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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
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French Ambassador Count d'Affry presents memorial to Dutch States General about English Captain of Richmond attacking and destroying grounded French frigate Felicite off Gravelines, violating Dutch neutrality during war; requests restitution, indemnification, and reparation from Britain.
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Our High Mightinesses have been informed of what passed on the 24th ult. with regard to the French frigate the Felicite, which being pursued and attacked by three English ships of war, was forced to shelter herself, by running on shore off Gravelines.
It was before the eyes of a multitude of inhabitants of this country, whom curiosity carried to Gravelines, that the Captain of the English frigate the Richmond, behaved on this occasion in an unheard of manner. The Captain of the French frigate being called to, to strike, made answer, that he would surrender on no terms, as he counted upon the safe-guard of the neutrality observed by your High Mightinesses in the present war. Regardless of this declaration, and in contempt of the most sacred laws, the Captain of the Richmond took possession of the frigate, after cannonading her in such a manner that several of the balls came up a great way in the Downs. He hoisted English colours on board the Felicite, took away every thing that could be removed, destroyed the masts and rigging which his cannon had spared; and finding he could no longer continue his outrages with impunity, determined to set fire to the frigate, which was done accordingly.
Upon the notice I sent to the King my Master of these things, his Majesty commanded me to ask your High Mightinesses to procure him restitution of the Felicite frigate with her cargo, an indemnification for the loss which his Majesty and the Owners have sustained by this unjust violence of the English.
His Majesty is not only persuaded, that your High Mightinesses, considering what you owe to yourselves, and to the honour of the Republic, will require from the Court of London reparation not less authentic than just, for the insult offered to your Sovereignty, and to your neutrality, and for violation of your territory on this occasion.
But his Majesty further expects, from the equity and friendship of your High Mightinesses, that you will take efficacious measures in England, to procure him due satisfaction. I must not omit informing your High Mightinesses, that the King my Master is extremely sensible, not only of the orders given to prevent, if it were yet time, the insult offered them, and the plundering and setting fire to the French frigate; but also of the behaviour of the subjects of the Republic on that occasion, and the assistance his people received from them.
The King my Master hath the more ground to expect that the Republic will take the most serious steps in this affair, as they have great reason to be pleased with that singular protection which the trade and navigation of their subjects enjoy in France. Your High Mightinesses have a fresh proof of the King my Master's favour towards you, in his ordering the ship Endeavour, with her cargo, to be restored with damages and costs.
The Hague, Feb. 16, 1761. Comte d'Affry.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Gravelines
Event Date
24th Ult.
Key Persons
Outcome
frigate felicite run aground, cannonaded, possessed by english, stripped of removable items, masts and rigging destroyed, set on fire. request for restitution of frigate and cargo, indemnification for losses, reparation for insult to dutch sovereignty and neutrality.
Event Details
French frigate Felicite pursued and attacked by three English ships of war, forced to run ashore off Gravelines. Captain of English frigate Richmond demanded surrender despite French claim of Dutch neutrality protection, then cannonaded the vessel, took possession, hoisted English colors, removed items, destroyed remaining masts and rigging, and set it on fire. Incident witnessed by local inhabitants. French King instructs ambassador to seek restitution and satisfaction from Dutch, who are urged to demand reparation from Britain.