Recent updates


Recent Comments

Peterel vs Ligurienne

21st May 1800
Part of : The French Revolutionary Wars (1793 - 1802)
Previous action : Action of 1800-04-07 5.4.1800 - 7.4.1800
Next action : Operation in Quiberon Bay 1.6.1800 - 6.6.1800

 

Great Britain

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
Peterel (16) 1794-1827
British 16 Gun
Unrated Sloop
 No casualties
 

Allied ( & République Française)

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
La Ligurienne (14) 1798-1800
French 14 Gun
Unrated Brig-Corvette
  Captured 2 killed, 2 wounded
 

Notes on Action


DescriptionBG

La Minerva at Sea, the 2d March 1800 , My Lord

I have the Honor to enclose your Lordship a letter from Captain Austen of the Petterell: who, in-Company with His Majesty's Ship under my Command, on the Evening of the 21st Instant, captured La Ligurienne French Brig of War of 14  6-Pounders and 2  36-Pounder Howitzers, and drove away the Cerf Ship Corvette of the same force as well as the Joiliet Xebecque of 6   6-Pounders and 30 men, in the North East Part of the Bay of Marseilles, and not more than 6 miles from that town, after a well contested action of more than an hour and a half, within point-blank shot of 2 batteries, and at one time the Petterell's Stem touched the Rocks where she stopped for a few Minutes; it is impossible for me to express in Terms strong enough, the gallant conduct of Captain Austen, his officers, and ship's company on this occasion, in a contest against so superior a force ; for, having desired Captain Austen the evening before to keep close in shore by way of deception, (and by which means the
2 vessels laden with corn mentioned in Captain Austen's letter were taken in the morning, the Mermaid was so far to Leeward as to be able, to afford but little assistance, until the Brig was completely beaten. I think La Ligurienne will be found well adapted for His Majesty's Service.
I have the Honor to be, &c & c &c. -
R.D. OLIVER


DescriptionTRN4
On March 20th, the British Peterel, 16, Commander Francis William Austen, off the Riviera, engaged the French Cerf, 14, Lejoille, 6, and Ligurienne, 14, in charge of a convoy. As the British Mermaid, 32, was seen to be coming up, though at a great distance, the French vessels made all sail to escape. The Ligurienne was overtaken by the Petrel, and after a smart fight, in which the French had the support of a coast battery mounting four heavy guns, struck.

Previous comments on this pageno comments to display

Make a comment about this page







Recent comments to other pages

Date postedByPage
Saturday 25th of July 2026 17:30Paul Howard
British hired cutter 'Brave' (1798) (12) 1798-1799
British 12 Gun
Hired Cutter
Saturday 25th of July 2026 16:05Jon Miller
Saturday 25th of July 2026 15:59Jon Miller
Saturday 25th of July 2026 15:58Jon Miller
British cutter 'Rambler' (1796) (14) 1796-1810
British 14 Gun
Unrated Cutter
Saturday 25th of July 2026 14:03Jon Miller