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The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Exeter, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Baltimore dated June 8, 1782, reports the French naval defeat in the West Indies, capture of de Grasse, praising French bravery against superior British forces led by 'GRACED' (likely Rodney), and downplaying British victory as fortunate.
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The disaster of the fleet of our allies in the West Indies, is but too true, but it is equally true that the insolence of our enemies at so unexpected an event, is a proof how little they are accustomed to victories. However, it is only as far honorable for them as fortune can be honorable: a superiority of seven or eight ships in a close and obstinate battle is amazing, and far from being surprising at the capture of the Count de Grasse and of several other commanders. I am rather astonished to see them fight a whole day, each against two or three ships of equal force.
The empty boasts and bravadoes of the adventurer, of Statia must appear ridiculous, even in the eyes of an Englishman, when he considers, on one side, the noble conqueror of St. Kitts rushing forth in the midst of his enemies, abandoned, whether by chance, or on purpose, by his squadron: and on the other, the great British hero GRACED and supported by two 90 gun ships cannonading during eleven hours the dauntless Frenchman, and being on the point to lose his prey, if a third ship of equal force had not aided him.
If this is bravery, how shall we call the man who was able to resist such a number of enemies? Notwithstanding the ridiculous and low asperations of the British officers, we have seen de Grasse, Vaudreuil, la Motte Piquet, attack in a close battle a superior enemy, and we know how to appreciate French valour.
The particulars we have received from Hispaniola, contain the most extraordinary instances of patriotism and intrepidity in their navy. The most striking is, that of a Lieutenant on board the Glorieux, who, after having lost his two legs, continued a few minutes to fire his gun, till he fell down. The British themselves could not refuse their admiration to the Captain of this ship. But I shall not longer dwell upon a subject, where good conduct and bravery have been so cruelly betrayed by fortune.
This event is but a little brook of prosperity that will soon be lost in the abyss of the distresses of England: their measures are still defensive, and they will remain so during this campaign. The greatest advantages they can reap, will be to lose nothing, and they will be too happy to save Jamaica.
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Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
West Indies
Event Date
As Reported June 8th, 1782
Key Persons
Outcome
capture of count de grasse and several other commanders; french fleet defeated by superior british forces
Event Details
The French fleet suffered a disaster in the West Indies, confirmed true, with British victory attributed to numerical superiority of seven or eight ships in a close battle lasting a whole day. De Grasse and others captured after fighting against multiple equal-force ships. French bravery highlighted, including a lieutenant on Glorieux firing after losing legs, admired even by British. Event seen as temporary British prosperity amid ongoing defensive measures.