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The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
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In early July, the French fleet under Villaret pursued a British merchant convoy from Montserrat to St. Kitts in the West Indies, but it escaped via Sombrero passage. Admiral Cochrane's British squadron then chased the French near St. Thomas, leading to a likely naval action where the British were confident despite being outnumbered.
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To Captain Webb, of the schooner Catharine Shepard, in 14 days from Antigua, we are indebted for the following particulars respecting the two hostile fleets.
The French fleet under Villaret, having got out of Martinique, (the day Captain Webb does not exactly know,) reached Montserrat, composed of six sail of the line, two frigates, and a corvette, on the 3d of July. The French officers stated to the inhabitants of that island, that their object was to take the ships of the homeward bound fleet that they expected to find there, and not to distress them. Finding the fleet had sailed, the French fleet proceeded to Nevis and St. Kitts in pursuit of it, but the fleet while in St. Kitts waiting for a stronger convoy, learned that the French fleet was at Montserrat, got under weigh immediately, and went through the Sombrero passage. In even hours after the French fleet appeared off St. Kitts, and went in pursuit. The fleet sailed from St. Kitts on the 4th of July--On the 5th in the morning, admiral Cochrane, with 4 sail of the line and two heavy frigates appeared off Antigua and went immediately in quest of the French fleet.
Great apprehensions were entertained at Antigua for the safety of the merchantmen, consisting of upwards of 100 sail of ships; indeed every one expected that it would be destroyed before admiral Cochrane could get up. It is probable from what follows that the fears entertained for the safety of the fleet were groundless, the French fleet having it may be supposed taken a different route.
On the 16th inst. in lat. 28, long. 69, capt. Webb fell in with the schr Recovery, of Bridgeport, capt. Preble, 6 days from St. Thomas, bound to N. York, who informed capt. W. of the following particulars.
On the sixth of July, the French fleet passed the harbour of St. Thomas, and in one hour afterwards, admiral Cochrane hove in sight, and gave chase to the French fleet. The fleets having got within three leagues of each other, the French ships brought to, and waited for admiral Cochrane. This was all capt. Webb could learn from capt. Preble, as it was blowing fresh.
There has no doubt been an action, and although the French are one half stronger in number, yet admiral Cochrane was very sanguine of giving a good account of them. It was said that the French ships were badly manned.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
West Indies
Event Date
July 3 6
Key Persons
Outcome
likely naval action occurred; british admiral cochrane confident of success despite french numerical superiority; french ships reportedly badly manned.
Event Details
French fleet under Villaret, consisting of six sail of the line, two frigates, and a corvette, left Martinique and reached Montserrat on July 3, pursuing a British homeward-bound merchant fleet of over 100 ships. The merchants escaped from St. Kitts via Sombrero passage on July 4. On July 5, British Admiral Cochrane with four sail of the line and two heavy frigates appeared off Antigua in pursuit. On July 6, near St. Thomas, Cochrane chased the French fleet, which brought to within three leagues, leading to an expected action.