Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, Comte de, 1722-1788 to Adhemar Marquis de Monteil [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04322.08 Author/Creator: Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, Comte de, 1722-1788 Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter Date: January 23, 1782 Pagination: 6 p. : Height: 31.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy
Responding to a letter from Monteil. Sarcastically informs Monteil that the he will command the Ardent and no other ship. Expresses surprise at Monteil's complaints. Denies Monteil's accusation that he intended to publicly humiliate him. Written the same day the French fleet set sail from Saint Kitts to engage Admiral Hood's fleet. The next day Monteil's failure to follow de Grasse's orders allowed Hood to outmaneuver de Grasse's fleet in what would later prove to be a pivotal action. Because of this maneuver, Hood would be able to join Admiral Rodney, and later defeat the French fleet. It seems likely that Monteil intentionally disobeyed de Grasse's orders because of their fight. Written on board the Ville de Paris, near Saint Kitts.
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