Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, comte de (1722-1788) to Robert Montague [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.428 Author/Creator: Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, comte de (1722-1788) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 19 April 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 19 x 22.5 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks the captain of the Flora for his kind actions on behalf of Mr. de Reali and Mr. de Carouge. Also thanks him for provisions. Written on board his ship Ville de Paris after being captured by the British. After being captured on 12 April 1782 at the Battle of the Saintes the ship was towed to Jamaica and then England. Montague was the captain of the British frigate Flora which was stationed in Jamaica.
François Joseph Paul comte de Grasse was a French Admiral who served under Comte d'Estaing during the American Revolution. Comte de Grasse and his fleet played a decisive role in the pivotal American victory at Yorktown. After arriving from the Caribbean they took control of the Chesapeake Bay and cut off any attempts to escape by sea. On 12 April 1782 at the Battle of the Saintes he was defeated by the British fleet under Admiral Rodney and taken prisoner.
[English Translation]
Ville de Paris le 19 Avril 1782
I am, Sir, one cannot (be) more aware of all your honesty and your care. I have recieved the provisions that you had the goodness to send me and I thank you for them. Messrs. De Reali and de Carouge have told me how much they have to be pleased about your proceedings for them. Continue them, I beg of you, your kindness. I hope that they will deserve, during the usage in order to desrve more and more.
I shall always consider as "Done for me," what you might be willing to do for them, and I will retain for you all possible gratitude.
I have the honor to be, Sir, with all imaginable sincerity, Your very humble and Obedient servitor.
Le Comte de Grasse.
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