La Preneuse

Posted by Tim Oakley on Sunday 10th of April 2016 18:04

1799 Dec. 11 Fr Preneuse36 sailing for île de France, was chased by the Tremendous74, Cap John Osborn. As she closed to the land, the Adamant50, Cap William Hotham, cut off her escape route; attempting to sail under the protection of the coastal forts at Baie du Tombeau, Preneuse44 was washed ashore by erratic winds. The British closed in and battered Preneuse44, which cap Lhermitte then deemed lost; he had the crew abandon ship, while he stayed behind with the officers, struck the colours and scuttled the frigate. British boats attempted to capture Preneuse44, but she came under fire from the coastal batteries and had to be abandoned. The officers of Preneuse were taken to Adamant, where they were treated with courtesy by Commodore Botham. Lhermitte was released on parole the next day.