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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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Letter from Bordeaux dated July 20, 1779, reports on French and Spanish naval fleets joining forces with 78 ships of the line, possible troop transports for invasion, merchant convoy from St. Domingo, and English fleet under Admiral Hardy off Ushant.
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The grand French fleet, consisting of 32 sail of the line and 13 frigates, sailed from Brest on the 11th of June.
There is said to be 45,000 on the north coast of France, in Normandy and Brittany, and all the Dutch vessels in the different ports on that part of the coast stopped, supposed for transporting the troops, as a descent is said to be in meditation.
The grand fleet from Brest joined 12 sail of the line off the Groyne.
The Spanish fleet, consisting of 36 sail of the line with a number of frigates, put to sea from Cadiz the 22nd of June, and on the same day the Spanish Ambassador left the court of London.
The two grand fleets of France and Spain have formed a junction, and consist of 78 ships of the line, with a number of frigates, but their destination not known.
On the 9th of July arrived at Brest, a fleet of merchant ships from St. Domingo, consisting of 28 sail, under convoy of two frigates.
The English fleet of 32 ships of the line and some frigates, commanded by Admiral Hardy, appeared off Ushant at the same time, it is said, the French fleet were off the Groyne, to join the aforesaid 12 sail of the line, and returned shortly to Portsmouth, where it is said they remain at present.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Brest
Event Date
Dated July 20, 1779
Key Persons
Outcome
french and spanish fleets formed junction of 78 ships of the line; english fleet returned to portsmouth.
Event Details
French fleet of 32 sail of the line and 13 frigates sailed from Brest on June 11; 45,000 troops on north coast with Dutch vessels stopped for possible descent; joined 12 sail off Groyne; Spanish fleet of 36 sail left Cadiz on June 22; ambassador left London same day; merchant fleet from St. Domingo arrived Brest July 9 under two frigates; English fleet of 32 sail under Hardy appeared off Ushant and returned to Portsmouth.