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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from St. Pierre, Martinique, dated April 24, 1780, reports French naval reinforcements of 16 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 80 transports with 6,000 troops, bolstering their fleet to 23 ships. British fleet under Admiral Rodney has 22 leaky ships. Fleets sighted April 16, skirmished April 17; French under General de Bouille poised for action.
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"I shall just give a small sketch of the war in these seas; four weeks ago, we had a reinforcement from France, consisting of 16 ships of the line, 4 frigates, and about 80 transports, having on board 6000 troops; this makes us very strong; we have now 23 line of battle ships, and only one of 50 guns, all the rest from 80 to 64. The fleet that is commanded by Admiral Rodney, consists of 22 line of battle ships, amongst which is 4 fifties, and several of those ships came from Europe with the Admiral, in short, they only make figure; they are leaky, insomuch that they can hardly be kept above water, both the fleets I saw the 16th instant in sight of each other, and on the 17th they had a skirmish for about two hours and a half, or three hours, the particulars of which we have not heard, both fleets are now out. The French squadron is commanded by General De Bouille, and is thought will strike some great blow before they come in again."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
St. Pierre, Martinique
Event Date
April 24, 1780
Key Persons
Outcome
fleets skirmished on april 17 for 2.5-3 hours; particulars unknown; both fleets remain at sea; french expected to strike a major blow.
Event Details
French received reinforcements from France four weeks prior: 16 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 80 transports with 6,000 troops, increasing their fleet to 23 ships of the line (mostly 64-80 guns, one 50-gun). British fleet under Admiral Rodney has 22 ships of the line, including 4 fifties, many leaky from Europe. Fleets sighted each other on April 16; skirmish on April 17. French squadron under General de Bouille.