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James, William, ?-1827 English account of the capture of the H. M. Brig Alacrity

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00722.66 Author/Creator: James, William, ?-1827 Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document Date: 1857 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; Height: 32 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

A handwritten excerpt from William James' "Naval History of Great Britain, Volume V," giving an account of the capture of the British brig "Alacrity" by the French brig "Abeille," which occurred on 26 May 1811 near Corsica. James describes the capture of the British ship by the French vessel of similar size, explains the reasons for the British defeat, pointing out the failures of the captain and the British naval system that allowed this to happen. Recommends revealing the full details of all British naval losses, saying the honor revealed in the details of even a defeat will outweigh the embarrassments. Also believes "Unless the French navy thrives, the British Navy will droop." Title from docket. Possibly in the hand of William McBlair.

James, William, ?-1827

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