To Benjamin Franklin from François Bordot, 27 February 1779
From François Bordot
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Rochelle, february 27, 1779./.
honourable Sir,
The french frigate Courageuse is now off l’Isle-day,5 with an English Six and twenty gun Privateer, which she took few days ago about these Coasts. The fight is reported to have been desperate; but the particulars, and loss of People on each Side, are not yet known here.
I have the honour to be with great respect, honourable Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,
F. Bordot.
Dr. franklin
Notation: Bordod. La Rochelle 27. fr. 1779.
5. The Ile d’Aix, the roadstead of Rochefort. The Courageuse’s capture was reported in the Courier de l’Europe of March 19, 1779 (V, 184), but without amplifying details. The two combatants were of comparable strength; the Courageuse, launched in February, 1778, was also rated at 26 cannon. Dull, French Navy, p. 357.