French formed line to leeward but broke formation upon seeing the British line to windward and fled. The British gave chase, but the French, close to Fort Royal, entered the harbor; the British fleet had not returned, suggesting possible interception of some French ships.