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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
British naval squadron under Commodore Hervey, aboard the Nottingham off Brest Harbour, raids French vessels and islands for provisions including stones, cattle, and greens, as an insult to the anchored French fleet. Letter dated September 17 reports high spirits and concerns over scurvy.
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the Nottingham, off Brest Harbour, dated
September 17.
"We have been some time under the command of the hon. Capt. Hervey, who has the Monmouth; and we are now at anchor in sight of the French fleet at Brest: And tho it is a most troublesome & dangerous station, we bear these inconveniencies with pleasure.
Three days ago the Commodore went in with his ship close to the enemy, leaving us all in a line of battle without him. He brought off two very large vessels that lay under a fort, laden with stones of 6 or 700 weight each, ready cut for the repairing of their basin. The next night he manned these vessels, and with the boats of his squadron landed at day light on an island, and in sight of their fleet brought off all the cattle upon it.
Yesterday he laid the great island of Molines under contribution for cattle and greens which we got off.
"Our Captain tells me, that the Commodore sent the Governor word, that he was sorry if what he had done had distressed the inhabitants: but he meant it only as an insult to the French fleet, and to shew them and all Europe, that they could not protect their own people in their sight, much less dare to attempt the invasion of England. This has put our people in great spirits, it being five or six days fresh provisions for all the ships crews here, besides much milk for the men who have the scurvy, which we were much in want of, as our people begin to be taken down with that distemper. We are afraid that the brave Admiral Boscawen's success will prevent M. Conflans from moving, tho' we do all we can with our little squadron to provoke them to come out."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Brest Harbour
Event Date
September 17
Key Persons
Outcome
brought off two large vessels laden with stones for basin repairs; captured all cattle from an island in sight of french fleet; obtained cattle and greens from island of molines under contribution; provided 5-6 days fresh provisions and milk for scurvy-afflicted crews; no casualties reported.
Event Details
British squadron under Commodore Hervey anchors in sight of French fleet at Brest. Three days prior to September 17, Commodore approaches enemy closely, captures two large vessels with heavy stones under a fort. Next night, uses captured vessels and squadron boats to land on island and seize all cattle in view of French fleet. Previous day, imposes contribution on island of Molines for cattle and greens. Action intended as insult to demonstrate French inability to protect own territory or invade England. Boosts British morale; aids against scurvy. Fears French immobility due to Boscawen's success despite provocations.