In 1779, France had been engaged for two years in the American Revolutionary War alongside the American insurgents. The struggle against Great Britain was also taking place in the West Indies, where French and British possessions represented major strategic stakes. At the end of 1778, the British seized Saint Lucia, despite the efforts of the French squadron commanded by the Comte d'Estaing to prevent the island's capture. Saint Lucia thus became…
Read moreIn 1779, France had been engaged for two years in the American Revolutionary War on the side of the American insurgents. The struggle against Great Britain also took place in the West Indies, where French and British possessions were of major strategic importance. At the end of 1778, the British seized Saint Lucia, despite the efforts of the French squadron commanded by the Comte d'Estaing to prevent the island's capture. Saint Lucia thus became a strategic British position, allowing the Royal Navy to closely monitor Martinique, the main French base in the West Indies.
In the spring of 1779, however, the balance of power shifted in France's favor. Estaing's squadron received significant reinforcements, and at the beginning of June, British Admiral John Byron temporarily withdrew from Saint Lucia with part of his force. This situation offered the French an opportunity to regain the initiative in the Windward Islands. Just a few days after the date of this document, French troops captured Saint Vincent, before turning their attention to Grenada, which they conquered in July and which became the site of a major French naval victory on July 6, 1779 (with the assistance of the Chevalier de Borda).
It is in this context of maritime and colonial warfare that the present document is situated. Dated June 11, 1779, aboard the Languedoc, flagship of the French squadron commanded by the Comte d'Estaing, which is still stationed in Martinique, he gives the order to the Chevalier de Borda [Jean-Charles de Borda (1733-1799), scientist and officer] to pay British deserters.
"Mr. Chevalier de Borda is ordered to pay into the hands of Mr. Ste Croix La Serre, the sum of two hundred and twenty livres tournois to be distributed as a gratuity to English deserters held at St. Lucia. Aboard the Languedoc, June 11, 1779. Estaing"
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