Documents relating to quarrel between French naval officers [in French] [Decimalized .01-.10]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04322 Author/Creator: Place Written: Various Places Type: Header Record Date: 1 June 1780 - 15 February 1782 Pagination: 10 items Order a Copy
Documents relating to the quarrel between Comte de Grasse and Marquis Adhemar de Monteil. De Grasse commanded part of the French fleet aiding the Colonists during the American Revolution. Monteil served under him and commanded the Languedoc. Monteil became upset when de Grasse ignored an attack plan he suggested, and he was also angered by what he saw as favoritism towards other officers. De Grasse became upset when Monteil began to complain vehemently and demoted him to command of a smaller boat. The day after being demoted Monteil failed to follow de Grasse's orders and permitted the British ships under Admiral Hood to outmaneuver him, and seize a key position. This would later play a key role in France's crushing defeat at the Battle of the Saintes. By evading Monteil, Hood was able to join with Admiral Rodney, and this joint force would eventually defeat the French. It appears that Monteil intentionally disobeyed de Grasse's order and allowed Hood to avoid him because he was angered by their quarrel. De Grasse would be captured by the British at the Battle of the Saintes. Documents also include materials on Saint Kitts.
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